Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

Outdoor Furnaces - Manufacturers with NON EPA-Certified Models Only => Empyre => Topic started by: akwoodburner on January 17, 2014, 03:29:54 AM

Title: How often do you add water?
Post by: akwoodburner on January 17, 2014, 03:29:54 AM
Just wondering how often you guys have to add water?  Seems like I add a little less then a gallon a month.
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: racnruss on January 17, 2014, 06:17:26 AM
once a year. In the spring before shutdown so no air space in water jacket.

But, I may be adding 6 gallons at that time, not really sure because its hooked up to domestic water and I just open the valve until it is topped off. 
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: AirForcePOL on January 17, 2014, 07:10:26 AM
Mine really depends on the weather conditions.  If it gets really cold and windy it tends to lose water.  I'm assusming that the wind just takes the steam away faster?   I have a Hardy though, they are notorious for losing water.  I might add 5-10 gallons a season if I had to guess? 
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: LittleJohn on January 17, 2014, 07:37:13 AM
I am on par with racnruss, but I do it twice a year (Start up and shut down - fall and spring) typically very little water is added; but I do check the level on a somewhat regular basis.

Actually as part of shut down and start up I also check pressure levels on closed loop side of system, because if you lose pressure you are losing water (LEAK).  Also a great time to do some mainenance, make sure pumps work, pH level are alright if running glycol, generally make sure everything is in working order before a break down means lots of $$$ and time
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: Scott7m on January 18, 2014, 08:58:22 AM
Ak, do you have a 304 stainless model
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: ecc_33 on January 18, 2014, 09:01:35 AM
I was just going to make a post about this. Seems like about every 1.5 months I have to add alittle. It was at the full mark when the water would be 175*. Now its about 3/4 mark at the same temp. I am guessing it just evaporates over time?
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: fireboss on January 18, 2014, 05:25:22 PM
This is my 4th winter and haven't had to add a drop , its still in the safe range and my temps are 195 and 185 all year round  I heat my pool hot water all summer!
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: Scott7m on January 18, 2014, 08:21:23 PM
I was just going to make a post about this. Seems like about every 1.5 months I have to add alittle. It was at the full mark when the water would be 175*. Now its about 3/4 mark at the same temp. I am guessing it just evaporates over time?

yea u have to realize u have likr 1/8 the water as someone like fire boss with a 6048.  He could be 30 gallons lower than new and not notice, if yours goes down 1 gallon u can see it on float
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: akwoodburner on January 19, 2014, 05:06:56 AM
Scott, I believe I do have the stainless model. I purchased it this past July and was told the stainless upgrades had been made by a factory rep.  You're right about the float level too. When I fist decided to add water I thought I was going to have to add a bunch but after only two gallons I was back to full. I just noticed that it's slowing going down again and thought I would ask here to see what was normal. Hoping I don't have a problem developing. By the way, I'm running a empyre elite 200xt and love it so far. Burning about a cord and half a month and that is strictly burning spruce here in Alaska.
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: ecc_33 on January 19, 2014, 08:35:02 AM
I was just going to make a post about this. Seems like about every 1.5 months I have to add alittle. It was at the full mark when the water would be 175*. Now its about 3/4 mark at the same temp. I am guessing it just evaporates over time?

yea u have to realize u have likr 1/8 the water as someone like fire boss with a 6048.  He could be 30 gallons lower than new and not notice, if yours goes down 1 gallon u can see it on float
Thats what I figured since mine only holds 95 gallons? Or somewhat around there.
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: akwoodburner on January 21, 2014, 04:45:36 PM
So do you guys think a gallon a month is too much to have to add?  Im assuming its just evaporating but dont know for sure.
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: ITO on January 21, 2014, 06:03:50 PM
 I don't add much only spring and fall usually, I can see that different boilers can use more tho, also I think  if you run higher temps you many evaporate more, my high setting is 175.
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: Scott7m on January 21, 2014, 07:58:55 PM
1 gallon aint much
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: johnybcold on January 27, 2014, 03:51:20 PM
3years and i have not added a drop
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: Scott7m on January 27, 2014, 04:18:31 PM
3years and i have not added a drop

How much does it hold
Title: Re: How often do you add water?
Post by: slimjim on January 27, 2014, 04:27:47 PM
So do you guys think a gallon a month is too much to have to add?  Im assuming its just evaporating but dont know for sure.
  No I don't think it's a lot at all but then again i'm the guy that runs his boiler at 195 degrees F and above, my chip boiler is currently running at 200 with a 1, yes one degree differential