Transitioning from Fossil Fuels to Forests:

Homeowner Testimonial: Making the Switch to Modern Wood

Heating

Roy Samhaber, B.Eng., P.Eng.

There must be a better way…

Franklin fireplace – 1970s

Wood stove with

secondary air – 1990s

Present day – Opel II fireplace

The switch to high efficiency wood burning was

prompted by 1. Generate more heat from the same volume of wood respecting the conservation

principle

2. Operate a system to heat our entire home

3. Eliminate as much smoke and smell as possible therefore lessening the

environmental impact

What are the main components of high efficiency wood

heating system?

1. The boiler

2. The thermal storage system or buffer tank

• Pressurized

• Unpressurized

3. Heat delivery to home

• Hot air coil

• Baseboard heaters

• Radiant floor heating

4. Controls

• Boiler return water

• Terminal devices

Resulting System for My Home

My System Cost

1. Boiler - $10,000

2. Chimney – $1,500 to $2,500

3. Pressurized storage tanks - $6,000

4. Plumbing - $2,500

• between boiler, tank and existing heating system

• pumps and heat exchanges

5. Controls - $2,000

• boiler return water

• terminal devices

Utility Savings

1. System can easily reduce between 90% to 100% of your utility bill

for space heating and domestic hot water heating

Overall Experience

Boiler operates reliably

Automatic secondary air control is a must have

Thermal storage system ensures efficiency and ease of operation

System is simple to operate, load boiler, start fire and walk away

A better way

Additional Pictures