Cord Wood Boilers
Cord Wood Boilers: Traditional Wood Heat Meets Modern Efficiency
High-Efficiency Wood Gasification for Serious Savings
If you have access to abundant cord wood, heating your home with a modern cord wood boiler has never been more efficient, clean, or economical. True North Energy Services installs wood gasification boilers that can reduce your heating bills by 75% or more while using a renewable, locally-sourced fuel that reduces carbon emissions by up to 90%.
Experience the satisfaction of heating with wood you cut yourself or source locally, while enjoying the convenience and efficiency of modern technology.
Why Choose a Modern Cord Wood Boiler?
Dramatic Cost Savings
- Reduce heating bills by 75% or more compared to oil
- Free fuel if you have access to your own wood
- Stable costs – no volatile oil or propane prices
- One cord of wood = 140 gallons of oil in heating value
Advanced Gasification Technology
- 85-90% efficiency – nearly double that of outdoor wood boilers
- Smokeless operation – burns cleaner than traditional wood stoves
- Minimal creosote – dramatically reduces chimney fire risk
- EPA certified – meets all current emissions standards
Energy Independence
- Heat with local resources – no dependence on imported fuels
- Renewable energy from Maine’s sustainable forests
- Backup heating option – perfect complement to other systems
- Off-grid capable – some models operate without electricity
Wood Gasification Boilers: The Gold Standard
Superior Design Features:
- Two-stage combustion – extracts maximum heat from every log
- Ceramic combustion chamber – maintains optimal temperatures
- Lambda sensor technology – automatically adjusts for perfect burn
- Large fireboxes – extended burn times between loadings
- Stainless steel heat exchangers – long life and efficiency
Key Advantages Over Outdoor Wood Boilers:
- 2x more efficient – use half the wood for the same heat
- No smoke – neighbors will appreciate the clean burn
- Indoor installation – no heat loss through underground pipes
- Longer burn times – load less frequently
- Lower emissions – better for the environment and health
How Wood Gasification Works
- Primary combustion – Wood burns in the main firebox
- Gas extraction – Wood gases are drawn into secondary chamber
- High-temp gasification – Gases combust at 2000°F for complete burn
- Heat exchange – Maximum heat transferred to your water system
- Distribution – Hot water circulates through your existing heating system
This advanced process extracts nearly all available energy from the wood while producing minimal ash and virtually no smoke.
Is a Cord Wood Boiler Right for You?
Ideal Candidates Have:
- Access to 4-8 cords of seasoned firewood annually
- Existing hot water heating system (radiators, baseboards, radiant)
- Commitment to daily loading during the heating season
- Adequate indoor space for installation
- Desire for maximum heating savings
We’ll Help You Determine:
- Proper boiler sizing for your home
- Expected wood consumption
- Installation requirements
- Integration with existing systems
- Potential cost savings
Professional Installation
True North installs wood gasification boilers with expertise and precision. Our team ensures proper sizing and integration with your existing heating system for maximum efficiency and performance.
We handle all aspects of installation, including permits, chimney requirements, and system commissioning.
Common Questions & Concerns
“How often do I need to load the boiler?”
Without thermal storage: 2-3 times daily in cold weather. With thermal storage: Once every 24-36 hours. Summer hot water: 2-3 times per week.
“What about the physical demands?”
Modern gasification boilers are much easier to operate than traditional outdoor units. Large door openings, convenient ash removal, and optional thermal storage reduce the physical demands significantly.
“Can I burn unseasoned wood?”
For optimal efficiency and minimal creosote, wood should be seasoned to 20-25% moisture content. We include a moisture meter and teach proper wood preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much wood will I need for a typical winter?
A: Most Maine homes use 4-8 cords, depending on size, insulation, and temperatures. We’ll calculate your specific needs during consultation.
Q: Can I heat my domestic hot water too?
A: Yes! An indirect water heater or integrated coil provides year-round hot water. With thermal storage, you’ll have abundant hot water.
Q: What if I run out of wood or go on vacation?
A: Most installations include integration with a backup heat source. Your existing oil or propane boiler can provide automatic backup.
Q: How long do these boilers last?
A: With proper maintenance, Tarm boilers typically last 25-30+ years. The ceramic combustion chamber and stainless steel construction ensure longevity.
Q: Is installation complicated?
A: We handle everything – permits, chimney installation or lining, system integration, and commissioning. Most installations are completed in 3-4 days.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Daily ash removal during heating season (5 minutes), monthly chimney cleaning, annual professional service. Much less than outdoor wood boilers.
Q: Are these boilers safe?
A: Very safe. UL listed, ASME certified, with multiple safety controls. Indoor installation allows easy monitoring, unlike outdoor units.
Q: Can I see one in operation?
A: We can arrange visits to satisfied customers’ installations. Seeing the clean, efficient operation helps with decision making.
Q: What’s the difference from an outdoor wood boiler?
A: Indoor gasification boilers are 2x more efficient, produce no visible smoke, require less wood, and don’t lose heat through underground pipes.
Ready to Heat with Wood the Right Way?
Modern cordwood boilers offer unmatched savings for Maine homeowners with access to firewood. True North’s expertise ensures your system is properly sized, professionally installed, and optimally integrated with your home’s heating system.
Schedule Your Consultation
Visit our Free Estimate page to learn how a high-efficiency cord wood boiler can slash your heating costs while providing reliable, renewable heat for your Maine home. Or Contact us with any questions.
True North Energy Services – Your Cord Wood Boiler Experts Professional Installation & Service Throughout Central, Eastern, Western and Southern Maine – Fully Licensed & Insured – Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner
