Wood Fired Boilers

Select a safe, responsible and economical wood fired boiler to heat your business

By Donn Saylor
With utility costs a rising concern, it is a wise idea to consider a wood fired boiler to provide heat and hot water for your facility. Wood fired boilers have been around for ages, and have proved to be efficient heating devices. The distinct advantage of wood fire boilers is that they do not rely on conventional fuel sources to produce heat.

Wood fired steam boilers are not without their challenges, however. There are several important things to take into consideration before your purchase.

1. A wood boiler produces copious amounts of smoke. Unless your business is in a rural area, the enormous quantities of smoke may be a nuisance for your neighbors. In addition to this, it is vital to note that every state has air quality control regulations.

2. Wood boilers need daily upkeep. Adjusting heat, adding water and putting more wood on the fire are part of the routine.

3. Electricity is necessary to operate a wood fired steam boiler. The fan, air vent and circulating pump need electricity to work. Because the boilers are located outside, special hook-ups and wiring will be necessary.

 

Seek the most efficient wood fired steam boilers on the market

When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of wood fired boilers, one thing is certain: your unit must churn out a lot of heat. Finding the most efficient boiler will not only save you money, but a great deal of time as well.
Try: The website for Central Boiler is filled with helpful information and a multitude of products aimed at cost efficiency. Be sure to check out its energy calculator to figure out how much you can save by purchasing a wood fired boiler. Maine Wood Furnaces carries a line of boilers specially manufactured with a unique downdraft exhaust, which will save you both money and time.

Consider wood fired boilers that burn wood pellets or corn

Because many units can be expensive to operate and maintain, it's important to find equipment that will give you the most heat for your buck. Wood pellet boilers are a popular option. Several companies offer wood pellet boilers that are not only economical, but environmentally friendly as well.
Try: On its informative website, Tarm USA offers wood pellet and corn boilers for sale. Tarm USA also is a great source of information and even has photos of the typical installation process. Harmon Home Heating stocks a variety of wood pellet and traditional wood heating units.

Be smart: Purchase used wood boilers

New wood boilers can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on size. A used boiler is an economical route to take, as well as a way to see if a wood fired boiler will work for your business--without having to pay for a brand new unit.
Try: Moss has been in the business of selling used wood fired boilers for 50 years. It has an impressive selection, as well as a monthly special. Industrial Wood Products is another great distributor, offering several different types of wood boilers for sale.

 

  • Be sure to check with your state's department of environmental affairs, or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for any rules, standards or certifications your wood boiler may need. These vary from state to state, and they protect you, your business and the environment.