Wood Doctor Outdoor Wood Furnaces

[Spring_Woods]

Hi ya'all I'm back for another year on the OG... I missed everyone here. I know it says I only have one post, but I had trouble logging in and might have lost 400 + posts?  

Oh, well anyways to get everyone caught up here, I just built a house this last fall and moved in January 29th. I love it here but I live in the country. In Ohio, this means when the electric goes out, us country folks are last on the list to get restored. I heat with all electric, and a forced air electric heat pump. Although the house is well insulated, I want to whittle my electric bill down to about $100/month in the winter and cooler months.

I work in the timber/sawmill business and can basically get unlimited free fire wood so it would be a great $ saver I do believe. Plus, I can heat my hot water with the outdoor unit.

My question is, does anyone have any experiences, or tips for anyone in the market looking to buy a new unit?

A little background; I priced a few units from a couple of different dealers and quite frankly, the prices were just not feasible. I talked to a co worker and he thought it was crazy to pay what I was finding in my research. He inquired about a "Wood Doctor" through their website and came back with a WD 4000 for $3790 which is completely in my price range. About half the cost of what I was able to find through 2 different dealers.
Here is a link: http://www.wooddoctorfurnace.com/

I'm really set on an outdoor unit because I don't want my homeowners insurance to rise because of the increased fire risk associated with an indoor unit.

If anyone has any insight, please fill me in. Thanks, and its great to be back on board!  

[shootumindaface]

You usually get what you pay for in this type of deal... Up here in the North woods everybody is buying these... From the folks I know whom have done the research, Central Boiler is the name that comes up the most

[Spring_Woods]

I priced one of their units. A comparable unit with all installation parts was around $8,500. Steep!
But thanks for the input!

[X-Tennessean]

I have been researching them myself, of the one's that I have looked at (physically) Shaver, Hardy, and Earthwood. I think I am personally gonna go with a Shaver Pro 165, they are in the ball park of $4977 with Hardy next inline and Earthwood being a little higher. I personally do not like the looks of the Hardy and have gotten mixed feelings between the "stainless steel" and "mild steel". From what I have found and discussed from dealers and owners, I have been told NOT to purchase one that did not have a "fan forced" firebox !! They say you get a more complete and efficient burn with the fan forced units. I could go on and on and will be more than glad to if you would like, just send me a message and I will try and help you with what information I have came up with.

Sincerely,
Randall

[Crutch]

Taking the time to install it properly will help alot too. Getting the supply and return lines underground below your frost line and well insulating them is going to help. The forced air in the fire box super heats the unit when the demand spikes. Once your water temp recovers, it shuts back down. I have been told you will not want for hot water from the domestic side if you preheat with your unit.  This will work out well for you. Good luck.

[fiveyear]

Sounds good anything to get off the grid is exciting to me!  I Know you are  just looking for back up.