Getting New AHS S260 System Any Inputs?

I will be getting an AHS s260 Coal Gun in the next few weeks.

I have been reading very much here at NEPAcrossroads about them and decided I would need the 260 over the 130.
About 4000 sq ft 1830's colonial with no insulation in walls and attic, and old drafty windows.

The current oil boiler running now was originally coal that was converted to oil at some time, but is probably over 100 yr old
and the efficiency has to be really bad. Colder nights, 20* it has a hard time to keep up just to 62-64* and we
are going thru 250 gal in 3-3.5 weeks.
I feel spending on the boiler is the first step, then can start the improvements next.
While they will lower my heat loss, I will also be adding on the BTU's needed with more heating zones
from attic heating, possible garage heating, and then maybe hot tub heating.

I am new to the coal, but glad I found this site and AHS with the help of google.
First house (purchased in october 2011) so I am ahead of my game.

I am waiting on an estimate from TM refrigeration for purchase and install.
I needed input on anything I need for the AHS s260, as the old posts may help in some ways, but not in all ways
as the model has had many improvements in just the last 2-3 years.

I plan on:

DHW coil
Hopper for now (may do/purchase auger myself once up and running)

Do I need to know if it is belt drive or direct driven- I think they may be direct now?
What about the aquastat or ?
And how about this run or timer?
How about a special brand tempering valve?
or any add ons?

I will be possibly running the water thru valves to bypass the boiler during the summer months, and run
it thru the electric HWH during summer months....
We have a medium family 2 adults, 3 kids with another adult currently.
But a few ton in the summer, I will have to check bills and costs to make that a definite.

Any new improvements to the AHS s260 that may be in the future to possibly hold off until next fall? - This I
doubt, and if so AHS wont be mentioning,
I need to move on and upgrade for the warmth and savings.
We would like it to be at least 70*
but with the oil, that would bring us over $7 grand for the season, which I am not up for.

Thanks
Rob

direct drive on s130, option to get belt drive
260s come with belt drive standard.
Optional ul/asme listing/rating
Domestic coil optional

The 260 will have no problems keeping you a toasty 74F, it wont break a sweat.
Youll want to adjust your Sv to 120 to start or you may experience a few burps.
Make sure you read up on baro, manometer instalation.

I also recommend getting a different tub and using large black contractor bags to handle the ash with very little effort.

10"H,19"L, 17"W. The standard tub doesnt handle large contractor bags.
You may be able to ask Jim D. from PatriotCoal to fabricate you one.

You'll probably go thru 8-12 ton per year.

I would recommend buying straight through AHS. Pretty good savings. I would also recommend a good chimney. Don't scrimp. I did and blew mine to pieces. There is def a learning curve but what a great machine once it's up and running. I would also consider an indirect water heater instead of the DHW coils. 4-4.5 gallons isn't much hot water. Just my opinion.

chevymatt wrote:I would recommend buying straight through AHS. Pretty good savings. I would also recommend a good chimney. Don't scrimp. I did and blew mine to pieces. There is def a learning curve but what a great machine once it's up and running. I would also consider an indirect water heater instead of the DHW coils. 4-4.5 gallons isn't much hot water. Just my opinion.

I got the DHW coil and had it plummed to the electric hw heater and I can tell you the hot water is virtually unlimited.

GoodProphets wrote: I need to move on and upgrade for the warmth and savings.
We would like it to be at least 70*
but with the oil, that would bring us over $7 grand for the season, which I am not up for.

Thanks
Rob

Are you using around 2000 gallons of oil ? You should save enough to pay for the stoker in 2 years, If I can buy oil for $0.80/gallon, it would be equivalent to the price of coal.

Tell them you want the one with a speed control on the ashing motor.

chevymatt wrote:I would recommend buying straight through AHS. Pretty good savings. I would also recommend a good chimney. Don't scrimp. I did and blew mine to pieces. There is def a learning curve but what a great machine once it's up and running. I would also consider an indirect water heater instead of the DHW coils. 4-4.5 gallons isn't much hot water. Just my opinion.

I may end up buying direct, but just waiting on the estimate.
I need it to be done correctly and fast.
they had told me about 2 days to get it in the basement and to do the hookup.

** but the install company gave me the price on them. I had told them I got prices from AHS except the coal gun.
They were a bit upset, but they new AHS policies before going with AHS.
So I might not get mark up...of cource if mark up is there, it will factor into the est.

What would be the water temp after the 4 gallons? (with the boiler running in the winter)
I read many a post that said HW is no problem when the boiler is running.
I would assume that the coil provides HW leaving the faucet running constant?

ValterBorges wrote:
I got the DHW coil and had it plummed to the electric hw heater and I can tell you the hot water is virtually unlimited.

Now is the HWH plummed after the boiler?
That is right, I am sure.

But, would that mean that the HWH has to heat late in the night or morning until you first
use hot water? then it could bring in more hot?
Or are you using a circ pump to move thru the boiler until certain temp?
that way the HWH would not cycle on at all?

I don't have a circulator.

AA130FIREMAN wrote: Are you using around 2000 gallons of oil ? You should save enough to pay for the stoker in 2 years, If I can buy oil for $0.80/gallon, it would be equivalent to the price of coal.

Previous owners spent $5500 last year.
I burnt wood in the fireplaces for Oct and Nov.
Now in Dec, we used second tank in 3.5 weeks (250 gal)
and so far we are into the 3rd tank..halfway thru.

Being frugal at 62-64 does not allow my 7 month old baby learning how to crawl on the cold floor.
She keeps on extra cloths, and I some times were my sweatshirt AND jacket.
I think by boosting it to a comfy 70+, I could go thru 1250 gal no prob for the next 3-4 months.
So glad that it has not been too terribly cold out so far.

Already planned that 3 years could be paid off with pro install

ValterBorges wrote:I don't have a circulator.

Do you keep your water heater circuit on?

If not, do you get lower temp water for a bit first in the morning?

Here are the ratings of a vaughn indirect water heater. I have a 30 gallon and no problems with 4 in the house.http://www.vaughncorp.com/pdf/TPP_Ratings_1st_Hr_ ... 0F_ALL.pdf

coaledsweat wrote:Tell them you want the one with a speed control on the ashing motor.

Is this not standard?

Only as an option or upgrade?

I will put that on my list.

GoodProphets wrote:

ValterBorges wrote:I don't have a circulator.

Do you keep your water heater circuit on?

If not, do you get lower temp water for a bit first in the morning?

Yes, it's set to the lowest setting 120F.
The water temp is hotter than it's ever been before the shower has a good mixer with temp indicator.

Maybe the hydronic pro's can comment on ways to improve the efficiency, I see the circulator on the ahs diagrams but not sure if its better or why not.
Always looking for improvements so critique is appreciated.