Coalpail.com Forum

I'm building a new home (2,000 sq ft) and looking to purchase a coal boiler; the AHS 130 or possibly a DF 520? I'm leaning more towards the AHS 130, but never saw one. Looking for information on dependability, longevity, availability of parts, etc?

thanks.

The AHS is quite expensive. I would look at Keystokers (KA-6). It will heat 2k sq. ft. standing on its head. The EFM 520 is a great unit as well, but it too is a little pricey.

Mike

Do a search on this forum on AHS S130. You will find a lot of info including photos of installations. I'm very happy with mine. Already paid for in savings vs. the cost of oil. Now I'm working on paying for the coal hauling trailer, dealer delivered coal prices vs. me driving to the PA breaker.

A new Axeman Anderson, A new AHS and a new Ka6 are all around $5-6000. Yes that is expensive.. but with the cost of oil and propane,, the cost will be recouped within a year or two, depending on how expensive your install is.

The least expensive new boilers are the Keystoker Kaa2 [the little one] and the Harman VF3000. Both are closer to $4500.

If you are considering an EFM 520, get a refurbished one,, they are around $2-3000, and like new and last forever.

Greg L

The AHS 130 and Axeman Anderson cost a bit more because they are built different. The internal blower that makes them self cleaning is not a feature of others that I know of. I just ordered an Axeman Anderson but I debated long and hard before doing so. The one thing that steered me away from the AHS is the fact that they are not approved by a UL type company. The state of Maine wants to see an approval tag of some sort. AHS is working on getting it, but hasn't jumped all the hoops as of yet.
Also, I wanted auger feed, with AHS it's an upgrade, with AA, it's built into the boiler.
Now that I've said that, since I ordered my AA, I have heard good things about the EFM. If I had known more, I might have given them more concideration. I don't think they have an internal blower, but sure look like a nice unit.

Actually, the AHS is ASME approved, which is the really what Maine is looking for. It is also CSA approved, which is basically Canada's UL

Freddy wrote:The AHS 130 and Axeman Anderson cost a bit more because they are built different. The internal blower that makes them self cleaning is not a feature of others that I know of. I just ordered an Axeman Anderson but I debated long and hard before doing so. The one thing that steered me away from the AHS is the fact that they are not approved by a UL type company. The state of Maine wants to see an approval tag of some sort. AHS is working on getting it, but hasn't jumped all the hoops as of yet.
Also, I wanted auger feed, with AHS it's an upgrade, with AA, it's built into the boiler.
Now that I've said that, since I ordered my AA, I have heard good things about the EFM. If I had known more, I might have given them more concideration. I don't think they have an internal blower, but sure look like a nice unit.

The blower on the EFM's are on the outside you can put them on either side by just changing the base Plate from one side to the other The blower goes threw the side plate into the bottom side of the burning pot where the air goes up threw the middle of the pot threw the grates where you want the air at you will get more of a clean burn all of the coal will be completely burnd the auger is on the other side of the base witch can also be switch to one side or the other it goes threw the side plate and threw the bottom side of burning pot and out to the blower asembly where it hooks up to the clutch shaft coupling the coal feeds up threw the middel of the pot the air is always going up threw the coal when the coal hits the top side of the pot ring the ash falls off the side and into the ash tub on the bottom EFM has been around since 1922 some of there Patents go back to 1908 they know how to make coal stoker's

Dipep41, Unless things have changed in the last four weeks, the AHS is not CSA approved. It is in the process, but as of yet, no. Yes, you can pay $2,000 extra and get it ASME approved, but that's a lot of dough for a decal! (Oh, I know it's more than just the decal, but unless you pay the two grand it is not approved for Maine).

For sure, the EFM is an excellent unit. It's tough to decide between the old masters! I think I'll run my Axeman until it wears out, then try the EMF. In about 60 years I'll write my report and opinion.

True sir, there wood gasification units are CSA. My apologies. However, the ASME upgrade is $1500.

Did they just drop the AMSE from $2,000 to $1,500? I have a AHS price list that is 5 weeks old and it shows non-code $5,500, $7,500 ASME.

Yes, some boilers are more money...but...Gee.... We pay $25,000 for a car that will be a heap in 7 or 8 years, but when it comes to heating our house, we whine about an extra $2,000 for something that will just about last our lifetime?

I have never regretted buying an upgrade.....but I have regretted not.

Freddy wrote: Yes, some boilers are more money...but...Gee.... We pay $25,000 for a car that will be a heap in 7 or 8 years, but when it comes to heating our house, we whine about an extra $2,000 for something that will just about last our lifetime?

I have never regretted buying an upgrade.....but I have regretted not.

EXCELLENT POINT ! And a very important one... most of us ignore our home heating appliances, except when we pay the fuel bills.. But we take pride in our vehicles,, and pay accordingly for a nice 'ride' with accessories and toys.. But out 'lowly home heater' is ignored...

Many if not most coal burning forum members treat the coal burning as a hobby,, and are quite interactive with the process... It is a real pleasure to have a toasy warm house with heating bills 1/4 of oil or propane... An easy thing to make into a minor [or major] hobby.

Greg L