Outdoor Wood Furnace Info
All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: saintwilkins on March 25, 2015, 04:05:08 PM
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Hi,
I live near Ottawa Canada, and am looking to get an OWB. I live in a 3600 sqft 200 year old stone farmhouse with some insulation. I have a heat pump which helps some of the time. and a propane forced air furnace. right now I'm spending about $4500 a year on propane. I'm also building a 1400 sqft granny flat that is attached. (I'm putting in floor hearing in this part.) I'd like to heat hot water too. I have some access to free hardwood but not regular, so can't guarantee what I buy will be seasoned. so don't want a gasifier. Also, I want to be able to burn yard waste etc.
right now i'm leaning toward a HM5000e or a P&M BL 2840 but am still researching/shopping/learning. Trying not to break the bank. but don't want to undersize it either. I've heard its better to burn hot than just smolder.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!!
Steve
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With the heat load you just described, I think a 5000 is too small for your application. You should probably consider a 10,000e or comparable size for other brands. You can't go wrong with either of the companies you have considered though.
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not counting your granny flat you are likely looking at well over 10 cords of wood compared to your propane use
your propane use suggests at least 130 million btu and i am almost certain your propane furnace is (wiil be) more efficient than a non gasser OWB
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Seams like a pretty big load to me as well, I think I would consider upsizing as well, good call AFPOL
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I'm in southern Indiana, 4,000 sft, domestic water, hot tub, poor insulation. We had several negative nights this winter and I always went 12 hours on just less than a full load on my 10,000E. I can't imagine how short my burn times would be with a 5k. Also, I have no creasote issues in the shoulder seasons either. I think you'll be fine with a 10k.
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hey Steve, I live in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton actually, so our weather is similar, I have a 4400 sq foot home including garage, I have hot water as well, in floor and cast iron rads, I have a 5000 heatmaster, works well, however when its really cold like -20, the ole girl works good, but my home is new with no drafts etc.. only issue is when all zones call for heat at once the ole girls works hard, but it does the job, I go thru approx. 12 cords a year, house is 74 degrees everywhere,garage is 62.... if I had the choice again, I think I would get a 10,ooo in case I added a another building or something,,,plus I guess it would work a lot easier, its too bad heatmaster didn't have a 8000 unit, that would be perfect.......if u have any questions guys on this site no all.......good luck
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I have been paying under 2 for propane so say 2,500 gallons plus unknown amount of electricity for the heat pump.
So 220 million BTUs
Say 10 million btu net for a cord of hardwood is 22 cords.
How much do you pay for wood?
Gasser might be 12 cords. Big advantage of non gasser is burning junk wood that does not cost you.