Burning Wood in a Hitzer 503?

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Ashcat
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Posts: 419
Joined: Mon. Aug. 18, 2008 10:29 pm
Location: West Chester PA
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 983
Coal Size/Type: Nut/Blaschak

Post by Ashcat » Thu. Aug. 13, 2009 8:17 pm

A few questions about an installation for a family member:

Anyone burn wood in a Hitzer 503? I understand that the hopper should be (or must be?) removed in order to burn wood. What are your experiences with the 503 and burning wood?

Also, do 503 owners here think that a 503 could heat a 3000 sq ft home with an open floor plan? Chimney is interior to the house, and has a 6 inch liner installed previously for a woodburner.

Another question, which I'll also post to the Chimney forum: the Hitzer 983 insert (larger and hopperless, so easier for wood burning) has, I believe, an 8 inch diameter flue opening for exhaust, while the 503 outlet is 7 inches. Whichever stove is purchased, it needs to connect to an existing 6 inch diameter chimney liner. One installer suggested he would try to avoid reducing from 8 inches to the 6 inch liner--not clear if this is a common code violation or if this reduction poses some danger in some way. As a result, that installer is recommending the 503 because the reduction required (from 7 inches to 6 inches) would be more acceptable.

Does anyone have any experience or opinions about the safety, and regulatory compliance, of such an 8 in to 6 in reduction?

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 
CapeCoaler
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Joined: Sun. Feb. 10, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Cape Cod, MA
Stoker Coal Boiler: want AA130
Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Machine BS#4, Harman MKII, Hitzer 503,...
Coal Size/Type: Pea/Nut/Stove

Post by CapeCoaler » Thu. Aug. 13, 2009 11:04 pm

The 'rents 503 has a 6" outlet. Bought new last summer.
The 503 heats 2000 sq ft easily on the Cape.
the 503 runs at 325 to do this so it has more capacity to heat.
Keeps the house at 72*.
Burn coal, not wood...
Less work more heat..

 
Pete69
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Location: WNY

Post by Pete69 » Fri. Aug. 14, 2009 3:21 am

The 983, being larger, with no hopper, would definitely be better suited for burning wood. The 8in. to 6in. flue reduction could be done but may result in unsatisfactory draft and poor performance. The 503 could burn wood just like any other hand fired coal stove, once the hopper was removed, but would be less than optimal due to its size. The 983 is rated for 3000 sq ft. The 503 is rated for 2500 sq ft. I would rather run a bigger stove at a lower temp than try to max out a smaller stove, and maybe still not be able to heat the house, especially on colder days.
Being that neither stove is quite right for the situation, I would recommend (can anyone see it coming) a Baker!!! :P
In my not so humble opinion, the best hand fired, blower stoves on the market!!!


 
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Ashcat
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Posts: 419
Joined: Mon. Aug. 18, 2008 10:29 pm
Location: West Chester PA
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 983
Coal Size/Type: Nut/Blaschak

Post by Ashcat » Fri. Aug. 14, 2009 1:04 pm

Thanks for the replies. Until outside temps get down to 5-10* F, I heat about 4000 sq ft with the 983, so I'd imagine the 503 would do 3000 sq ft (Same town as I'm in). CCoaler's parents heating 2000 sq ft with 325* stove temps is consistent with this.

 
jjfcars
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Post by jjfcars » Fri. Aug. 14, 2009 10:51 pm

im heating the house open floor plan just shy of 3000 sq.ft. with the 503 keeps house at 72-75 depend on how cold it gets this will be my second year I wouldnt trade my 503 for a farm in texas love it

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