Stove/Furnace Recommendation

nashman50 · Post by **nashman50** » Sun. Oct. 31, 2021 3:02 am

Hi,

I am considering a stoker to use in conjunction with/replace most usage of the oil furnace in my house. It is a double wide mobile home built in 1992 on a cement block foundation that is 28x52. The basement is not insulated and is not heated currently, but the floor of the house is insulated. I'm looking to vent it directly through the basement wall.

A local dealer recommended a Keystoker Koker Lite, but I have a feeling that the 1,000 CFM blower will not be enough. I've also been looking at the:

Alaska Model 140

Hitzer 710 Energy Master II

Leisure Line AK-110

Can anyone offer any recommendations on these models or any others that would fit the bill? Thanks for your help!

xmanjeff · Post by **xmanjeff** » Sun. Oct. 31, 2021 2:41 pm

keystoker is a pretty solid unit , the koker lite should work well , i thought i saw an option you could get a larger blower for it , koker lite would get my vote

nashman50 · Post by **nashman50** » Mon. Nov. 01, 2021 9:41 am

I sent an email to Keystoker to see if they would build one with the larger blower.

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Mon. Nov. 01, 2021 11:06 am

Do your homework in “Direct Vent” thru basement wall…plenty to read here in the archives on the subject.

Post by **Rob R.** » Mon. Nov. 01, 2021 12:14 pm

I have heard that the Keystoker Koker is kind of a hybrid between a stove and a furnace. Your concern about the blower size is a good one, and considering the basement is large and uninsulated, I would want something that doesn't put much heat into the basement. Keystoker makes furnace models as well, but I am not sure if they can be direct or power vented.

The Hitzer 710 and LL AK110 look like better choices to me.

nashman50 · Post by **nashman50** » Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 2:24 am

I’ve been doing some more homework and o think I might be better off just putting a chimney up the side of the house. It will be cheaper and there’s one less thing to break.

I don’t necessary mind the extra heat in the basement as it is damp down there with no heat now, but I don’t want to be wasteful if it’s going to use a lot of fuel.

Post by **Rob R.** » Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 10:13 am

nashman50 wrote: ↑
Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 2:24 am
I’ve been doing some more homework and o think I might be better off just putting a chimney up the side of the house. It will be cheaper and there’s one less thing to break.

I don’t necessary mind the extra heat in the basement as it is damp down there with no heat now, but I don’t want to be wasteful if it’s going to use a lot of fuel.

A chimney is definitely a better option if you can do it. You don't have the maintenance of a power vent, no noise, and no odor close to the house.

Putting some heat in the basement will make the house feel a lot better. Whatever heat radiates off the furnace and ductwork will should take the chill off.

You mentioned a damp basement - be sure you furnace is mounted on bricks/blocks so it gets some airflow underneath, and you will need to do a good job of cleaning it in the spring and keeping it dry in the off-season.

nashman50 · Post by **nashman50** » Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 6:31 pm

I got the following prices from local dealers:

Alaska 140 Auger $4610

DS DS-SF250 $6975

Hitzer 710 $3810

Keystoker Econo 90 $2780

Keystoker Koker Lite $3288

Keystoker Koker $4499

Keystoker A-120 $4499

The Hitzer 710 seems like a good deal. The guy said that it was on sale for quite a bit off. I wasn't really at the market for this very moment, but do you think it's worth jumping on that price? Thanks!

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 6:56 pm

I don't think you'll hear many complaints about HITZER.

Toddburn · Post by **Toddburn** » Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 7:50 pm

freetown fred wrote: ↑
Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 6:56 pm
I don't think you'll hear many complaints about HITZER.

Plus one

Post by **Rob R.** » Tue. Nov. 02, 2021 8:16 pm

Go with the Hitzer. It is a good product and they have good service.

waytomany?s · Post by **waytomany?s** » Wed. Nov. 03, 2021 9:06 pm

nashman50 wrote: ↑
Sun. Oct. 31, 2021 3:02 am
Hi,

I am considering a stoker to use in conjunction with/replace most usage of the oil furnace in my house. It is a double wide mobile home built in 1992 on a cement block foundation that is 28x52. The basement is not insulated and is not heated currently, but the floor of the house is insulated. I'm looking to vent it directly through the basement wall.

A local dealer recommended a Keystoker Koker Lite, but I have a feeling that the 1,000 CFM blower will not be enough. I've also been looking at the:
Alaska Model 140

Hitzer 710 Energy Master II

Leisure Line AK-110
Can anyone offer any recommendations on these models or any others that would fit the bill? Thanks for your help!

Hold up a minute. What are you trying to heat? The basement itself? Or the main house, from the basement? Are you looking for a unit to run ducts from to upstairs? Or just gravity feed? Is the basement deep enough to easily run ducts? Sorry I'm just trying to understand HOW you are trying to accomplish your goal.

nashman50 · Post by **nashman50** » Wed. Nov. 03, 2021 9:42 pm

I'm looking to heat the whole upstairs, as well as some kind of heat in the basement. The basement is unheated cement block now, so it would be nice to have it dry up some with the radiant heat from the furnace. I am not opposed to getting a jacketed furnace, but I would probably have to add a register for the basement.

nashman50 · Post by **nashman50** » Wed. Nov. 03, 2021 11:42 pm

I wouldn’t mind one that could be used with an A coil and a central air unit too if possible.

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Thu. Nov. 04, 2021 10:44 pm

Now you’re getting into boiler territory!! Just add an air handler for the 2 coils…heating and cooling.