Power Vents: Efficiency and Snow

coalbastard · Post by **coalbastard** » Tue. Apr. 14, 2015 11:41 pm

Looking at a stoker stove or furnace. Choices: add chimney or power vent. Questions: Efficiency losses of a power vent? Can I even mount a power vent on my basement wall exterior (only 18 inches above ground) when considering snow fall (western Pa, 3 feet not uncommon).

nate

edit: ok, I didn't get this in the right part of the forum

blrman07 · Post by **blrman07** » Wed. Apr. 15, 2015 3:00 am

Welcome to the forum. In my opinion if you have the option of a adding a chimney do it!!! The chimney will outlast 10 power vents and multiple stoves. You will have more versatility with a chimney going down the road. Oh yeah and a chimney doesn't use electricity.

Flyer5 · Post by **Flyer5** » Wed. Apr. 15, 2015 7:04 pm

blrman07 wrote:Welcome to the forum. In my opinion if you have the option of a adding a chimney do it!!! The chimney will outlast 10 power vents and multiple stoves. You will have more versatility with a chimney going down the road. Oh yeah and a chimney doesn't use electricity.

I second this. A properly constructed masonry chimney is the best. Even a quality metal chimney like Olympia 316Ti is better than a PV. A PV is a great option if someone has no other choice. They are less efficient mostly because of needing electricity.

davidmcbeth3 · Post by **davidmcbeth3** » Thu. Apr. 16, 2015 5:13 pm

http://whitneystoolshed.com/index.php?option=com_ ... &Itemid=23

Uses 138 watts ... like running a light bulb. I don't think is a cost killer electricity wise. Some folks put 60-100 W bulbs in their shut down stove to control corrosion and most folks here recommend it. I figure about $70/yr to run it per season (180 days * 24 hrs/day * $.12/kwhrs * 138w*1kwhrs/1000whrs).

I don't see an issue with a power vent v. chimney.

Anyone know how much a chimney costs to construct? http://www.fixr.com/costs/chimney-installation here says 60-90 / ft. Looking at 25 ft chimney, that comes to $1500 to $2250.

Power vent costs? About $500. Difference? $1000-1750

Of course you have to clean a chimney, usually with a service, that costs about $70/yr (offsets electricity costs or savings)

Power venting doesn't look too bad now....

Flyer5 · Post by **Flyer5** » Fri. Apr. 17, 2015 11:48 am

Never said power venting is bad, just IMO a chimney is better. One of the biggest reasons is, a chimney has no motor to fail on the coldest day of the year. Even though I make money selling power venter's and do not make a penny on chimney's. I like to see people have as much reliability as possible. If a PV is properly maintained they can be very little trouble. My biggest gripe is getting a PV motor back for warranty and it looks like it has never been cleaned or properly oiled. Then people are mad at me because the MFG denies the warranty.

davidmcbeth3 · Post by **davidmcbeth3** » Fri. Apr. 17, 2015 2:27 pm

Flyer5 wrote:Never said power venting is bad, just IMO a chimney is better. One of the biggest reasons is, a chimney has no motor to fail on the coldest day of the year. Even though I make money selling power venter's and do not make a penny on chimney's. I like to see people have as much reliability as possible. If a PV is properly maintained they can be very little trouble. My biggest gripe is getting a PV motor back for warranty and it looks like it has never been cleaned or properly oiled. Then people are mad at me because the MFG denies the warranty.

Its understandable that people get mad. If they have a cause of action is another matter all together. I'm sure you tell them why their warranty is being denied; hopefully many understand your reasoning. If not, I doubt it changes your opinion. If the company wishes to still give them a new one is up to them.

If they are properly cleaned and oiled, what would be your expectation for the life of a quality PV?

Post by **fifthg** » Fri. Apr. 17, 2015 5:17 pm

[quote="coalbastard"]Looking at a stoker stove or furnace. Choices: add chimney or power vent. Questions: Efficiency losses of a power vent? Can I even mount a power vent on my basement wall exterior (only 18 inches above ground) when considering snow fall (western Pa, 3 feet not uncommon).

nate

Power vents are good ideas for when a chimney is impractical.A second choice.I live in eastern Pennsylvania and have no problem with my vent being only 12" above ground.Its constant exhaust keeps snow from building up for me.I have a Harman DVC500 for the past 15 yrs.,with up to some 3 ft. storms over that time.

Flyer5 · Post by **Flyer5** » Fri. Apr. 17, 2015 8:41 pm

davidmcbeth3 wrote:
Flyer5 wrote:Never said power venting is bad, just IMO a chimney is better. One of the biggest reasons is, a chimney has no motor to fail on the coldest day of the year. Even though I make money selling power venter's and do not make a penny on chimney's. I like to see people have as much reliability as possible. If a PV is properly maintained they can be very little trouble. My biggest gripe is getting a PV motor back for warranty and it looks like it has never been cleaned or properly oiled. Then people are mad at me because the MFG denies the warranty.
Its understandable that people get mad. If they have a cause of action is another matter all together. I'm sure you tell them why their warranty is being denied; hopefully many understand your reasoning. If not, I doubt it changes your opinion. If the company wishes to still give them a new one is up to them.

If they are properly cleaned and oiled, what would be your expectation for the life of a quality PV?

I have seen 7 yr old motors still going when maintained.

emposter · Post by **emposter** » Sat. Sep. 26, 2015 5:26 pm

Flyer5 If they are properly cleaned and oiled, what would be your expectation for the life of a quality PV?

I have seen 7 yr old motors still going when maintained.

Pioneer LE is going into it's 9th heating season. Despite being an industrial electrician 25+ years and following the ever evolving maintenance schedule, I am on my third and "final" Fasco motor with stainless steel squirrel cage. The first motor was replaced during the beginning of the third heating season under warranty. The second motor was replaced in 2011 due to the Richard's goodwill and the fact that he had never seen the inner aluminum cooling fan destroy itself in use. My current motor was purchased from the former LL owner at his retail shop in 2013. During my final purchase/conversation with Richard, it was suggested to service my power venter every 6-8 weeks.

I remain a huge Leisure Line fan. Richard suggested that the new owners were developing a replacement fan assembly for the SWG power venter. I hope so! My work around is not UL approved

emposter

bernincoal · Post by **bernincoal** » Sun. Dec. 06, 2015 7:14 pm

Flyer5 wrote: My biggest gripe is getting a PV motor back for warranty and it looks like it has never been cleaned or properly oiled. Then people are mad at me because the MFG denies the warranty.

Absolutely. Every Spring I remove the cage, pull out the motor, clean all the fins and vacuum the inside housing. Then oil the inlets. Runs very smoothly.

I love the idea of a new redesigned fan motor. I'd be all over it. Matt, PLEASE let us PV users know ASAP if and when the new motors come out.

Thank you

Nevercold · Post by **Nevercold** » Sun. Dec. 06, 2015 8:38 pm

DVC 500.
Minimal maintenance. 10 yrs. All original motors.
Direct vent. No chimney. No problems.
Draw your own conclusions.

Flyer5 · Post by **Flyer5** » Tue. Dec. 08, 2015 9:25 pm

Nevercold wrote:DVC 500.
Minimal maintenance. 10 yrs. All original motors.
Direct vent. No chimney. No problems.
Draw your own conclusions.

Maybe you should go post this on their forum here then. Draw your conclusions. Just sayin.