Drolet Heatpro

[lexybird]

I may be going out on a limb here, but me thinks you not impressed @lexybird ?

Like I said that may not be a fair assessment I'm just going by a picture and description for comparison . I have found in life you usually get what you pay for that being said the unit is a large tundra more than it is a brother to a caddy max which isn't a bad thing the tundra is not junk it just had some early flaws that needed addressed . It burns clean heats long and is automated .. One things for sure a heatpro has gotta be better than most large smoke dragons that we've been forced to buy over the last several decades

 

[lexybird]

It does appear the damper is still either fully open or fully closed. However, the (presumed) ability of the PCB to know and control blower speed, as well as the analog input of the RTD, give the PCB enough information to run an algorithm that can probably be much more effective at preventing overtemp conditions and close the damper even if the tstat or manual switch call for "open". I think the Tundra is much more likely to have the damper open when it shouldn't because its controls are limited to the 160F snap disc, which is much too high a setpoint if you have decent airflow in your ducts.

Am I missing something I don't see anything that indicates it can auto switch through fan speeds to regulate plenum temperature I don't see any indication of a PC board control that allows various functions and tuning like a max ? Is this somewhere in the online manual I'm missing where is that ? because it looks to me like it's just a simple on off single speed fan control with a simple T stat on off damper control like a tundra

 

[laynes69]

Am I missing something I don't see anything that indicates it can auto switch through fan speeds to regulate plenum temperature I don't see any indication of a PC board control that allows various functions and tuning like a max ? Is this somewhere in the online manual I'm missing where is that ? because it looks to me like it's just a simple on off single speed fan control with a simple T stat on off damper control like a tundra

The manual shows a pc board with multiple wires leading to the blower. I'm assuming it's the speed jumpers on the board. There's also a temperature probe, so no honeywell. Being the Max Caddy is tested and certified, I assume they must follow the same controls to keep things inline. I'm curious of the price, can't find anything on it.

 

[3fordasho]

Am I missing something I don't see anything that indicates it can auto switch through fan speeds to regulate plenum temperature I don't see any indication of a PC board control that allows various functions and tuning like a max ? Is this somewhere in the online manual I'm missing where is that ? because it looks to me like it's just a simple on off single speed fan control with a simple T stat on off damper control like a tundra

Looking at the control board in the Heatpro manual there is 4 relays just above the motor harness connector. Those relays switch the different blower speeds. Not the same as the Tundra's blower speed manual selection. Looks to me like the board is selecting blower speed based upon the input from the RTD.

 

[sloeffle]

the heatpro has a really goofy plenum setup

I don't get the plenum either. How do they expect you to tie this into your existing ductwork.

IMHO - SBI is just taking the Caddy and Max Caddy designs and cheapening them up to sell at a lower price point.

 

[brenndatomu]

IMHO - SBI is just taking the Caddy and Max Caddy designs and cheapening them up to sell at a lower price point.

Exactly, if you read the beginning of the Tundra thread over on AS that was started before the Tundra even was out, by Fyrebug, a SBI employee, he basically said they took the Caddy firebox and built a furnace around it that was DIY friendly (2 round ducts instead of a plenum) and had a big box store price point to be able to compete with the Hotblast/etc. that was being sold by all the big box and farm stores. There was no EPA wood furnace option in that price point available in retail stores previous to the Tundra, they were/are filling that niche with Tundra and now Heatpro

 

[lexybird]

Okay it's in manual thanks for clearing that up fellas

 

[sloeffle]

Exactly, if you read the beginning of the Tundra thread over on AS that was started before the Tundra even was out, by Fyrebug, a SBI employee, he basically said they took the Caddy firebox and built a furnace around it that was DIY friendly (2 round ducts instead of a plenum) and had a big box store price point to be able to compete with the Hotblast/etc. that was being sold by all the big box and farm stores. There was no EPA wood furnace option in that price point available in retail stores previous to the Tundra, they were/are filling that niche with Tundra and now Heatpro

Once I saw the light, I stopped reading AS.

 

[Wisneaky]

Once I saw the light, I stopped reading AS.

Same here.

 

[brenndatomu]

Once I saw the light, I stopped reading AS.

Same here.

I 'spose you guys don't like to read the funny pages either...

 

[Wisneaky]

I 'spose you guys don't like to read the funny pages either...

I'm more of a news person.

 

[3fordasho]

$2699 at (broken link removed to http://www.myfireplaceproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=DF03000&Lang=EN)

 

[Highbeam]

$2699 at (broken link removed to http://www.myfireplaceproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=DF03000&Lang=EN)

Thanks ford.
That price includes free shipping and the blower but no filter box.

 

[3fordasho]

Thanks ford.
That price includes free shipping and the blower but no filter box.

Yea I got all excited because I have a 25% off coupon from myfireplaceproducts sent to me after I registered my Tundra. Was all ready to order a Heatpro when I realized it was just for "fireplace accessories". So waiting to see what the box stores will sell it for, I could use the additional heating capacity.

 

[Highbeam]

I read the whole manual and they still have not tested to certify the emissions rate in GPH. As such, it is still illegal in WA. It's probably just a calculation but the inspector won't care.

 

[brenndatomu]

Yea I got all excited because I have a 25% off coupon from myfireplaceproducts sent to me after I registered my Tundra. Was all ready to order a Heatpro when I realized it was just for "fireplace accessories". So waiting to see what the box stores will sell it for, I could use the additional heating capacity.

$2599 at Menards, 3-4 weeks lead time...SKU # 638-1421, it's not on their website yet, but they can order 'em

 

[DoubleB]

$2599 at Menards,

Some other thread someone recently spotted a Max Caddy for $2800. If I was buying right now I would really have trouble finding a reason to get the Heatpro instead of that Max.

 

[brenndatomu]

Some other thread someone recently spotted a Max Caddy for $2800. If I was buying right now I would really have trouble finding a reason to get the Heatpro instead of that Max.

At those numbers, yeah, I agree. BUT, 99% of people don't have access to a dealer that will sell at that price (was that a bare (no blower or computer control) Max?) Most people will be lucky to buy Max for $3500. AND, when Menards does their 11% sale...~$2300, plus if they do a Heatpro sale DURING a 11% sale, BAM! sub $2G Heatpro... (Remember the $1250 Tundras?)

 

[DoubleB]

if they do a Heatpro sale DURING a 11% sale, BAM! sub $2G Heatpro...

When you put it that way, I suppose maybe I'll eat my words someday. Good point.

 

[Highbeam]

At those numbers, yeah, I agree. BUT, 99% of people don't have access to a dealer that will sell at that price (was that a bare (no blower or computer control) Max?) Most people will be lucky to buy Max for $3500. AND, when Menards does their 11% sale...~$2300, plus if they do a Heatpro sale DURING a 11% sale, BAM! sub $2G Heatpro... (Remember the $1250 Tundras?)

Bren, if that happens, wave a big flag so we can all order. We don't have Menards out here but I would love an automated 4.9 CF firebox and 1900CFM blower beneath my 6" flue. Replace the outgunned NC30.

 

[STIHLY DAN]

I own a max caddy so I can easily see the differences on this unit . It looks pretty inferior to me but that may not be a fair assessment because I'm sure it'll be priced much lower and may offer a good value . It looks like they have the same damper control setup as the tundra other than the probe is no longer stationary in the back of the unit and you can put in where you want now in the ducting . Not really innovative . Id say it's much more like a big tundra than it is a max . The max has high temperature insulation internally all around the air jacket. In the the max all welds are clean all sealing areas are sealed very well with ceramic gaskets everything is high end . The max is not a simple " on "off " limit switch for a single set speed blower like the 1970s that all other furnaces use ..The max has a high tech controllable PC board that is far far more complicated and adjustable also the max changes fan speed multiple times throughout the burn cycle which is a huge benefit in a furnace .this is a huge leap I cant stress that enough the air is always warm and it doesn't cool the firebox off like a single speed blower will . the heatpro has a really goofy plenum setup . Who thinks of this stuff why would anyone want to have 857 round ducts coming off the top of the unit ? The heatpro has that odd coat hanger that runs through it to actuate the damper flap this sticks from time to time instead of the simple caddy chain version which is always reliable . If the coat hanger sticks the damper won't open and the house will cool down quick . It has that big dresser ash drawer with bolts instead of a gasket lined sealed handled style like the caddy has which you wouldn't think makes much difference but this is a great feature to quickly "turbo " a fresh load from a few coals into an inferno in a minute so you can get going to work in morning . No options for water loop no options for electric heat unit or oil burner for backup No over heat mode (aside from closing the damper )No ac circulation modes or automated adjustable fan settings . The plenum hood alone would make me question the design . But all that said it would likely be a big step in the right direction for a guy with a old furnace like a hot blast or Clayton that he wanted to replace

The max caddy auto changes the fan speeds with temp? I was under the impression that it was a manual change. If that is true that's a fantastic feature.

 

[Highbeam]

The max caddy auto changes the fan speeds with temp? I was under the impression that it was a manual change. If that is true that's a fantastic feature.

That's what those guys on the other two major wood sites have observed. The fan hookup to the circuit board has 4 wires and they get used for each speed setting.

 

[brenndatomu]

Bren, if that happens, wave a big flag so we can all order. We don't have Menards out here but I would love an automated 4.9 CF firebox and 1900CFM blower beneath my 6" flue. Replace the outgunned NC30.

I can do that, but, since Menards doesn't list the Heatpro on their website, might not qualify for their sales, dunno. It is special order only as of right now.

 

[lexybird]

The max caddy auto changes the fan speeds with temp? I was under the impression that it was a manual change. If that is true that's a fantastic feature.

Yes you read that right it sure does the PC board does many cool features and speed automation is one of them . It adjusts up and down throughout the cycle for optimum cfm for the heat load ,this keeps it always blowing hot air , never cool and always at the best speed the other bonus is it doesn't cool off the firebox .wich means longer cleaner burns . I could easily get 12 hours so far without trying

 

[Hot shot]

I don't get the plenum either. How do they expect you to tie this into your existing ductwork.

IMHO - SBI is just taking the Caddy and Max Caddy designs and cheapening them up to sell at a lower price point.

the furnace come with an adjustable height plenum witch is not a must use you can adapt a plenum to your duct work. 2nd PSG is a division of SBI (SBI didn't copy PSG they own them ) . THIS is not an argument .Just look at the bottom of the page on there site . it is the same furnace with a different outer shell . heat pro comes with the blower motor assembly while Max caddy blower assembly is sold seperatly .
this is a great site and useful info and good topic's Good job u all