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[Neal8]

I have two houses on the same property (3000 & 2200 SF) in NC and am considering the purchase of a CB System to heat (forced air) these homes.  As I get older, I will count on my son to continue gathering wood and taking care of the system. For that, I plan to take on the financial burden of purchasing the system.  I would also like to use the system to heat the water in both homes and potentially a 24x24 garage/work shop. 
The winters in NC are not generally that bad or that long.  I realize it might take me longer to recoup my $$, but honestly can't stand the cold air the heat pump pushes into the house...it's ridiculous - try standing in front of a heat pump vent to get warm... might as well stand in front of an open refrigerator.

Any advice on model size and 'if' my situation will allow the use of the CB would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

[boilerman]

Neal, sounds like a pretty ordinary application. I would think the Central Boiler Classic 6048 would be a great option for you at that location.
It does have 3 sets of ports built in for doing 3 applications much like what you are describing.

[slimjim]

I'm surprised Boiler man that the 2400 would not be your choice with it's high efficiency and all.

[TLuckoski]

I agree with Boilerman 6048 is the way to go. Proven simple design not to much to worry about going wrong.

[slimjim]

Oh I would agree, I'm not sure where Boilerman stands though, He likes his 2400 pretty well.

[boilerman]

I stand corrected. Either the Classic 6048 or it's E-Classic equivalent E2400 would be a great choice.
Just a matter of how much you are willing to spend as the E2400 sells for about $3,000 more than the Classic.
I also picked up on the "count on my son to gather wood and take care of system" statement. Maybe I read to much into that, but I raised teenage boys where simple and bulletproof is often the best option. If you end up gathering wood and burning it green, the Classic is the better option as gasser models prefer seasoned wood and more attention to maintenance. Coal bed depth won't matter as much either. Open door, throw in wood, get back to texting with the girlfriend.
Personally I like burning 40% less wood in my current Eclassic and running it how it was designed to be run.
The traditional or gasser choice really comes down to price, how you want to prepare your wood and how you want to burn.

[5050racing]

Also is the smoke a issue one smokes the other doesn't,neighbors consider that or you have none where it going to set near your house?

[Grappleload]

The E2400 would be a great fit. It chews through less wood but must be seasoned better than a non e classic unit. I would highly recommend this unit as it has 3 ports for pumps and returns. Computer does a nice job regulating things with no worries.  Good luck

[cbrslider]

I have almost the same set up here in North Central PA where my house,  roughly 3200sq ft, and my father's house,  2000sqft, are connected to my one boiler.   I use a CB 6048 to take care of heating both houses without much of any trouble.   My home has a huge great room with large trapezoid windows which sucks up the heat, plus an unfinished basement with poorly installed radiant heat.  This boiler does a great job keeping everything warm. The -15deg and lower did put a strain on the boiler and my wood pile.

My only suggestion is to NOT go cheap on the underground pex lines.  Search this site for suggestions on this pex. 

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.   I have been lurking here for awhile and have learned a lot.

Good luck

Ray

[5050racing]

Spend the money on the pex!!

[CentralBoiler3200User]

We have a CB E3200 heating 6000sf forced air and underfloor heat, and 100 gal water tank year round...

It has been a trooper thru 3 winters now.

Though it only has two external hookups.... not sure if it meets your needs.

Are the 2 houses close together....as you're somewhat limited as to how far you can run pex.

[Big Wood]

If you are still shopping why not go to the Portage and Main web site and take a look Thank you