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31
Plumbing / Re: More water line discussion
« on: February 21, 2010, 03:37:39 PM »
I haven't checked temps to see if there is a drastic drop, but I am heating a 1680 sq. ft. house, and 1000 sq. ft. of my garage, and have seen no difference in performance. I just don't remember seeing the snow melt over the lines last year as it has in the past week or so. Everything still seems to be working great. Snow is still laying on the roof of the woodburner just fine.
32
Plumbing / Re: More water line discussion
« on: February 21, 2010, 01:26:17 PM »
I'm on my second winter with my homemade OWB and I insulated and installed my lines myself. I was really happy with it until about a week ago.
On installation, I used two lines of 1" oxygen barrier pex tubing, and slid lengths of unsplit, closed cell foam sleeves over each. I taped each joint in the foam, and taped the two lengths of pex together. Next, I put three wraps minimum of HVAC bubble wrap insulation over that. None of this will absorb water. Next I burried a 6 inch corrigated culvert from the stove to my house, with sand all around the pipe, and covered it with 2" high density foamboard insulation before I filled the ditch in with dirt. The ditch was 38" at the stove, and to get under my house, I brought it up to 28" as I passed under the foundation. I slid all my lines inside this pipe. I really thougth I had this one whipped.
About a week ago, I noticed in all the cold and snow, that the line from the house to the woodburner had less snow on it. As the days progressed, that part of the yard melted first. I'm not sure what could have caused this. I thought maybe one of my heater lines was leaking, but there is no obvious leak, and I HAVE ADDED NO WATER since I fired this thing up in October. (Thanks to everyone that helped out last year with my "steaming" issues.) I checked the water today, and it isn't down even a quarter inch. It is performing the best that is ever has. I will never be without a OWB.
Any ideas on the snow melt?? I will be pulling the lines out this summer to take a look. My guess is that maybe the corrigated drain pipe I ran my lines in has a leak, and the water has filled the pipe, and it will transfer heat, when the air space would not.
Ideas anyone??
On installation, I used two lines of 1" oxygen barrier pex tubing, and slid lengths of unsplit, closed cell foam sleeves over each. I taped each joint in the foam, and taped the two lengths of pex together. Next, I put three wraps minimum of HVAC bubble wrap insulation over that. None of this will absorb water. Next I burried a 6 inch corrigated culvert from the stove to my house, with sand all around the pipe, and covered it with 2" high density foamboard insulation before I filled the ditch in with dirt. The ditch was 38" at the stove, and to get under my house, I brought it up to 28" as I passed under the foundation. I slid all my lines inside this pipe. I really thougth I had this one whipped.
About a week ago, I noticed in all the cold and snow, that the line from the house to the woodburner had less snow on it. As the days progressed, that part of the yard melted first. I'm not sure what could have caused this. I thought maybe one of my heater lines was leaking, but there is no obvious leak, and I HAVE ADDED NO WATER since I fired this thing up in October. (Thanks to everyone that helped out last year with my "steaming" issues.) I checked the water today, and it isn't down even a quarter inch. It is performing the best that is ever has. I will never be without a OWB.
Any ideas on the snow melt?? I will be pulling the lines out this summer to take a look. My guess is that maybe the corrigated drain pipe I ran my lines in has a leak, and the water has filled the pipe, and it will transfer heat, when the air space would not.
Ideas anyone??
33
Electronics / Re: 2 wire digital thermostat
« on: January 15, 2010, 02:54:19 PM »
I'm starting to think the same. My brother has the same thermostat I have. It is in a garage, and it keeps a constant, accurate temp.
I'm really interested in changing over to a digital, similiar to the ones I use in my home. They are a 4 wire design, but I know I need a 24 volt transformer, and possibly a relay. Can anyone give me an idea on what parts I need, and how to wire it?
Mark
I'm really interested in changing over to a digital, similiar to the ones I use in my home. They are a 4 wire design, but I know I need a 24 volt transformer, and possibly a relay. Can anyone give me an idea on what parts I need, and how to wire it?
Mark
34
Electronics / Re: 2 wire digital thermostat
« on: January 14, 2010, 05:44:16 PM »
The thermostat is a Honeywell Cadet. When I built the garage, I wired it before I insulated and drywalled it. I put in a 2X4 electrical box to run the wires into. It is completely surrounded by insulation. I don't think there can be a draft inside the wall. I'm a residential contractor, and this is kinda what I do.
I think I can use a 4 or 5 wire thermostat, but I will need to use a 24 volt transformer and a relay. I'm just not sure how to wire it all in. Any help would be appreciated. I built my stove, and the air handler in my garage, so it is just a HX and a squirrel cage...nothing else. I used the 2 wire 110v theremostat because it is easy. Just not accurate. If I set it on 50 degrees,, it might stay 50,,,, and it might stay 72. Too much of a swing to be draft or cool wall. (I think)
thanks,,
Mark
I think I can use a 4 or 5 wire thermostat, but I will need to use a 24 volt transformer and a relay. I'm just not sure how to wire it all in. Any help would be appreciated. I built my stove, and the air handler in my garage, so it is just a HX and a squirrel cage...nothing else. I used the 2 wire 110v theremostat because it is easy. Just not accurate. If I set it on 50 degrees,, it might stay 50,,,, and it might stay 72. Too much of a swing to be draft or cool wall. (I think)
thanks,,
Mark
35
Electronics / Re: 2 wire digital thermostat
« on: January 14, 2010, 04:29:49 AM »
This thermostat is a sealed unit. It does not need to be leveled. No exposed parts when the cover is removed. I will try to get the model number and post it. It is a rectangular unit,, not one of the old round thermostats.
As for the anticipator,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, not sure what that is.
It is on an outside wall, but the wall is insulated, and I even insulated the electrical box the thermostat is in. I thought with it being on an outside wall, that that might have something to do with it, but it didn't make a difference. The garage has no partitions, so and outside wall is all I have to work with at the time. I may be able to mount it remote to see if it makes a difference.
thanks,,
Mark
As for the anticipator,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, not sure what that is.
It is on an outside wall, but the wall is insulated, and I even insulated the electrical box the thermostat is in. I thought with it being on an outside wall, that that might have something to do with it, but it didn't make a difference. The garage has no partitions, so and outside wall is all I have to work with at the time. I may be able to mount it remote to see if it makes a difference.
thanks,,
Mark
36
Fire Wood / Re: cord of wood cost
« on: January 11, 2010, 04:05:58 PM »
But Willie,,,,,,,,,,,, you forgot all about the hornets nest in the top of the tree you just fell.
And a cord of wood, 128 cu. ft., split and stacked for you to pick up sells for $130 in western WV. He delivers it locally for $20, and will stack it in your shed, or on your porch for you at no extra cost.
And a cord of wood, 128 cu. ft., split and stacked for you to pick up sells for $130 in western WV. He delivers it locally for $20, and will stack it in your shed, or on your porch for you at no extra cost.
37
Electronics / 2 wire digital thermostat
« on: January 10, 2010, 11:44:28 AM »
Does anyone know of a 2 wire digital thermostat they can recommend? I'm using a Honeywell 2 wire thermostat with a dial in my garage because it was easy to wire in, but and it is not very accurate. I set it on 45 when I am not working in the garage, and the temp will range from 45 to 65. The garage is insulated and finished on the inside and heats well, but when I want to save on wood, I set the thermostat to keep the garage around 50 degrees. I often go out and find that the unit is running and it is 65 in the garage.
Suggestions anyone??
THANKS,,,
Mark
Suggestions anyone??
THANKS,,,
Mark
38
General Discussion / Re: hosed by propane company
« on: January 08, 2010, 07:16:47 AM »
Hey Bruey,,,,,,,,, did ya get it moved?? Keep us posted.
When I first had mine set at my new house,, they couldn't get it where I wanted it. I moved it myself. Hooked a chain to it, and drug it about 75 feet to where I wanted it originally. You can't hurt these things. Now I will be glad when this thing is out of my yard totally.
When I first had mine set at my new house,, they couldn't get it where I wanted it. I moved it myself. Hooked a chain to it, and drug it about 75 feet to where I wanted it originally. You can't hurt these things. Now I will be glad when this thing is out of my yard totally.
39
General Discussion / Re: hosed by propane company
« on: December 24, 2009, 06:41:35 AM »
I just went through the same thing. I have a 500 gallon propane tank I am paying "rental" on. I haven't filled it for a couple years, since I use the furnace very little. So,,,,,,,,,,, I continued to pay the rental fee until it was almost empty, and just purchased a 100 # tank for my cooking stove. You just have to look at where you can get the most bang for your buck. If you fill it more now to avoid the $125 fee,,, will it just snowball next year?? Then you will have more in the tank, and another $125 bill??
Might be better off to have them empty it, and take the refund on propane now, and cut your losses.
Might be better off to have them empty it, and take the refund on propane now, and cut your losses.
40
Fire Wood / Re: TYPE of CHAIN SAWS USED
« on: December 18, 2009, 07:03:49 PM »
I love my FARM BOSS with an 18" bar. Nothing it can't handle.
41
Electronics / Re: Auquastat
« on: December 12, 2009, 06:46:50 AM »
I'm using a Honeywell Aquastat on my OWB, and have the water temp set at a max of 140 degrees (for now). I have the differential on the aquastat set to 15 degrees.
NOW FOR OPINIONS: What differential is everyone using? Is a smaller differential better,,,, i.e. kick on more often, and for less time each cycle?? OR,,,,,a larger differential making the draft fan run longer, but less often??
I thought I might try a few different settings and see if the wood usage is better. Loading 2 times a day fairly full with temps. this morning at 14 here in western WV. I am finding that the larger the wood I can get in it,,, the longer it lasts. I know the weight of the wood is the key factor here, but it is hard to load a full load of smaller wood that will weigh as much as a couple large pieces.
I bought a moisture meter, and most of my wood is in the low 20 percent moisture. An occasional in the teens, and an occasional in the low 30 percent range.
NOW FOR OPINIONS: What differential is everyone using? Is a smaller differential better,,,, i.e. kick on more often, and for less time each cycle?? OR,,,,,a larger differential making the draft fan run longer, but less often??
I thought I might try a few different settings and see if the wood usage is better. Loading 2 times a day fairly full with temps. this morning at 14 here in western WV. I am finding that the larger the wood I can get in it,,, the longer it lasts. I know the weight of the wood is the key factor here, but it is hard to load a full load of smaller wood that will weigh as much as a couple large pieces.
I bought a moisture meter, and most of my wood is in the low 20 percent moisture. An occasional in the teens, and an occasional in the low 30 percent range.
42
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: Suggested Water Temperature on Boiler
« on: November 27, 2009, 08:07:39 AM »
We are having nighttime temps. in the mid 30s to mid 40s here in WV most nights, and I'm still running my water temp at 135 max with no issues. The water temp goes down to 115 before the draft fan kicks on. I'm heating my house and garage, and loading the stove "light" twice a day, or fill it and not have to worry with it for a day or so. If I have a little smoke,,, I don't have to worry about it. I think keeping the water temp low should save some wood.
43
Home Made / Re: my new stove
« on: November 22, 2009, 06:12:10 AM »
How does the Ranco controller work? Does it have a probe that goes inside a well like a Honeywell, or does the probe imerse in the water, or just strap onto the stove on the outside? I use the Honeywell, and it works OK, but I would like to change to something digital. I think most are using the Honeywell or the White-Rogers units.
Let me know how yours hooks up if you can, or maybe some pics??
Let me know how yours hooks up if you can, or maybe some pics??
44
Fire Wood / Re: cleaning up the farm
« on: November 21, 2009, 06:15:18 AM »
I haven't found any of the pine rotten enough that it WON'T burn. I brought it in, and stacked it in the shed to keep it dry, and it seems to dry out really quicker than I thought for spongy, rotten wood. I haven't used 6 sticks of "GOOD WOOD" in the past month. Our temp last night was around 31 degrees, and the old stuff held well, heating my 1680 sq. ft. house, and 1000 sq. ft. of my garage. Aquastat temp is set at 135 degrees as of right now. I wil be turning it up a bit soon.
As for being worth the time, I can cut a full size truckload of pine and sasafrass in about 20-30 minutes, and it is light enough that I can load a huge piece withtout splitting it. Easy to lift into the truck too. Not like a 12" round X 24" piece of white oak.
I have no neighbors close by, as my house is kinda' secluded, so smoke isn't an issue. I don't burn garbage in mine, but I'm a contractor, so I go through ALOT of scrap wood and materials, so it all goes in the OWB as well. Cardboard makes alot of ashes, and I do my best to recycle it if possible.
Heats the house,,,,,,, cleans up the farm. 2 birds,,,, one stone.
I LOVE MY OWB.
As for being worth the time, I can cut a full size truckload of pine and sasafrass in about 20-30 minutes, and it is light enough that I can load a huge piece withtout splitting it. Easy to lift into the truck too. Not like a 12" round X 24" piece of white oak.
I have no neighbors close by, as my house is kinda' secluded, so smoke isn't an issue. I don't burn garbage in mine, but I'm a contractor, so I go through ALOT of scrap wood and materials, so it all goes in the OWB as well. Cardboard makes alot of ashes, and I do my best to recycle it if possible.
Heats the house,,,,,,, cleans up the farm. 2 birds,,,, one stone.
I LOVE MY OWB.
45
Fire Wood / cleaning up the farm
« on: November 14, 2009, 06:23:05 AM »
I've had my stove burning for just over a month. I cut a little over 7 cord of good hardwood, and have it split and stacked in my shed. As I was using it the first week or so, I got to thinking about all the pine and sasafrass that fell in Feb. 2003 in a bad icestorm we had here in west/central WV, and then I took the Stihl and went to the woods.
I cut a couple cord of "junk wood" that was down in a twisted mess, and found that even though the pine was getting pretty soft, I could load the stove full and get easy 24 hour burns. Best part, I save all my good wood til bad weather hits, and I get the chance to clean up the farm without having the risk of wildfire by burning wood/brush piles. The pine that fell onto other trees is still pretty hard, but the ones on the ground are soft enough that I can poke my finger in it, AND IT STILL BURNS. I'm gonna keep cutting the pines and might not have to use my good wood til things get bitter.
I cut a couple cord of "junk wood" that was down in a twisted mess, and found that even though the pine was getting pretty soft, I could load the stove full and get easy 24 hour burns. Best part, I save all my good wood til bad weather hits, and I get the chance to clean up the farm without having the risk of wildfire by burning wood/brush piles. The pine that fell onto other trees is still pretty hard, but the ones on the ground are soft enough that I can poke my finger in it, AND IT STILL BURNS. I'm gonna keep cutting the pines and might not have to use my good wood til things get bitter.