Two weeks left :0 vigas or varmebaronen

[ewdudley]

I feel that a draft fan could only help if the wood is slightly above ideal MC.

Vedolux has models with conventional draft fan and other models with natural draft.

 

[Brialin]

I bought a Vigas 40 from Patrick Marks in NH. It is a great boiler and his expertise is greatly appreciated. I replaced a 17 year old Tarm gassifier. I wasn't sure about the computer controls but actually think they are the best thing going. I appear to use about 20 percent less wood than the Tarm. You will not be at all disappointed if you but one. I live in North Cental Mass. if fyou would like to see one in operation.

Brian

 

[Splitmonster]

Thank you all for your input. I think i have setteld on the vigas40. I agree with your coments about Mark. I. Spoke with him last year when i started my research and he was more than willing to tell me everything he knew about boilers. Im looking forward to meating him and giveing him my buisness.

 

[charly]

Thank you all for your input. I think i have setteld on the vigas40. I agree with your coments about Mark. I. Spoke with him last year when i started my research and he was more than willing to tell me everything he knew about boilers. Im looking forward to meating him and giveing him my buisness.

He's a really fun guy to be around...He makes it a point to make sure you understand anything he's talking about,, he wants you right on board with his thinking!

 

[flyingcow]

How tall is your chimeny?

Damn personal question young fella'...........Damn Canadians are a bit forward.

 

[arngnick]

I will add that I am very satisfied with my Varm 50 which is also natural draft like Maple1. It is pretty much self-regulating since the draft builds as the fire matures and decreases as it goes out. I will say I am guilty of burning less than ideal wood without much issue but am much better prepared this year. My wife operates the boiler with ease and only takes 5-10 mins to light load, and walk away. The fact that ALL the cleaning can be done from the front is very convenient and quick. I will also warn you if you decide to go with a Varm you will not be able to get away from the viewing glass...it’s fun to watch.

 

[Coal Reaper]

I will add that I am very satisfied with my Varm 50 which is also natural draft like Maple1. It is pretty much self-regulating since the draft builds as the fire matures and decreases as it goes out. I will say I am guilty of burning less than ideal wood without much issue but am much better prepared this year. My wife operates the boiler with ease and only takes 5-10 mins to light load, and walk away. The fact that ALL the cleaning can be done from the front is very convenient and quick. I will also warn you if you decide to go with a Varm you will not be able to get away from the viewing glass...it’s fun to watch.

Idk what i would do if if i couldnt see that waterfall of flames cascading through the nozzle and wrapping around the trough. Almost mesmerizing to sit in front of with a beer. Iwill be putting a couch in front of my boiler once i get that room finished.

 

[JTWALL]

Don't think u could go wrong with either unit.... That being said, I know u can't go wrong if u are getting ur Vigas from AHONA, especially if you are performing the install urself. Class act over there.

I beg to differ on your opinion of AHONA. I purchased a Eko Model 25 back in 2008 from them. I have tried unsuccessfully to get replacement parts for my unit for over 6 months. They never return e-mails, when I did reach them on the phone, Mark repeatedly promised me confirmed delivery and NEVER came through. He always had an excuse: "well, I am at a show in Ohio...call me this weekend." They spend more time out-of-town at trade shows than taking care of business at home. Please, don't believe me...go to their website and leave an e-mail message...they will never get back to you. I know it is a waste of time, but I filed a complaint with the BBB. They use to be very responsive, no more. Shop elsewhere if you can.
PS: I ordered the parts I needed from New Horizon; received them in 3 days.

 

[nrcrash]

I beg to differ on your opinion of AHONA. I purchased a Eko Model 25 back in 2008 from them. I have tried unsuccessfully to get replacement parts for my unit for over 6 months. They never return e-mails, when I did reach them on the phone, Mark repeatedly promised me confirmed delivery and NEVER came through. He always had an excuse: "well, I am at a show in Ohio...call me this weekend." They spend more time out-of-town at trade shows than taking care of business at home. Please, don't believe me...go to their website and leave an e-mail message...they will never get back to you. I know it is a waste of time, but I filed a complaint with the BBB. They use to be very responsive, no more. Shop elsewhere if you can.
PS: I ordered the parts I needed from New Horizon; received them in 3 days.

What went on ur eko? Was it covered under warranty?

 

[Splitmonster]

No one is perfect

 

[arngnick]

I would like to add that the customer service from Smokelessheat.com is second to none! Dean made special appointments to meet me after hours and on weekends. I bought my first gasifier from him and I struggled with it for 2 years (not a Varm he does not sell this brand anymore). He was very responsive for the entire two years to offer solutions and suggestions for the issues that I experienced. About half way through my wife and I were fed up and decided we needed to do something else before we burnt our house down or got hurt with the unit. I called Dean and explained my situation and much to my surprise he offered to buy back the boiler regardless if I bought anything else from him (of course the buyback price was slightly less if I decided to buy elsewhere). I was blown away at such a generous offer! I did extensive research and once I was sold on the idea of storage and batch burning. I decided to take a look at the Varm. I was very impressed. I looked at a lot of boilers, options and designs and I was sold on the Varm. I think there are many good options out there but I do not regret buying the Varm or dealing with smokelessheat.com.
Most recently I had an 80 gallon expansion tank that I purchased from smokelessheat.com go bad and once I contacted Dean he processed the paperwork and had a new one on the way from the manufacture right away. Even offered a loaner if I wanted to pick it up.
Highly recommend smokelessheat.com

 

[Splitmonster]

So, the two weeks have come and gone i bought a vigas 40 from Patrick Marks up in NH at Alternative Heating of Mount Washington Vally. First off a supper nice guy and a pleasure to do business with. Any way i got it all plumbed up and had my first fire last night. The controller is a little intimidating at first but once you use it for more than two minuets its really easy. I loaded it with an arms full of wood and a couple pieces of kindling on the bottom, blasted it with my plumbers torch shut the door and hit the button!! The water temp went up about as fast as the smile on my face

 

[PassionForFire&Water]

Congrats!

I love that "towel dryer" in front of the gasifier

 

[Coal Reaper]

Good on yah!

 

[PassionForFire&Water]

And, ..... that safety valve should be plumbed in a safe way towards the floor.
If somebody peeks trough the window when it goes off, he/she might loose an eye

 

[Splitmonster]

And, ..... that safety valve should be plumbed in a safe way towards the floor.
If somebody peeks trough the window when it goes off, he/she might loose an eye

That should keep them out.

 

[Splitmonster]

Haha i have the parts to plumb it down, but my excitement of running the boiler got in the way. Still plenty of finishing touches to do

 

[Splitmonster]

I cant wait until the storage come up to temp so i can turn on some zone pumps

 

[Clarkbug]

I cant wait until the storage come up to temp so i can turn on some zone pumps

You are gonna wanna get some insulation on that storage tank, or you wont ever get it up there! I ran my system for a few weeks without it to check for leaks, and it definitely heated my basement. Its a giant radiator at this point

But nice job getting it in and installed!

 

[Splitmonster]

How do i get it up to temp when this damn protection valve wont let it circulate. The boiler is up to temp and idling.

 

[PassionForFire&Water]

is the LK820 in the right orientation?
what temp setting is the LK820?
is the pump running?
pump GPM?

 

[Splitmonster]

No LK820 here. Just a 140 danfoss valve and a 3 speed circulator pump

 

[PassionForFire&Water]

is the pump running?
How do you control this?

 

[Clarkbug]

Just a 140 danfoss valve and a 3 speed circulator pump

Do you have a ball valve in your bypass line?

 

[Splitmonster]

The pump runs as long as the exhaust temp is up, so as long as i reset it every now and then the pump stays on.