Canton
ArboristSite Member
Brand new to the forum, but have been doing some reading when I have time. I'm looking to purchase an outdoor wood boiler in the next couple of weeks and was looking for a little guidance. I live in PA so currently my only options are an EPA friendly gasification furnace or a model that is capable of burning coal. Two units I've been reading up on are Mahoning and Shaver. Not a whole lot of info on the Mahoning, but since they are made in PA, I know several people with them. Shaver on the other hand has lots of mixed information to sift through. Seems like they had a falling out with the public in 2008 when demand exceeded production. Besides that, from what I’ve read, it seems like they are more a "hobbyists" furnace. What I mean is that you may not be happy with the performance if you simply place it on a pad and dial your thermostat. I don't mind "tinkering" with the furnace, as a matter of fact, I plan on doing that with whatever model I purchase. What I don't want to deal with is structural issues or design issues that will be difficult to overcome.
I guess what I’m wondering is if there is any hard facts to suggest that the design of the units are not sound. Quite honestly, the new gasification units from Central Boiler scare the hell of me. So many areas to fail and need maintained. I don't own one, but they look troublesome to me.
Anyway, any help of guidance on the selection process would be helpful to me. I've read about the blower modifications (exact same set-up as the Mahonings) and the temp. controller. (planned on using something simlar to regulate and send a signal back to computer anyway). The issues with the overflow and the door seem minor - (lot's of great information on this forum).
Anything I'm missing here?
Help Appreciated,
Jeff.
I guess what I’m wondering is if there is any hard facts to suggest that the design of the units are not sound. Quite honestly, the new gasification units from Central Boiler scare the hell of me. So many areas to fail and need maintained. I don't own one, but they look troublesome to me.
Anyway, any help of guidance on the selection process would be helpful to me. I've read about the blower modifications (exact same set-up as the Mahonings) and the temp. controller. (planned on using something simlar to regulate and send a signal back to computer anyway). The issues with the overflow and the door seem minor - (lot's of great information on this forum).
Anything I'm missing here?
Help Appreciated,
Jeff.
