Wood furnace question: Fire Chief 700 vs. Clayton 1600

[Lawnman323]

Both have very similar statistics, the only difference I can see in funcion is that the Clayton has a bottom ash discharge grate that you rock back and forth by wiggling a lever to drop the ashes. The Fire Chief has a auger-type system that has teeth to pull the ashes down. The Clayton is $1899, Fire cheif is $2300. Any other info on these units would be great.

I've thought it through quite a bit, talked to HVAC guys, pellet and wood burner dealers, and I think a wood furnace is my best option against pellet or an outside boiler. I have a existing forced-air propane furnace I can tie into and a walk out basement so my access for wood is good. I run a landscape business, so wood is not really a problem to come by. Home is 1800 sf. upstairs, 1800 sf. finished downstairs.

Thanks for the continued help and support.

 

[smokinj]

Both have very similar statistics, the only difference I can see in funcion is that the Clayton has a bottom ash discharge grate that you rock back and forth by wiggling a lever to drop the ashes. The Fire Chief has a auger-type system that has teeth to pull the ashes down. The Clayton is $1899, Fire cheif is $2300. Any other info on these units would be great.

I've thought it through quite a bit, talked to HVAC guys, pellet and wood burner dealers, and I think a wood furnace is my best option against pellet or an outside boiler. I have a existing forced-air propane furnace I can tie into and a walk out basement so my access for wood is good. I run a landscape business, so wood is not really a problem to come by. Home is 1800 sf. upstairs, 1800 sf. finished downstairs.

Thanks for the continued help and support.

I like the claytons dont know about the cheif

 

[laynes69]

I would go with the clayton. They offer the same things as the firecheif, but for a better price.

 

[ssupercoolss]

if i remember correctly there is someone on here with a fire chief. i believe he said it was really good at burning lots of wood quick and hot due to the combustion fan running too often for his liking.

 

[Lawnman323]

I've been told by more than one person that they burn a lot of wood. I just don't want to do an outdoor boiler system because I'll be spitting nails every time I have to go outside to load the unit. I'll also have a permanant walkway to it so I can shovel snow, and I'm not into that because that's a lot of unnecessary brick pavers to match the patio. The fit and finish of the landscape must be perfect, this is a portfolio project.

As far as inside funaces go, is there anything besides these units availible. The EKO unit looks interesting, but I presume it is an outside unit and I am unsure on the price.

I'm getting close to purchasing a unit, just want to make sure I make the right choice.

Thank you again.

Scott

 

[smokinj]

I've been told by more than one person that they burn a lot of wood. I just don't want to do an outdoor boiler system because I'll be spitting nails every time I have to go outside to load the unit. I'll also have a permanant walkway to it so I can shovel snow, and I'm not into that because that's a lot of unnecessary brick pavers to match the patio. The fit and finish of the landscape must be perfect, this is a portfolio project.

As far as inside funaces go, is there anything besides these units availible. The EKO unit looks interesting, but I presume it is an outside unit and I am unsure on the price.

I'm getting close to purchasing a unit, just want to make sure I make the right choice.

Thank you again.

Scott

you will be happy with the clayton it can be upgraded to do hot water as well!2nd heat exchanger as well

 

[Lawnman323]

Thanks for the replies. I agree the Clayton is a great buy.

I just hope the house doesn't smell like smoke. I'll have 5' or so of rise (was hoping to do single wall), then I have to make about a 6' horizontal run to get through my block wall (transition to double wall) and then I can head up the side of the house. I was hoping to frame in the chase next season. The stack will be going up the east side of the home, and I have been told by the Fire Chief installers that I need about 6' of pipe above the roofline.

I understand that when the draft blower is running it will draft well, but when it kicks off I hope it doesn't puff like crazy. I'll be sleeping in my truck and the propane furnace will be rolling to keep the wife warm.

Any thoughts.?

 

[Lawnman323]

[quote author="smokinj" date="1225562165
Scott[/quote]
you will be happy with the clayton it can be upgraded to do hot water as well!2nd heat exchanger as well[/quote]

I am planning on tying in the hot water, how does the 2nd heat exchanger work?

 

[Lawnman323]

Just called TSC, evidently the 1600 has dropped the Clayton name and is now a Hot Blast. Price is $1629.00. The plot thickens.

The Fire Cheif claims to have a 'secondary combustion chamber, looks like a damper from the pic.

I also started looking up the Caddy and Yukon Eagle. For $1629 though, that price is hard to beat. I think long-term I will wind up with a boiler system with storage. This just has to get me through the next few years.