Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

Outdoor Furnaces - Manufacturers with NON EPA-Certified Models Only => Home Made => Topic started by: newmod on December 12, 2011, 03:12:59 PM

Title: Happy with the end result
Post by: newmod on December 12, 2011, 03:12:59 PM

Just thought I would let ya know.  My homemade OWB is operating as planned.  Keeping the house at a nice and cozy 73 degrees.  I am using the "top of the line" insulated pex to the house.  I dont plan on burying it until springtime.  Hope thats not a problem.  There are only a couple things that I would change on the next one I build, maybe a larger firebox and more insulation.  I am using R30 all around now, but i'm sure it could be better.    The firebox is 42 inches deep, would make the whole thing 1 foot deeper, including water jacket.

     I used to cringe when my fuel oil furnace would kick on, even keeping the house at 67 deg. 

     The OWB may look ugly but it really doesn't matter.  I just wanted to get it done and quit buying fuel oil.

     Thanks for all the information found on this site !!

Newmod

Title: Re: Happy with the end result
Post by: Ridgekid on December 12, 2011, 03:19:15 PM

Let us know, if possible, what the outside temp of the insulated pex is. Might Give us a small idea what the heat loss is.  Is it thermopex?

Congrats on being free from the oil man!!! 

Title: Re: Happy with the end result
Post by: newmod on December 12, 2011, 03:25:13 PM

I ordered a wireless thermometer that should be here in the next few days.  It is going to go on the water jacket and transmit inside.  but i will use it first to get a temp reading on the lines entering the house.  The OWB is only about 60 ft from house, so hopefully not much heat loss.

Newmod

Title: Re: Happy with the end result
Post by: Bull on December 12, 2011, 06:03:25 PM

Congrats newmod, this is great to hear.

Title: Re: Happy with the end result
Post by: R W Ohio on December 12, 2011, 07:14:46 PM

I'm glad all is well. Sit back and enjoy what you have done.
RW

Title: Re: Happy with the end result
Post by: jackel440 on December 13, 2011, 04:25:54 PM

Thats Awesome! :thumbup:
Glad to hear you have it running.Man it is nice to be heating your home with something you built.
Dont feel bad about burying your feed line.Mine hasn't got burried yet year.So it will be laying above ground for its second year ;)

Title: Re: Happy with the end result
Post by: Scott7m on December 13, 2011, 05:00:35 PM

Guys, don't leave your line above ground to long.  One of the hardest things on any package line is uv rays breaking down the housing or shell. I try to keep the line I sell covered up and in the shade of my shop.