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- Is this a "kit" type furnace? Are there many parts and pieces to assemble? Do I have to put all those pumps, switches and valves together myself?
No. As with all Charmaster Furnace Systems, we assemble and test everything here at the factory as much as possible. This helps make installation simple and troublefree for the homeowner.
- How complicated is this system? Could I install it myself?
If you can read and follow simple instructions, are an average do-it-yourselfer, comfortable with simple plumbing procedures, you should have no trouble. If you lack the time or talent, any good plumber would be able to do the job. Just make sure all instructions are followed.
- What type of chimney do I need?
We would recommend a concrete chimney block with an 8-inch x 12-inch clay tile liner. A class "A" insulated (high temperature) stainless steel chimney 8 inches in diameter is also a very good chimney to use.
- Will the Charmaster Hot Water Furnace heat my domestic hot water?
Yes. We offer a double-wall U.L. listed domestic heat exchanger for this purpose.
- Is your Charmaster Hot Water Furnace legal to install anywhere in the United States?
We cannot possibly keep up on all of the state, county and local building codes in this country. The units have been tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing facility, Energy Testing Laboratory of Maine, and they operate at "zero pressure." Check with your local fire marshall or well-informed ordinance or code personnel at your zoning office, who are thoroughly acquainted with those matters.
- Is it legal to install the furnace in my garage?
In most cases yes. Certain city or county codes may require various methods of eliminating dangerous situations with gas cans stored near any furnace. Check with well informed ordinance or code personnel at your zoning office, who are thoroughly acquainted with those matters.
- How much wood will the unit burn per year?
We cannot say exactly. 4 to 6 cords should heat most any 3-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot home in Northern Minnesota, where the temperature can drop to 40 below zero. 2 to 3 cords of wood in milder regions of the country. Many people can purchase a full year's supply of quality firewood for a Charmaster Furnace for the price of one month's normal heating bill using oil, gas or electric heat.
- Tell me about firewood for this system.
We would burn mostly unsplit wood if the diameter is 10 inches or less. Use 24 to 28 inch long wood for a 30 inch firebox. If you are burning your own wood, you will burn the species you have. If you have to buy wood, we would recommend hardwood - oak, hickory, maple, ash, any of the more dense wood will give you the greatest value.
- Can I get a model that burns 3, 4 or 5 foot wood?
No. The amount of wood you would load in a large firebox in one day would be enough wood to heat your home for a week or more in a 30 inch Charmaster.
- Does your unit have a water-cooled door?
No. We learned way back in 1976 that fabricated steel door and door frames will not work well. We provide extra heavy duty cast iron doors and frames. They are trouble-free.
- What about putting antifreeze in your system?
If your furnace is installed correctly, there is no reason to use antifreeze. Save the high cost of antifreeze.
- Without antifreeze, how can I leave my home in the winter months?
Water in constantly circulating between the storage tank and the furnace. This flow will keep the water from freezing for many days.
If you are going to be away from home for a long period to time in cold winter months, it is easy to winterize the system. Just switch off the circulator pump and drain the small amount of water in the furnace and pipes going to the furnace. There is no need to drain the bulk of the water that is in the water storage tank because it is in your home.
- How do I refill the furnace after it has been drained?
Simply close all drain valves. Open fill valve on water supply to storage tank. Start circulator pump.
All specifications are current at the time of posting. For more information, consult the Charmaster Hot Water Furnace Supplemental Information Sheet or call Charmaster Products at 218-326-6786 or 218-326-2636.
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