Experience with outdoor woodburners?

[Anonymous Poster]

I have been looking at heating sources for a new house and am interested in woodburners that reside outside the house. Does anyone have one, such as Hardy, or Brunko, or have experience with them?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Don,

Another brand of ouside stove is Taylor. I have seen them demonstrated at an annual "Home Show", and at a nearby dealer (in Dallas, Oregon...where are you?).

I was impressed-enough to put "buying one someday" on the to-do list.

...might try a web-search for the name.

HTH
Larry

 

[MJB]

Two of my uncles used to deal in Taylor stoves here in central New York. I worked for them doing installations and service for about 6 months. They are very popular among dairy farmers who generally use them to generate hot water for cleaning out their milking equipment as well as for heating and general domestic hot water. I think if you have your mind set to burn wood they are probably the best way to do it. My parents have heated their house and garage with one for about 6-7 years now and are very happy with it. Taylor units were available in 450k, 750k, and 1000k BTU/hr sizes for residential use as well as many larger sizes for commercial uses. The capacities are based on 12 hour refueling intervals. There is seasonal maintenance required on these stoves to control the condition of the water. The Taylor stoves have one or two sacrificial zinc rods as well as water treatment chemicals to control corrosion. They also have a stainless steel bottom in the tank. Early models did not have the stainless bottom and were prone to corrosion. The quality of the water in your area can have a large effect on how durable the units are. The units are well insulated and seem to be quite efficient. Here in New York it is normal to see snow sitting on top of the unit all winter. I don't have any knowledge about the other brands you mentioned. My uncles got out of the business when demand dropped along with crude oil prices a few years ago. I imagine the business would probably be picking up again now. I hope this information is helpfull. MJB

 

[M. Sullivan]

Might check-out Lopi brand inside stoves for residential use. Had a house with one for a few years--incredible. A fire box about 30"x30"x30" sat at one end of the 30x70 house, and my bed 70' away at the other end. Heated entirely with wood for the whole MI winter in total comfort. Yearly chimney cleaning is all it needed.

Understand the safety factor with an outside, as an uncle had a major fire with an older one, but I was totally confident in the Lopi. They have a variety of styles (contemporary/traditional/etc.) and seem reasonably priced.

 

[RobS]

I too had a Lopi years ago. At the time, it seemed to be much better built than the other stoves I considered. Very sturdy doors and seals and thicker steel overall.

Rob

 

[Anonymous Poster]

In addition to the "safety factor", ease of service, keeping any "mess" outside, no necessity for alterations to house, no chimney to maintain, and definitely not least, hot water heat, "transmissable" to several buildings, are also "advantages" of the (Taylor at least) outdoor stoves.

Regarding safety and "indoor woodburners", as a retired firefighter, I can say that the Burn-your-house-to-the-ground (and maybe you with it) potential is nothing to take lightly, nor the damage to interiors of homes and humans from carbon monoxide, soot etc.

True, millions of homes have fireplaces/woodstoves, amd enjoy them safely, but many others somehow do not "get around" to the VERY necessary maintenance, nor apply the most basic safety practices. Throw older(perhaps senile) persons and small children into the mix, and the level of "wariness" required becomes simply more than many can or will really maintain.

I'm biased in my view, of, course, but unless one has experienced, or at least thoughtfully-witnessed the shattering of lives and unexpected sense-of-loss resulting from serious fires, it is difficult to imagine the real effects. Most people find that much more than "just things" are taken from them by fire.

When I build my new home, there will be no "fueled" (gas/oil) appliances in it. Heating will be electric and hot water(from an outside stove - we have plenty of wood!).

There will also be a fireplace, because the pleasures of the fireside are worth something also, and I know I will see to the safe use of it, on the occasions when it is desired... but it will definitely NOT be the "everyday" source of cold-weather heat.

My own suggestion, for those who want to "remodel" by adding a "watchable" and cozy stove/heater, would be one of the newer pellet-stoves, installed and maintained strictly to the highest safety standards.

I expect to be "called-on-the-carpet" by some whose families have coexisted with and enjoyed fireplaces and older woodstoves for generations .

I believe it, and wish today's "consumer" was as capable, on a common-sense level, as our grandparent's generation. Unfortunately, (and maybe I am just getting old) I don't think they are. I'm speaking generally of course, and know that many exceptions to this are out there...and Tractorbynet is probably a good place to find a bunch of those.

Just one man's thoughts!

Larry

 

[Anderson]

I use an external wood stove to heat our log home, and have been very comfortable. Ours is an aquatherm model that is installed in the detached garage. I know they make most of their models so they can either be installed inside, or outside - outside models are simply outfitted with the small shelter you typically see with the outdoor burners.

If I ever have to replace it, I'll put the next one in the garage as well. I can store a months worth of wood in a couple small ricks next to the stove where the snow can melt off. I Stoke it up when I leave for work, and again when I get home - I don't have to put boots on, trudge through the snow or rain, and our cats love the extra heat in the garage.

We just moved in in august, so I didn't have time to let this years wood dry, so I've been burning mostly green wood. It burns fine, I justcan't let it burn down too completely befor adding more green wood.

I use a heat exchanger in my forced air plenum, a heat exchanger on my water heater, and some baseboard radiators in my impossible to duct master bedroom.

 

[markcg2000]

I'd like to heat my detached, three car garage, as well as part of my barn, so this thread caught my eye.

I searched and found this
Woodheat.org

<font color=green>mark</font color=green>

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Don,
This being the second year using an outdoor wood furnace, let me muddy the waters a bit and pass along my thoughts. My unit is manufactured by Central Boiler (www.centralboiler.com). Presently its used to heat my "house" which is about 1000 sq ft. Future plans call for turning the "house" into a garage and building a permanent residence next to it, using the furnace to heat both structures.

My reasons for going with an outdoor furnace are (1) Safety. (2) Hot water baseboard heat. (3) With 50+ wooded acres, fuel costs are minimal (4) Time. My old indoor wood stove took 22 inch chunks plus the time involved splitting the wood. Now I toss 4 to 12 inch diamater logs 3 feet long into the furnace. Most trees I take down are within this range but for those that are bigger, I'll cut the tree off at 12 inches, save the main trunk for lumber and use the tops for firewood. Less time behind the chainsaw and almost no splitting involved now. (5) All the mess is outside. Although I do miss the cat playing volleyball with the critters that use to climb out of the wood pile that sat by the stove. (6) Burn time. With the furnace loaded, I usually get 3-4 days burn time before it needs a refill.

Drawbacks: (1) Unit cost. My furnace, including the cement slab the unit sits on (this is not mandatory), piping, insulation and pump was about $6000. Installation I did myself. (2) Electrical costs. At present utility rates, it costs me $30-35/mo to run the unit. I fire it up about mid October and run it till end of April. The pump I use pulls twice as much amps as the pump the manufacturer recommends so cost could be less. (3) The manufacturer tells you that you should have a backup source of energy in case the power goes out. So figure in the cost of a generator unless you are a gambler. After the ice storm that hit northern NY a few years back, a generator became priority #1.

Like anything else, each persons case is unique. For me, an outdoor wood furnace is a welcome addition to the family. Hope this helps.


Russ

 

[Anonymous Poster]

outdoor woodburners? / garages

After my "safety" soapbox post earlier, I have reservations about addressing the issue again... "crusaders" are not my favorite people

But... at least 2 posts since have mentioned these stoves and "garage" in the same breath.

If by garage, you mean a place to park a car, a lawnmower , the propane bar-b-que, etc. then please remember:

Gasoline leaks...sometimes. Propane leaks...sometimes. And then they make vapors.... every time. Having a heat source in the vicinity is simply asking for trouble. Most especially a heat source that offers the opportunity to eject a burning ember or sparks which will land on the floor, where many heavier-than-air explosive/flammable gases will settle.

I have never seen a woodburning appliance that did not occasionally "pop" embers onto the hearth or floor. Wood can not be loaded without opening the door... in the kind of weather that makes the stove useful, no-one is likely to completely burn-down and or cool the ashes before reloading. therefore the door will be opened on open flame, and the attendent risk is unavoidable. It also becomes "routine" which always breeds carelessness.

This bears on my comments earlier about most people not taking the care they really should, when dealing with these possibilities... it is simply "too much trouble" to be concerned about these hazards for many.

A word to the wise.

End of rant!

Larry

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: outdoor woodburners? / garages

Larry,
The manufacturer of my furnace specifically states in the manual that the unit should not be installed inside any structure. Presently my unit sits about 30 feet away from the house, next to the woodshed, but could be located much closer. This would cut down on some of the expense associated with the amount of pipe and insulation you'd need to purchase. At the time I bought my furnace, the dealer said to figure $6/linear foot for pipe/insulation.

Russ

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: outdoor woodburners? / garages

Hi Russ,

Actually, the post that really got my attention was the one from Anderson, who says he has a unit installed in a detached garage, and further:
[["If I ever have to replace it, I'll put the next one in the garage as well."]]

I then saw your post and the one by MarkCG, both mentioning "heating" garages, but I acknowledge, neither of you mentioned specifically putting the unit "IN" the garage.

Sounds like you have the right idea about this, as does your manufacturer...(liability concerns probably give him a little extra motivation to make the recommendation strongly).

Wonder what Anderson's manufacturer says!?

Anyway, hope everyone stays safe.

Larry

 

[MarkV]

Re: outdoor woodburners? / garages

Russ,

I have no experience with out door stoves and was wondering what the smoke situation is with yours? The link that Mark posted did not paint a pretty picture. Any idea how many square feet a unit like yours can heat? Sure sounds like a great way to heat a barn.

MarkV

 

[markcg2000]

Re: outdoor woodburners? / garages

After reading that post, I realized there is no way we could use one. My wife is somewhat allergic to wood smoke. She doesn't have an attack or anything, just coughs like crazy at the slightest wiff. I'd hoped that these were more efficient, not less, and that by having it outdoors I would alleviate the whole smoke issue. Guess not /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif.

Since I do not have access to my own wood lot, the fuel costs are a consideration, but I realize that wood is a whole lot cheaper than any fossil fuel - especially this year/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif.

I'd really like to get into wind power... I don't think that solar is a great option in western NY /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Maybe the best idea is a propane furnace that I set way down and only turn up when I'm working in the shop area of the barn ( though, I still have to make that shop area). /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

<font color=green>mark</font color=green>

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: outdoor woodburners? / garages

Mark,
Concerning the smoke issue, most of the time its not a problem. A couple of points to consider are (1) I've got a 4' piece of smoke stack on my furnace but you can add additional sections. (2) Central Boiler states you can have the unit up to 500' from the structure you are heating. However this will greatly add to the bottom line when purchasing the underground pipe/insulation and the electrical wire.

The biggest problem for me concerning smoke is when I'm loading the unit. Upon opening the door, you will get some smoke chasing you but by knowing how long a burn I get, I'll wait till its just a pile of ashes which cuts down on the amount of smoke considerably.

Russ

 

[MarkV]

Re: outdoor woodburners? / garages

Russ, Thanks for the info!
MarkV

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Everyone,
Thanks for the feedback.

Russ,
I checked out the Central Boiler website, and they really appear to have a superior system. There is a big show here in Ohio at the end of the month, called Power Ohio, and Central Boiler will be there. I plan to check them out. As far as indoor woodburners, I have heard a lot of positive comments regarding Lopi.

 

[dmccarty]

Here is some info for ya.

First of all, a year or so ago we looked at a house that was around 100 years old. It was in great shape and had ben added onto over the years. Somewhere along the line somone put in a big wood burner that was kept in a little shack real close to the house. To close for my comfort.

One of the things that was interesting was the guy had piles and stacks of fairly large oak pieces. They looked like they had been cut from a old barn because they were cord wood short but 4x4 or 6x6 sized. Very strange. On Friday I was rained off the property so I went down to the farm supply store. On the board they had a guy selling a dump truck load of wood from a pallet making plant. Depending on the size of the wood it was 80 or 100 dollars per load. Roughly four pickup trucks worth.

So I think I know where the 100 year old house was getting its wood. If you get once of these heaters you might want to see if their is a wood plant of some kind in your area. You might be able to get some seasoned cut up wood cheap.

Hope this helps...
Dan McCarty

 

[Thomas]

Dan,
What does a cord of wood go for in your area.
Where I live $95.oo cord {green}cut & split & deliver.
I'm sure this year wood will go up $10 or $15 dollars per cord.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[dmccarty]

Thomas,

I'm seeing ads in the paper for $150 per cord. I've seen a couple guys just park their truck in a strip mall or the side of the ride, hang out a sign, and wait for a bite!

For $150 I'm thinking of doing the same. I have the wood it has to be cut anyway. I just don't want to split it! Did that in High School and I have been adverse to it ever since! But $150 has me thinking......

Later...
Dan McCarty