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[svo11]

HI everyone new to the site, trying to decide what unit to buy. What to heat 3500 sq ft house with forced air furnance and 42x53 pole barn, any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance

[Ridgekid]

A really big one! Sorry couldn't help myself.

Where are you located? Some states have restrictions.
Got wood? It might be free heat, but you have to have time to cut and  split it.  Where will you get 8+ cords ayear? ( 8 cords seem to be avg)

I don't know exactly how to size one, but I can welcome you to the site!

Welcome!

[johnybcold]

Call a few dealers from different companies

[beeman]

i love it that was good ridgekide so funny    as ridgekide said is eny body close that has an one they can give you advice on close dealers or see what you like and build your own i did with the help of thease guys even tonight i was out playing with mine

[svo11]

Located in se mi. lol on buying a big one. wood won't be a problem and already started cutting. Have been checking websites but haven't talked to dealers yet.

[lugnut]

Located in se mi. lol on buying a big one. wood won't be a problem and already started cutting. Have been checking websites but haven't talked to dealers yet.

svo11...know this: there is NOT one perfect OWB on the market.  They ALL have their little quirks.  Do a Better Business Bureau check on ALL the manufactures that you look into.  This is the perfect way to find out the pros and cons of the companies themselves.

Check for companies that are "local" to you...or dealerships that are close to you.  Take it from me, you WILL want to have a dealership/company close to you as it's easier to walk into the store or company and vice your concerns without having to deal with email.  Parts will be easier to come by as well.  Look over closely at the warranties and READ the fine print.

Buying one of these OWBs is not like buying a piece of equipment or a truck....so many different variances.

However, you did right by coming to this website.  There is a tremendous amount of help here and as you can see from the main page, there are various manufactures sites you can visit at your own leisure.

Welcome to the site and take a look around and do NOT be afraid to ask questions.  We are ALL here to assist you and you will find many of us to still be "newbies"  Soon I hope to graduate from "newbie" to "some what knowledgeable."   

Lugnut

[Ridgekid]

Mine is perfect!  ( so far anyway). Lol

[beeman]

are you whanting to ply with it some if so a shaver if not just feed and general maints woodmaster , heatmaster some cb  down here in missouri sells good  alough if somthing goes wrong will they no what and why that is what i ment by playing with one shaver has a good desine but you have to do modifications to get the full potinal when done you no the inside to the outside of it and why if i had it to do over i would build again

[wiseass13]

Good luck to u. I researched for several months till finally settling on portage and main. I relized All compqnies only warranty stoves for 5 years and after that its all prorated.

[martyinmi]

Located in se mi. lol on buying a big one. wood won't be a problem and already started cutting. Have been checking websites but haven't talked to dealers yet.

5700 sq. ft. in Mi- I'd plan on getting one that is rated to heat at least 8000- 10000 sq. ft. Some of the more popular brands in our state are Central boiler(E-2400 or E-3200), Natures Comfort (GT 500), Portage and Main (Optimizer 350). Those models are gasifiers. They all make conventional ones also. Heatmor is also popular, but I don't know if they manufacture a gasifier. There is also a new manufacturer in Mt. Pleasant Mi. that builds Burn-Rite boilers.

[powerstroke]

I heat a little over 5500 sq feet with my Shaver 290 and no matter how bitter cold it is or how hard the wind is blowing, it has never not been able to keep up.  I leave my shop at 70 degrees and my house at 72.  It is rated for 7000 square feet.  I know of 3 other people near me that have em, two of the people have had them for 6 years so far, and havent had any issues with them.  I have had mine for a little over a year.  BUT <-----and this is a big but, there are some people on here that have had issues over the years which you should research.  My logic is.....thicker metal takes longer to rust through.  Plain and simple.  There are alot of great people and info on here and although everyone has there preferances we all love not having heating bills and cuttin wood!  Welcome to the site!!

[jrider]

I got the Portage and Main Optimizer 250 - does 5,000 square feet and LOVE it so far.  I am only in the first year so who knows about the longevity, but try to find something bad about that company online and you will have a hard time finding anything. 
I looked around for about 6 months before getting that one.  I spent some time on the phone with the company and unlike many of the other manufacturers, they actually answered their phones or got back to me right away.  Had my stove in exactly 7 days from the time I ordered it. 
I would suggest going with an EPA certified gasification boiler.  If your state changes their laws, you should be compliant and they will burn less wood.

[Bull]

Welcome to the site svo11, there are some very good brands out there so read what the different owners on here have to say about their OWB and try to choose what ever fits you best. I would advise to buy the best insulated pipe that you can get as this will help in what ever stove you buy.

[yoderheating]

I agree with a lot that has already been mentioned.  Two things I will echo just to reinforce, first go with a local experienced dealer. The dealer is as important as the furnace manufacture. A good dealer is one who after the sale will continue to help you on any trouble that you may run into. As a dealer I have seen so many weird problems that are one of a kind. A inexperienced or unhelpful dealer can be the biggest pain in the rear if you happen to have one of those head scratching types of problems. Second, use well insulated underground pipe. People are crazy that buy a expensive furnace and then try and save a couple dollars on something that is essential for the system to work efficiently.   As a Heat Master dealer obviously I will tell you they are good but if you are looking for a mild steel furnace Central Boiler is the one I would look at. They have been around and are a proven product. Good luck!

[6pacmac]

Timberwolf Furnace Co. has some nice units.  Check'em out at www.timberwolffurnace.com.