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snow hope · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:02 pm Post subject: Wood log Boilers

Has anybody got a wood log boiler for their central heating? I mean instead of a gas or oil boiler heating the water that circulates around a radiator system, the boiler uses logs.

Any particular makes anybody can recommend? Any info. on this kind of system would be helpful.
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RenewableCandy · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 12407 Location: York

They're talking about just that on that l-o-n-g woodburning thread again.

All I can say for makes is, if you're at all urban check the list published by the DEFRA for clean-air-act clearence:

http://www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk/

The Yorkshire by Dunsley (which is still smokeless even with a boiler fitted) seems like a good bet (said Andy, when I asked!), but might be overkill unless you've a big house.

snow hope · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 11:53 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply Candy, but to clarify, I am talking about a wood log boiler that might be fitted in your garage, not a wood stove with a little boiler wrapped around it, fitted in your lounge or wearedodgy. Generally the log boilers might have a 1500 litre buffer tank (very highly insulated) that is heated up to 90c. The water from this buffer is then used for the central heating / DHW.
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Andy Hunt · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:31 pm Post subject:

I have heard about these log boilers, I think they go from ?3,000 upwards but qualify for a Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant.

Never heard about anyone who had one though. I think the logs need to be cut to a standard size, too. I can imagine some feed problems unless you can get really standardised logs.

They burn very efficiently though, 90% upwards apparently. The other thing (as Candy points out) is that they need to be DEFRA-approved to be 'officially' legal, and a lot of them aren't - even though technically they meet the particulate emissions standards, they haven't got the official HETAS 'stamp'.
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Bedrock Barney · Joined: 28 Sep 2007 Posts: 253 Location: Lincolnshire

I've looked into this along with every other form of heating device known to mankind.

Some discussion here:

http://www.newbuilder.co.uk/forum/index.php?DATEIN=tpc_xlwaktkwg_1129040251

Herz boiler here:

http://www.ruralenergy.co.uk/heating/?c=domestic_manual

Froling boliers here:

http://www.econergy.ltd.uk/FrolingFHG.html

More info here:

http://www.nef.org.uk/logpile/fuelsuppliers/woodboilers.asp

I thought the Froling boilers looked very smart.

My main concern (other than price) relates to the inability to have automated systems unless you go down the pellet or wood chip route.

We have to rip out our ancient gas boiler at some point but cannot make up my mind at the moment on best form of replacement.

snow hope · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 1:19 am Post subject:

Thanks Barney. Smile

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snow hope · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:46 pm Post subject:

Gobsmacked!

Well I got a quote in for a Froling wood log boiler and I am VERY disappointed, as I had more or less decided this was the route I was going to go, but not at the price below.

Supply only:-
Froling FHG Turbo 3000 20Kw
1000L Insulated Buffer Tank
200L Expansion Vessel
25mm 3 port Mix Valve/Actuator DODGY

Price £8,315 + VAT.

In my opinion this is a ridiculous price and doesn't even include fitting and plumbing - another 1-2k + VAT?

I am deflated, especially as I have built my 'lean-to' and have three wood-stackers full of logs/cut pallets (which I can still use in my solid fuel stove), but....... Crying or Very sad

I think I will have to look for another manufacturer and supplier...... that are a bit more cost-conscious!
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kenneal - lagger · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 2:06 am Post subject:

This type of boiler is that sort of price, apparently Snow, even on the continent. People accept that they are going to save a lot of money on fuel and the DODGY is high quality, robust construction, so will last.
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Keela · Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 1941 Location: N.Ireland

We have ordered one of these:

http://www.thermotec.co.uk/index.php?page=wallnofer-walltherm

Not as pricey. Hopefully a good product.

snow hope · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:58 pm Post subject:

Thanks Sally - I have emailed them. Smile

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kenneal - lagger · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject:

snow hope · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 12:37 am Post subject:

Apparently Austrian suppliers are the leaders in this area. And now you can get automatic combi-boilers for wood pellets and logs. Definate progress in this area.

I know somebody growing willow that is harvested every three years for it wood. Impressive.

More developments coming! Very Happy

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WatchMeRise · Joined: 02 Apr 2011 Posts: 6

kenneal - lagger · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:47 am Post subject:

The trouble with wood pellets are that they are an engineered product that would be difficult to get in a resource depleted future. No pellets, or the wrong sort of pellet, and the stove is useless; expensive and useless. Stick to something simple.
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"When the last tree is cut down, and the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, Only then will you find out that you cannot eat money". --The Cree Indians

JohnB · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:27 am Post subject: