Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

Outdoor Furnaces - Manufacturers WITH EPA-Certified Models => Portage & Main => Topic started by: jreimer on March 01, 2013, 10:12:54 AM

Title: Optimizer 250 settings for shoulder seasons?
Post by: jreimer on March 01, 2013, 10:12:54 AM

Hi all,

Spring is approaching and boiler idling is starting to begin.  For all those running an Optimizer 250, what are the setting changes you make to keep it running clean? 

I'm happy with the performance and cleanliness of it when it runs a full load every 12 hours, but now I'm starting to put 1/2 loads in twice a day and seeing more creosote formation in the scotch marine tubes.  I've being toying with the idea of setting the differential higher (160-180) to get it burning longer and hotter during firings but not sure if that's an effective strategy.

Ideally I would have storage to prevent excessive idling, but I also like the idea of not having to restart fires.

Thanks,
James.

Title: Re: Optimizer 250 settings for shoulder seasons?
Post by: Scott7m on March 01, 2013, 12:35:46 PM

Martyinmi will be the man to talk to on this, he's got them figured out

Title: Re: Optimizer 250 settings for shoulder seasons?
Post by: coolidge on March 01, 2013, 05:33:38 PM

I changed my differential from 9 to 6 today, going to try that for the weekend.

Title: Re: Optimizer 250 settings for shoulder seasons?
Post by: slimjim on April 11, 2013, 07:09:08 AM

To start with you are doing the right thing by loading twice a day with a smaller load. next i would turn up temp to at least 185 and higher if you are not seeing any water depletion, a good rule of thumb is run as high as you can without seeing visible steam from the vent tube, if you see steam then simply cut temp back 5 degrees. another thing to check is air leakage around door gaskets and in distibution box, when the boiler is dormant there should be no air infiltration into the boiler or the cool air will create creosote