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[nsflatlander]

So yes, I am brand new to this forum. Just happened to stumble across it while trying to research outdoor furnaces. Thanks ahead to those who have contributed. I plan to spend a good deal of time looking though old posts, but I thought I'd post my situation in case someone might be willing to give their two cents. So here goes.

I live in Nova Scotia in a story and 3/4 (~1,600 sq feet) 150+ year old house that has average insulation and new windows. The current heating system is oil forced air, but we heat almost exclusively with a Napolean Wood Stove. We burn somewhere between 4 and 5 cord of fairly well seasoned hardwood (maple, birch, etc). However, we are seriously considering moving to an outdoor wood furnace in order to get all the wood, insects, dust and danger out of the house. I'm aware of the cost involved here (~$15K for the complete install) but have no issue with this if the system is right for our situation.

While I'm currently burning the typical hardwoods used for firewood in our area, I have to buy it because we don't have those on our property. I would be looking to burn almost exclusively poplar and spruce because we do have an endless supply of that on our land. This is another part of the reason we want to get away from the indoor wood stove. I'm scared of the added creosote that could come with this type of wood.

I'm in the process of investigating the Empyre wood furnaces because a relative of mine has had very good experience with the Deluxe model. I'm leaning towards the same (not high efficiency) because I can't guarantee that everything I burn will be completely seasoned. Also, I've heard bad things about the high efficiency units rusting out because of the fact that the fire boxes  and other parts aren't stainless steel.

I'm open to suggestions or questions about direction I'm headed. Also, if there are other makes of unit that might be better than what I'm considering, I'd be more than happy to listen. Thank you.

[Scott7m]

Hey, welcome to the forum.

The deluxe 250 or 450 is a top notch unit.  All 304 stainless construction and a proven design.  As you said there are more efficient designs but if ease of use and little maintenance is what your after then it's a great choice.

$15,000 tho???  I guess you could potentially spend that much but it would have to be a very elaborate system

Feel free to call if you want to discuss any details on that stove, I've sold several of them and everyone is very happy with them

[nsflatlander]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I was looking to heat our domestic hot water with the system, and this includes the plenum that goes in the furnace, so those are part of the $15K. Thanks for the reply.

[Scott7m]

Yea...   The exchanger to het your domestic hot water runs anywhere from 175-225 dollars, were you considering the 250 or 450?  If your heating now with such a small amount of wood you likely would never need the 450

[Scott7m]

Do you have any type of duct work currently or a radiant system that can be tied into?  Or would that be part of the job as well?

[nsflatlander]

The 250. We have duct work and the plan was to put the plenum in the existing furnace. I also asked the dealer/installer to put in what ever is required so that I can add lines and hot water radiators as time and money permits. There are only 2 of 5 rooms with heat in our upstairs. If you don't mind, I'll PM the details of the quote to see if what I'm getting sounds reasonable.

[Scott7m]

Sounds good!  It never hurts to check things out

[ecc_33]

Scott's a good dude! He will take care of ya! 15k sounds crazy high for what you want. I bought a empyre pro 200 with all the fixens and have less than that in everything.

[nsflatlander]

Scott's a good dude! He will take care of ya! 15k sounds crazy high for what you want. I bought a empyre pro 200 with all the fixens and have less than that in everything.

Wondering if maybe there is a difference in Canadian vs. American prices for things. Here's a summary of the charges so that I can get some feedback if you don't mind:

Empyre CPW 250 S S   --  $9,150
70ftX1 in. Insupex underground pipe @ 13.50  --  $945
18X19 4 Row Rad  --  $320
SS Side arm heater  --  $190 (special price)
2X 15-58 circ Pump  --  $210
1 cement pad  --  $175
100 fr Underground Wire  --  $65
Fittings and Pipe  --  $1,000
2X Chimney and cap $255
Installation  --  $1,400
Total  --  $13,710

Does not include Electrical, Excavation, Gravel, or hole through basement wall.

[Scott7m]

I believe the u.s price on the 250 is around $8250

Not sure where he's coming up with 1000 for fittings and pipe?  These systems are almost always done with all pex and its not a real expensive product

So it's hard to say, prices may be a bit higher up there but my currency converter says it shouldn't be

[nsflatlander]

$8250? Interesting.  That would be $8579 at today's exchange rate. Even more interesting since Empyre's are made in Canada and I know the dealer I'm working with buys by the trailer load. I'll have to follow up on this and the pipes and fittings. Thank you.

[Scott7m]

Also by the way, until September 15 there is $750 off on that unit.  So it's actually $7500 if ordered by 9/15/13

But maybe they use different msrp, I just don't know

They are made in different places too, some are made in Manitoba, others in Tennessee

[slimjim]

Sounds to me that the guy is in the ballpark, if he services the product he deserves a bit more on the sale as he will need to stand behind the product and be there to answer questions, craigslist sales or fly by night dealers will not be there when you have questions, don't beat the guy up on purchase price and he will be there for you in the future.

[nsflatlander]

Sounds to me that the guy is in the ballpark, if he services the product he deserves a bit more on the sale as he will need to stand behind the product and be there to answer questions, craigslist sales or fly by night dealers will not be there when you have questions, don't beat the guy up on purchase price and he will be there for you in the future.

I agree wholeheartedly with you slimjim. Thank you for your insight. My understanding of this "outfit" from others experience is that he stands by his work big time. And, he sells the unit at the current MSR when the customer purchases. I simply wanted to get a few opinions on what I was being quoted because my options for other quotes around here is limited.

An additional question I'd like to double check (please excuse my continued ignorance) is whether installing the unit up a hill from my house going to create any difficulties? Will it add to the amount of electricity required running the pump to move the fluid between the boiler and the house? It's going to be installed 60-70' from my house and the elevation change over that distance will be at most 6-8'.

[Scott7m]

Elevation change dont mean anything really.   Your fine.

I just suppose prices are higher there.  Not saying he was putting the screws to you but in my area it would be considerably higher than normal.