I have have been saying that I couldn't wait for heating season to arrive so I can put the Kedel through it's paces and get it fine tuned. Well, now that it is here I'm longing for a few more warm days to prepare for the long Northern Maine winters. The temperature has been below freezing every night this week and the days have been very chilly. The Kedel is running very well and I am still very pleased and convinced I made the right choice. As expected, pellet consumption has increased ad the Kedel is running pretty much constantly, at a low power level, through the night and only shuts down a couple times during sunny days with solar gain from my large windows. This is right where we want it as the start/stop cycles lower the efficiency of the unit, much like starting a car takes more gas and energy than letting it idle. I watch the power level and output readings and really enjoy the fact that the unit keeps itself at the lowest power level needed and will ramp itself up as the temperature drops. The house remains a consistent temperature of between 68 to 70 although it may not appear that way if you have been watching the data graphs. The temperature sensor reads in tenths of a degree where my thermostat reads in whole degrees. You can almost tell when we let the dog out by the drop of a couple tenths of a degree on the graph.
As for the pellet consumption, it is in keeping with my expectation based on the square footage I am heating, age of the windows and home insulation. I compared the pellet consumption per square foot of other Kedels heating around the clock and I'm right there with them. At this moment I am using .034 lbs/sq.ft./day. I will gain additional efficiency when I swap the windows out for newer, more efficient ones (next year?). I have consumed just under a ton of pellets at this point and found that with the pellets I am using, the ash bin will hold the ash of almost the whole ton. I have no intention of letting it get filled all way again. Emptying the ash bin every three to four weeks is more than acceptable. I may try a new brand with my next purchase just to see how it will effect performance and ash production.
The cost savings is still very obvious over the oil boiler. I still the oil connected to the system although I have no intention of throwing the on switch any time soon. Perhaps it's the 6 months I spent in the Boy Scouts or the episodes of 'Doomsday Prepper' I've watched that tell me "keep the backup."
I'll gather additional data over the next few weeks then post my cost savings data of pellets over oil. At that point I'll also be able to more accurately look at the BTU output of the Kedel and compare it to the Heat Load calculations I had done prior to selecting the size of a boiler.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Naysayers, Pellet Level and Latest Tweaks
It's been a while since the last post because, well, you can only say things are going great so may times before people lose interest. Plus there was no major changes to discuss. We are still looking forward to the heating season to really test the Kedel out. I feel like we just bought a new sports car but can't open it up because the weather isn't cooperating.
Since my last post I have had several people ask me about the boiler and a half dozen coworkers are watching closely to see how it goes as they prepare to update their heating systems next year. A few naysayers have already converted to believers based on the limited data I have been able to share with them. It is obvious that people out there are looking at the Kedel, standing up and asking questions.
I finally had to add pellets to the hopper after a month of use. I had intentionally understated the amount of pellets in the hopper by 50 pounds when inputting the data on the control panel. I did this to create a buffer just in case I forgot to check the pellet level. There isn't much of a chance of that as I am drawn to the web site data and check it frequently. The method to my madness was that I wanted to see if the control panel would generate a warning to the user if the pellet level went low. The displayed pellet level dropped to 34.2 pounds before I spent 10 minutes to refill the hopper. No warning was generated. I will say that when I sent the suggestion to Kedel it was well recieved. I filled the hopper and once again understated the amount of pellets when I entering the poundage on the control panel. I suspect this is just like setting the time on your alarm clock back 10 minutes in case you oversleep and just end up taking advantage of knowing you can hit the snooze button one extra time. But for know, I'll say I have a buffer of 50 lbs.
I have been adjusting the fan speed on low setting for the past several days as I have been getting a 'Note' message on the display. Apparently the boiler has sensed it is not operating optimally and has been adjusting the auger speed on its own to compensate. A quick email to Kedel and they explained the solution. It was as easy as punching numbers on a number pad. A graph on the display clearly showed what was happening and each adjustment brought the oxygen levels to the desired levels and I no longer get the "Note" on the display. Kedel actually sent me an email saying that they had been watching (via the internet) and noticed that the adjustments were working. As I mentioned before, I love the ability to have techs look at my system in real time via the net.
Another change I made to the Kedel is I installed the exterior temperature sensor. Rather than putting it outside, I put it in my living room. This allows me to see the actual temperature in my home at any given time. Anyone looking at the website will see the orange line 'exterior temp' and see that it is 70 with less than 1.5 degree fluctuations. This is so much better than my old heating system. The constant temperature in the house makes it feel so much warmer.
And the last tweak I've made is to turn down the minumum power setting to 20% allowing the boiler to handle my DWH with less power.
So for now we will continue to wait for the colder weather to set in. It won't be long as the geese have been flying for a while. Although there are a few less after my hunting trip last week. I mentioned previously I am utilizing the time NOT cutting and splitting wood to do more hunting. So I guess the Kedel is good for me, bad for the geese.
Since my last post I have had several people ask me about the boiler and a half dozen coworkers are watching closely to see how it goes as they prepare to update their heating systems next year. A few naysayers have already converted to believers based on the limited data I have been able to share with them. It is obvious that people out there are looking at the Kedel, standing up and asking questions.
I finally had to add pellets to the hopper after a month of use. I had intentionally understated the amount of pellets in the hopper by 50 pounds when inputting the data on the control panel. I did this to create a buffer just in case I forgot to check the pellet level. There isn't much of a chance of that as I am drawn to the web site data and check it frequently. The method to my madness was that I wanted to see if the control panel would generate a warning to the user if the pellet level went low. The displayed pellet level dropped to 34.2 pounds before I spent 10 minutes to refill the hopper. No warning was generated. I will say that when I sent the suggestion to Kedel it was well recieved. I filled the hopper and once again understated the amount of pellets when I entering the poundage on the control panel. I suspect this is just like setting the time on your alarm clock back 10 minutes in case you oversleep and just end up taking advantage of knowing you can hit the snooze button one extra time. But for know, I'll say I have a buffer of 50 lbs.
I have been adjusting the fan speed on low setting for the past several days as I have been getting a 'Note' message on the display. Apparently the boiler has sensed it is not operating optimally and has been adjusting the auger speed on its own to compensate. A quick email to Kedel and they explained the solution. It was as easy as punching numbers on a number pad. A graph on the display clearly showed what was happening and each adjustment brought the oxygen levels to the desired levels and I no longer get the "Note" on the display. Kedel actually sent me an email saying that they had been watching (via the internet) and noticed that the adjustments were working. As I mentioned before, I love the ability to have techs look at my system in real time via the net.
Another change I made to the Kedel is I installed the exterior temperature sensor. Rather than putting it outside, I put it in my living room. This allows me to see the actual temperature in my home at any given time. Anyone looking at the website will see the orange line 'exterior temp' and see that it is 70 with less than 1.5 degree fluctuations. This is so much better than my old heating system. The constant temperature in the house makes it feel so much warmer.
And the last tweak I've made is to turn down the minumum power setting to 20% allowing the boiler to handle my DWH with less power.
So for now we will continue to wait for the colder weather to set in. It won't be long as the geese have been flying for a while. Although there are a few less after my hunting trip last week. I mentioned previously I am utilizing the time NOT cutting and splitting wood to do more hunting. So I guess the Kedel is good for me, bad for the geese.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Adjustments, No Back Pain, The Network, and 'Big Brother.'
The pellet boiler has been in for just over a week now and things are still going great. We are still seeing the same pellet consumption and have turned on the heat due to the colder evenings here in Northern Maine. The house is heating nicely with the new plumbing and the Kedel. I am averaging .008 lbs/ sq. ft. of pellets to heat the house and DHW; or roughly 16 lbs per per day ($1.60) My oil fired boiler is still online but I haven't heard the steady drone of that money sucker since the Kedel went in. I also haven't had to sharpen or oil my chainsaw nor fuel up the log splitter. I'm enjoying spending more time in the field scouting ducks and geese rather than spending time at the wood pile. And my back is happier too.
We are currently doing adjustments to the Kedel to reach it's peak efficiency for my house. I have 3 heating zones and a 4th zone feeding the boilermate. We have started turning down the power level to the minimum needed recover the DHW without realizing any lack of hot water. Once we are heating full time later this fall/winter I think it will be easier to recognize the effects of the setting changes. Right now we are having significant weather swings that we need heat one day and not the next.
The Kedel gave me a message on the control panel earlier in the week saying that an adjustment could be done with the fan speed and fuel consumption. This wasn't an 'Alarm' message which would have notified me (and my technicians if I wish) by email. This was just an 'Info' message telling me that a change could be done to improve efficiency. I hate the fact that this thing may be smarter than I am. A few quick email exchanges with my techs and Kedel and I changed settings to address the issue. A few clicks on the control panel brought up a line chart visually representing the prior levels and, over time, the effects of the new changes. I almost wish the Kedel would be running more often so I can see the effects immediately.
I also received an email from my techs and Kedel who have been monitoring the operation of my boiler via the network. They noticed that I had failed to turn on the weather compensation functions available after connecting the Kedel to the network. I had provided them with my access codes previously so they could make changes if necessary, so they changed it for me remotely. Some people have told me that they didn't like the idea of 'other people' being able to see what was going on in their basements. Paranoid comments regarding "big brother ." We'll fear not, I had the choice of making my information visible on the web, my location on a map was voluntary, and I did not have to give anyone my access codes if I chose not to. I didn't even have to connect my Kedel to the network if I didn't want to, and it can be disconnected just as fast. It was my choice to give access to people who know more about the Kedel than me. Why wouldn't I? It's not like the CIA, FBI, MLB, NFL or any other acronyms care what the water temperature is in my system or if I just added a bag of pellets to my hopper. If you are worried about "other people" seeing whats happening in your house don't Tweet about it, update your Facebook status with it or watch cable, satellite tv, send an email, use the internet, smart phone or use smoke signals from your chimney. Someone is watching.
We are currently doing adjustments to the Kedel to reach it's peak efficiency for my house. I have 3 heating zones and a 4th zone feeding the boilermate. We have started turning down the power level to the minimum needed recover the DHW without realizing any lack of hot water. Once we are heating full time later this fall/winter I think it will be easier to recognize the effects of the setting changes. Right now we are having significant weather swings that we need heat one day and not the next.
The Kedel gave me a message on the control panel earlier in the week saying that an adjustment could be done with the fan speed and fuel consumption. This wasn't an 'Alarm' message which would have notified me (and my technicians if I wish) by email. This was just an 'Info' message telling me that a change could be done to improve efficiency. I hate the fact that this thing may be smarter than I am. A few quick email exchanges with my techs and Kedel and I changed settings to address the issue. A few clicks on the control panel brought up a line chart visually representing the prior levels and, over time, the effects of the new changes. I almost wish the Kedel would be running more often so I can see the effects immediately.
I also received an email from my techs and Kedel who have been monitoring the operation of my boiler via the network. They noticed that I had failed to turn on the weather compensation functions available after connecting the Kedel to the network. I had provided them with my access codes previously so they could make changes if necessary, so they changed it for me remotely. Some people have told me that they didn't like the idea of 'other people' being able to see what was going on in their basements. Paranoid comments regarding "big brother ." We'll fear not, I had the choice of making my information visible on the web, my location on a map was voluntary, and I did not have to give anyone my access codes if I chose not to. I didn't even have to connect my Kedel to the network if I didn't want to, and it can be disconnected just as fast. It was my choice to give access to people who know more about the Kedel than me. Why wouldn't I? It's not like the CIA, FBI, MLB, NFL or any other acronyms care what the water temperature is in my system or if I just added a bag of pellets to my hopper. If you are worried about "other people" seeing whats happening in your house don't Tweet about it, update your Facebook status with it or watch cable, satellite tv, send an email, use the internet, smart phone or use smoke signals from your chimney. Someone is watching.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Monitoring and Savings
I said before that it was fun being able to observe the boiler functions online but I could border on addictive. Perhaps it is because it is a new installation and I'm constantly watching to make sure things are going as they should and that no unforeseen problems are lurking in my basement. Or perhaps I am just still amazed that I can change the settings from wherever I am. Whatever the case, I'm still watching and analyzing.
I calculated the cost of heating my domestic hot water (DHW) by retrieving the pellet consumption data. As I am only heating my DHW right now and not my house, it is the only savings realization I can calculate at this point. From a cold start boiler my Kedel utilizes between 3 and 4 pounds of pellets to satisfy my boiler-mate. With normal weekday operation this occurs on average 3 times per day. My pellets cost 10 cents per pound ($200/ton). So it cost me, on average, 30 to 40 cents to satisfy my boiler-mate per occasion, or 90 cents to $1.20 per day.
In comparison, my oil boiler that I'd be using had I not installed the Kedel would run for approximately 30 minutes from a cold start to satisfy my boiler-mate. The oil in my tank cost $3.75/gallon last time it was delivered. So, the .85 gph nozzle would cost me $1.59 per half hour of runtime. So, to satisfy my boiler-mate the same three times per day would cost $4.77 per day. The Kedel is saving me $3.57 - $3.87 per day when compared to oil, for DHW.
This is over-simplified I know, and I've only had the Kedel in for less than a week, but I am pleased with the performance. This also doesn't take into consideration electrical consumption. I would be using electricity with any of my heating solutions so I figured it would be a minimal change although I suspect the Kedel is more economical with electrical consumption than my oil burner.
With more time and more data I'll be able to more accurately calculate the costs/savings.
I calculated the cost of heating my domestic hot water (DHW) by retrieving the pellet consumption data. As I am only heating my DHW right now and not my house, it is the only savings realization I can calculate at this point. From a cold start boiler my Kedel utilizes between 3 and 4 pounds of pellets to satisfy my boiler-mate. With normal weekday operation this occurs on average 3 times per day. My pellets cost 10 cents per pound ($200/ton). So it cost me, on average, 30 to 40 cents to satisfy my boiler-mate per occasion, or 90 cents to $1.20 per day.
In comparison, my oil boiler that I'd be using had I not installed the Kedel would run for approximately 30 minutes from a cold start to satisfy my boiler-mate. The oil in my tank cost $3.75/gallon last time it was delivered. So, the .85 gph nozzle would cost me $1.59 per half hour of runtime. So, to satisfy my boiler-mate the same three times per day would cost $4.77 per day. The Kedel is saving me $3.57 - $3.87 per day when compared to oil, for DHW.
This is over-simplified I know, and I've only had the Kedel in for less than a week, but I am pleased with the performance. This also doesn't take into consideration electrical consumption. I would be using electricity with any of my heating solutions so I figured it would be a minimal change although I suspect the Kedel is more economical with electrical consumption than my oil burner.
With more time and more data I'll be able to more accurately calculate the costs/savings.
Installation
The short wait passed quickly and installation day arrived. My technicians, though experienced and skilled, had never installed a Kedel boiler. A representative from Kedel traveled from Portland to work with the installers and show them the specifics of commissioning this specific type of boiler. I must say it went without a hitch. My previous pride in not having any of my soldered joints leak from the weekend's project turned to quiet humility as a steady drip was observed from a threaded connection on the boiler return. No problem. A couple quarter turns on the ball valves, two pipe wrenches, and some thread tape and sealant and the leak was no more.
Once familiarized with the controls and interfaces the installation went quickly and the boiler was soon humming. And when I say humming I mean that is all you hear with this boiler. I was told it would be quiet but I didn't expect it to be as silent as it was. A refrigerator makes more noise when it is running. The quiet hum of a fan and the occasional "plinking" of pellets falling from the auger as all that reminded me that the unit was working. The touch screen interface provided a wealth of information that appeared daunting at first but I quickly became comfortable with most of the terminology after brief instructions from the technicians. A quick software update also made things easier with more functionality and on screen prompts.
Aside from the technical settings of auger speeds, power settings, fan speeds, oxygen levels and the like; the Kedel also utilized easy to read bar charts and line charts to monitor most functions of the boiler as well as historical metering of pellet consumption. This was not only available on the touch screen but also via any internet capable computer. I found myself constantly checking online to see if it was running, partially because the steady drone of my previous heating system was evidence throughout the house that heat was being provided; and partially because it was just plain fun to see my boiler functions on my laptop and android phone. I also found myself comparing my pellet consumption to the other Kedel boilers which were viewable online. You can check it out at http://stokercloud.dk/?pos=us.
Once familiarized with the controls and interfaces the installation went quickly and the boiler was soon humming. And when I say humming I mean that is all you hear with this boiler. I was told it would be quiet but I didn't expect it to be as silent as it was. A refrigerator makes more noise when it is running. The quiet hum of a fan and the occasional "plinking" of pellets falling from the auger as all that reminded me that the unit was working. The touch screen interface provided a wealth of information that appeared daunting at first but I quickly became comfortable with most of the terminology after brief instructions from the technicians. A quick software update also made things easier with more functionality and on screen prompts.
Aside from the technical settings of auger speeds, power settings, fan speeds, oxygen levels and the like; the Kedel also utilized easy to read bar charts and line charts to monitor most functions of the boiler as well as historical metering of pellet consumption. This was not only available on the touch screen but also via any internet capable computer. I found myself constantly checking online to see if it was running, partially because the steady drone of my previous heating system was evidence throughout the house that heat was being provided; and partially because it was just plain fun to see my boiler functions on my laptop and android phone. I also found myself comparing my pellet consumption to the other Kedel boilers which were viewable online. You can check it out at http://stokercloud.dk/?pos=us.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Pre-Installation Preparation
As I pointed out in the opening post, I had an ageing heating system consisting of cord wood and oil boilers in series. At oine point the previous owners added an outdoor wood boiler to the system along with the two existing appliances. Needless to say, the system had been modified, added to, deleted from and retrofit over the years leaving behind a plumbing schematic resembling a bowl of pasta. We wanted to get the most of the new pellet system which meant cleaning up the old plumbing and updating it to a more efficient, neater layout. I have some plumbing skills but not to the level required for this job so I engaged the services of a close friend who was more than skilled enough, and lucky for me; willing to spend the weekend. I was also fortunate enough to be able to purchase the materials wholesale from the plumbing supply store which also made it lighter on the wallet.
I should mention that the plumbing supply stores used by the plumbing and heating companies often don't (or won't) sell to the general public. However, some of them do have "pipe and fitting" accounts designed for the do-it yourself" types. It is worth the time to check into these companies if you have a large job ahead. I priced the copper between my supply store and the local Lowes. I was surprised that there was at least 10% difference on most items and up to 25% savings on others.
My friend provided me with a parts list of the materials we would need for the job and added in extra supplies to limit the inevitable trips for unexpected fittings. If you don't live close to the parts stores take this piece of advice; Buy extra. You can always take them back. Nothing slows down a project like stopping to run to the store for a fitting. Oh, and make sure you know what time the stores close too. I learned this the hard way.
We spent most of the weekend updating the plumbing and piping. We installed new multi-speed hyrondic circulators that would allow additional adjustments to the system if needed. The old circulators were still good and we were able to re-purpose three of them. This also left me a spare just in case. I learned that ball valves (shut offs) are your friend. We put in lots of them so if a circulator failed or a pipe burst or the system had to be otherwise worked on it could be done without draining a huge portion of the system. It added a little extra cost to the project but now a quarter turn on two levers is all it takes and the system can be up and running again in no time.
We were fortunate to be able to connect the plumbing to the new Kedel boiler as it had been delivered a few days prior. We connected the pipes but did not flow any water into it. Nor did we connect any of the electrical components. This was done so there would be no questions as to warranty coverage of the unit. My father-in-law ran a 220 circuit from my panel to the area of the boiler and I ran a wire for the remote shut off switch but these were left for my installers to connect.
So after a good weekend of work, a few "oh shit" moments and a lesson in humility with a torch and solder, (not to mention a few adult beverages in the evenings), the job was done. New plumbing and modern controls in place. With the number of sweated joints we completed a few leaks were expected. To our surprise not a drop of water leaked from the joints.
So to recap:
Shop around for the best prices for pipe and fittings
Have a qualified friend who knows the plumbing code help
Buy extra fittings
Get a refresher on soldering pipe (before starting project)
Make sure your wife knows if she wants hot water she may have to shower elsewhere.
Now, we just had to wait three days for Kedel and Daigle Oil Company to come do the commisioning of the boiler.
I should mention that the plumbing supply stores used by the plumbing and heating companies often don't (or won't) sell to the general public. However, some of them do have "pipe and fitting" accounts designed for the do-it yourself" types. It is worth the time to check into these companies if you have a large job ahead. I priced the copper between my supply store and the local Lowes. I was surprised that there was at least 10% difference on most items and up to 25% savings on others.
My friend provided me with a parts list of the materials we would need for the job and added in extra supplies to limit the inevitable trips for unexpected fittings. If you don't live close to the parts stores take this piece of advice; Buy extra. You can always take them back. Nothing slows down a project like stopping to run to the store for a fitting. Oh, and make sure you know what time the stores close too. I learned this the hard way.
We spent most of the weekend updating the plumbing and piping. We installed new multi-speed hyrondic circulators that would allow additional adjustments to the system if needed. The old circulators were still good and we were able to re-purpose three of them. This also left me a spare just in case. I learned that ball valves (shut offs) are your friend. We put in lots of them so if a circulator failed or a pipe burst or the system had to be otherwise worked on it could be done without draining a huge portion of the system. It added a little extra cost to the project but now a quarter turn on two levers is all it takes and the system can be up and running again in no time.
We were fortunate to be able to connect the plumbing to the new Kedel boiler as it had been delivered a few days prior. We connected the pipes but did not flow any water into it. Nor did we connect any of the electrical components. This was done so there would be no questions as to warranty coverage of the unit. My father-in-law ran a 220 circuit from my panel to the area of the boiler and I ran a wire for the remote shut off switch but these were left for my installers to connect.
So after a good weekend of work, a few "oh shit" moments and a lesson in humility with a torch and solder, (not to mention a few adult beverages in the evenings), the job was done. New plumbing and modern controls in place. With the number of sweated joints we completed a few leaks were expected. To our surprise not a drop of water leaked from the joints.
So to recap:
Shop around for the best prices for pipe and fittings
Have a qualified friend who knows the plumbing code help
Buy extra fittings
Get a refresher on soldering pipe (before starting project)
Make sure your wife knows if she wants hot water she may have to shower elsewhere.
Now, we just had to wait three days for Kedel and Daigle Oil Company to come do the commisioning of the boiler.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
The Adventure Begins
Well this is going to be a couple of new experiences me. My first blog, and my first foray into the realm of central home heating with a pellet boiler. To set the stage a little bit, my wife and I purchased a home three years ago with an aging heating system. A 40 year old cord wood boiler with limited water temperature control and a 25+ year old oil fired boiler connected in series provided year round heat. The Aroostook County, Maine winters can be harsh and using oil as the primary fuel during the winter to heat over 2100 square feet was not an economical option. However, the cord wood boiler, albeit economical, created vast temperature swings during the day and through the night unless tended every few hours. Thus began the Pellet Boiler Project.
We researched pellet boilers and found Europe to have several very nice products which were not available in the United States. Those that were available either did not have the features we desired, or were so outrageously priced that the average homeowner would have difficulty affording the unit and install. It would take years and years to recognize a break even point on a $20,000 price tag. As I was getting more and more frustrated I was told by a co-worker/friend that a new product was coming to the market with an attractive price point that I would be interested in. That product was the Kedel Pellet Boiler from Interphase Energy. This boiler is designed and in use in Europe which was modified to meet the requirements of the U.S. market. The more I researched the more I decided that the Kedel was for me. It had the efficiency and automation I was looking for with several pellet storage/supply options to fit my needs. It could be incrementally adjusted for power efficiency to optimize performance rather than the typical high/med/low of other pellet systems. My local oil company began marketing the Kedel and here is where we begin:
The first step I had to do was determine what size boiler was needed for my house. The Kedel came in three sizes; 54, 68, and 102. These numbers correspond the BTU's the unit could produce at 100% output. (54000, 68000, and 102000 / hour). I contacted a professional home inspector recommended by my coworkers to visit my house and determine my heat loss and heating requirements. Most heating companies have a person to do this and is often a free service.
My heating requirement calculations came in at slightly over 74,000 btu/hr. The 102 was my only choice which didn't bother me as I would have the ability to turn down the boiler output to match my needs. This also allowed me to add additional heating zones (basement, garage) in the future if desired. Now I needed to decide on a pellet storage system. I opted for the 700 lb hopper allowing me freedom from daily trips to the hopper but still using bags of pellets. I was surprised to find that bulk delivered pellets were more expensive than the bags. I guess you have to pay for the convenience. The 700 pound hopper will only require a refill every few weeks and the boiler will track pellet consumption for me. This hopper also fit nicely into the space next to my boiler.
So the selection was made. A Kedel 102 Weekender model. After a brief discussion and negotiation with my local oil company the boiler was ordered.
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We researched pellet boilers and found Europe to have several very nice products which were not available in the United States. Those that were available either did not have the features we desired, or were so outrageously priced that the average homeowner would have difficulty affording the unit and install. It would take years and years to recognize a break even point on a $20,000 price tag. As I was getting more and more frustrated I was told by a co-worker/friend that a new product was coming to the market with an attractive price point that I would be interested in. That product was the Kedel Pellet Boiler from Interphase Energy. This boiler is designed and in use in Europe which was modified to meet the requirements of the U.S. market. The more I researched the more I decided that the Kedel was for me. It had the efficiency and automation I was looking for with several pellet storage/supply options to fit my needs. It could be incrementally adjusted for power efficiency to optimize performance rather than the typical high/med/low of other pellet systems. My local oil company began marketing the Kedel and here is where we begin:
The first step I had to do was determine what size boiler was needed for my house. The Kedel came in three sizes; 54, 68, and 102. These numbers correspond the BTU's the unit could produce at 100% output. (54000, 68000, and 102000 / hour). I contacted a professional home inspector recommended by my coworkers to visit my house and determine my heat loss and heating requirements. Most heating companies have a person to do this and is often a free service.
My heating requirement calculations came in at slightly over 74,000 btu/hr. The 102 was my only choice which didn't bother me as I would have the ability to turn down the boiler output to match my needs. This also allowed me to add additional heating zones (basement, garage) in the future if desired. Now I needed to decide on a pellet storage system. I opted for the 700 lb hopper allowing me freedom from daily trips to the hopper but still using bags of pellets. I was surprised to find that bulk delivered pellets were more expensive than the bags. I guess you have to pay for the convenience. The 700 pound hopper will only require a refill every few weeks and the boiler will track pellet consumption for me. This hopper also fit nicely into the space next to my boiler.
So the selection was made. A Kedel 102 Weekender model. After a brief discussion and negotiation with my local oil company the boiler was ordered.
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