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1

General Discussion / Thermo-Control Boilers

« on: June 20, 2010, 07:33:13 PM »

Anyone have any experience with Thermo-Control Boilers out of Cobleskill, NY.  It is one of the few companies that have been making boilers for more than 10 or 20 years - these guys started in the 70s or earlier.  They now make an outdoor unit.  I don't think they are epa phase 2, however, they market most of their boilers as indoor units, which means they are epa exempt.  I don't know why more boiler manufacturers don't just market their units as indoor - I guess my opinion of the epa restrictions on outdoor units is coming through.  Anyway, they look like they make a good product, any user input would be appreciated.

2

Aqua-Therm / low water volume and effect on operation

« on: June 20, 2010, 07:22:05 PM »

I am looking to upgrade to a new outdoor wood boiler.  I looking at the Aqua-Therm.  I like the closed system and eco-one design.  I am concerned, however, about the small volume of water in the water jacket.  many other boiler companies put 300gal. plus in their larger boilers, Aqua puts only 76.  I am concerned about overheating.  Are people putting in auxillary tanks.  I know many gasification units, like Tarm, almost require an external water tank to be efficient. 

Any input from users would be great.

3

Hawken Energy, support only / Poor Customer Service

« on: June 20, 2010, 07:08:06 PM »

Been looking to upgrade - upsize boiler.  Have repeatedly emailed company - very little help.  Have called a dealer - never called back.  The specs look good, but I am taken back by their lack of motivation to sell a boiler.

I think I'm looking to other brands that appear interested in moving product.

4

Shaver Furnace / 165 in Vermont

« on: June 20, 2010, 07:04:00 PM »

I own a Shaver 165 - ran one heating season.  I attempted to heat 5k sq. ft. - was not successful!  Shaver is prone to overstating capabilities of its stoves.  I live in northern VT and can attest that, per their website, the 165 cannot heat 5k sq. ft. in northern states.  My two cents on Shaver:

1.  Heavy gauge firebox = Good
2.  Workmanship sloppy = Bad
3.  Customer service, poor = Bad
4.  Dealer support, poor = Bad - many dealers dropped this brand over the last couple years
5.  Bang for buck, decent = Good
6.  Door opening too small = Bad

I have owned one other boiler - a Woodmaster - firebox rotted through in two winters and dropped contents of water jacket into firebox - Woodmaster finally replaced (charged me a fee) and admitted they got some bad metal.

Bottom line - You can do better, you can do worse.