Can't Decide ... AHS Coal Gun or Harmon VF3000 Please Help!

Brentski · Post by **Brentski** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 11:52 am

I currently have a leisure line hyfire II but want to get into a boiler because I'm setup for hot water.
It's come down to boilers.. The AHS s130 coal gun or the Harman vf3000. I'm heating about 3000 s/f semi insulated
1837 built two story home. I know that these both are fine boilers and from my own research cost about the same ..
One burns rice and one burns pea coal. The ahs seems like it would be more efficient because of the ash control??
Does the domestic hot water really work good on both units? Look forward to comments.. Thanks

Brent

EarthWindandFire · Post by **EarthWindandFire** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 12:13 pm

From what I've read here on the forum for several years would lead me to believe that the AHS Coal Gun is the better unit.

Both boilers are currently for sale here from different members. They are worth a look!

Post by **coaledsweat** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 1:01 pm

Coal Gun.

Post by **Rob R.** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 2:44 pm

How did you narrow your choices down to those two boilers?

ValterBorges · Post by **ValterBorges** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 3:09 pm

You should also look at the coal jack, the leisure line 110/220, and a refurb EFM. All these and AHS will talk to their customers and help.

If you have troubles with a Harman better hope the dealer doesn't rip you off, Harman won't even talk to you even if he does try to rip you off.

Brentski · Post by **Brentski** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 4:23 pm

I think I'm leaning toward the coal gun based on there customer service and Peoples comments on this site.
I ruled out the leisure line 110 because my friend bought one. AA is about a $1000 more + tax, I'm sure its a great boiler ( looks like the coal gun and AA are based on the same design )! Keystoker looks like it might be a good one too.

stoker_RI · Post by **stoker_RI** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 4:59 pm

So is your friend unhappy with the LL110? If so, why?....I own one, so I am curious..

Brentski · Post by **Brentski** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 6:24 pm

It's not that he dislikes it , I think he should have gone with the 220.
1. He has to shut it down about every 3 weeks to clean it out from the top of the unit if he doesn't the hopper get alot of moisture in it and the co2 monitor goes off. 2. The domestic hot water keeps up for about 2 min when in the shower. 3. He's burning more than 3/4 a hopper every day. 4. Customer service seems a bit weak. 5. I don't think they have alot of these units sold ... Maybe 10. ....it seems he might not have it adjusted properly or not enough unit per s/f .All in all I think its a nice boiler for $4000, I just think that there more efficient boilers out there but any input from what you've had with your 110 would be appreciated. Thanx.
Brent

Post by **Rob R.** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 6:46 pm

A Hyfire II is a serious heat machine, have you done the math to see how large of a boiler you need?

KLook · Post by **KLook** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 6:58 pm

I have a VF3000. Get more unit then this. It is only rated at 95,000BTU. I make it work but should have bought the Keystoker. I waited a whole year and caved in a bought the Harman.

Kevin

Mark (PA) · Post by **Mark (PA)** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 7:08 pm

EFM

OK so if we aren't picking EFM. Coal Gun....

steamup · Post by **steamup** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 7:25 pm

Do some sort of heat loss first. 3000 sq ft semi insulated will no doubt be too much for a VF3000. Depending on what you mean by semi-insulated could even mean a coal gun 130 will struggle. You have to also look at windows and window area, infiltration, etc.

A little energy improvement might be a better investment than a bigger boiler, but you should know what you are up against before you make the investment.

Post by **Rob R.** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 7:29 pm

KLook wrote:I have a VF3000. Get more unit then this. It is only rated at 95,000BTU. I make it work but should have bought the Keystoker. I waited a whole year and caved in a bought the Harman.

Kevin

I was thinking the same thing...the VF3000 seems like the wrong tool for the job when talking about a 175 yr old 3000 sq ft house. The S130 may or may not be up for it either. Do the math and see what size boiler is needed. If you think that is too complicated, at least assess the current boiler in the home and how much fuel is consumed.

No one asked, but I'll tell you anyway...my favorite stoker boiler is an EFM 520. I have installed three of them, and number four arrived yesterday.

paulsferg · Post by **paulsferg** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 7:40 pm

just my 2 cents ,i have a refurb efm.trouble free over 4 years now.requires basically no maint.

Brentski · Post by **Brentski** » Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 7:44 pm

Rob I tried to call the local Emf dealer in my area but just got the answering machine. Are these units new or rebuilds? Theres not alot of info on there web site....?