Wood Heater Suggestions/Thoughts?

Daniel Plainview on 08/05/2017 - 16:06

Hi Folks,

As that popular lil TV series says,"Winter is coming" and alas the house we bought last year has a pretty crapped out slow combustion heater (early 1980's Norseman Tile – generally needing a bunch of bits replaced & many of these are now no longer available).

My initial thoughts are for essentially steel boxes with a door on them these things are VERY overpriced. How a company can justify charging $2000+ for these is somewhat beyond me – especially when the functual design differences between them are very marginal – no real huge design advantages that any companies have that I can see.

Anyway only a few places in my area (Coffs Harbour) sell them and BBQ's Galore are the main one – but they seem to never take a dollar off the full RRP and won't budge on price (guess they don't have to worry about you buying from overseas or interstate much!).

Anyone have particular models or brands that they can recommend?

Alternatively what do folks know about the Scandia range that Bunnings seems to stock? I've heard some questionable things about them BUT a few models seem plausible at face value (e.g Supremacy 200, RRP$1800 – 67% overall efficiency, 8mm firebox, 186kg overall weight!

I was originally considering a few bigger brands e.g Nectre but in comparison they 'seem' a tad misleading as they market themselves on 'peak efficiency – rather than overall – and seem to have a lot less metal in them e.g Mark 1 LE is 120kg with only 6mm firebox. Price is similar-ish to the Scandia.

BBQ Galore also have a cheapie for ~$800 – though I suspect it'd be a piece of junk:
https://www.barbequesgalore.com.au/heating/indoor-wood-heate…

Finally, am replacing existing heater – so in installation viable as a DIY (albeit I imagine you'd need several strong friends to assist)??? I'd imagine getting it in the right spot is the hardest as the existing flue pipe just slots down into it and thats basically it on a replacement right?

Thanks in advance.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • abcdefg5 on 08/05/2017 - 17:05
    +2

    How come you're looking for a wood heater?

    Wood burning is really bad for the environment and air quality. I heard on Dr Karl that an Australian Standards compliant fireplace will put out the same amount of carbon emissions in 24 hours as an average petrol powered car will put out in a year.

    When Tasmania brought in measures to decrease wood heater use, winter deaths from heart diseases were reduced by 20% and winter deaths from lung diseases fell by 28%

    Some reading:
    http://theconversation.com/everyone-loves-a-wood-burning-hea…
    http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/air/wood-burning-…

    • Daniel Plainview on 08/05/2017 - 17:28

      I live in a rural area on acreage (not high density metro or even 'in town') and also have access to near free firewood. As stated there's also already one in the home - hence flue etc already in place.

      So points taken - BUT mitigating circumstances. :-)

      • abcdefg5 on 08/05/2017 - 18:30

        Makes sense. Sorry I couldn't give you any actual advice.

        Just wanted to share the downsides - I wasn't aware of them until recently.

      • nrg2010 on 08/05/2017 - 18:37

        When I bought one I checked how may cubic meters it could heat. Also think if you want a wet back i.e. you can heat water. This works well with solar hot water. I fitted mine from new, it was a relatively easy slot together job. I paid full price for mine around $2000 from the local heater shop in Lismore as I was after the wet back. Have you tried second hand, usually a few around on Gumtree…
        You enjoying Coffs? I'm looking at moving up to Bomber,Repton kinda way

        • Daniel Plainview on 08/05/2017 - 21:30

          2nd hand ones are hit or miss, often crapped out needing new baffles, door glass seals etc.

          Coffs region is wonderful but shhhh don't tell the masses. Boambee (I assume you meant?) is nice, Repton too but very tree'd in.

    • nrg2010 on 08/05/2017 - 18:28

      Correctly operated wood burners can work alright, and have you heard burning coal isn't so good for the environment.

      Some reading:
      Google -Climate Change,Newcastle Coal Train,Black Lung etc,etc

      • abcdefg5 on 08/05/2017 - 18:32

        You burn coal in your house!?

        EDIT: I assume you're talking about coal as an electricity source. That also isn't a great idea. Better options:
        - Gas heater
        - Solar panels + electric heater

        • nrg2010 on 08/05/2017 - 18:42
          +2

          Ha…My solar panels don't work at night! :)

          I get what you are saying but for many of us in the bush , wood is a sustainable fuel source, collected from around our properties.The big old gum trees supply a wonderful source of dry fuel.

          My alternative is coal fired electricity as there is no reticulated gas and it is costly.

        • abcdefg5 on 08/05/2017 - 18:59

          I get you. It's easy to be idealistic, but the reality of free firewood vs a $8,500 battery for solar panels makes me understand the decision.

  • BluebirdV on 08/05/2017 - 19:44

    Considered a rocket stove? Very effective and efficient. Look it up on YouTube if your interested.

    • Daniel Plainview on 08/05/2017 - 21:31

      Its for the middle of my lounge room so based on the rocket stoves I've seen (which all tend to be very DIY rough projects made for man caves and sheds) I don't think that'll be viable…..but is a good idea as I've thought it through before but no way the wife would sign off on it. :-)

      • BluebirdV on 11/05/2017 - 13:40

        A steel beer keg would be the bees knees option for a rocket stove or biochar stove.

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