Startin' From Scratch - Enlighten Me Please

I'm in the market for a combination furnace (hard coal - oil). I'm leaning on the EFM 'cause I got some friends that very highly recommend it. I currently have a very tired [hand fired] National soft coal furnace x-connected with an (almost as tired) oil furnace in a hot water system in South Western God's Country (PA). They're wired on two different thermostats.

First off, I've got a little money put back and wondering if I can do this. I've got a buddy who can help me put it in (professionally) so, conservatively, what would I have to spend for one of these?

Also, can an EFM combination furnace automatically switch to oil if the fire goes out? (The wife ain't real good at keepin' fires when I'm away).

Would appreciate any help,

Dave

Dave,

The EFM DF-520 is a great oil/coal boiler. Its good for oil and even better for coal. The price varies depending on the dealer so call around for the best price. You can get a list of dealers in PA from the EFM site:

http://www.efmheating.com/dealers.html

The DF-520 does not offer automatic switch over, but its simple to do if the coal fire goes out for whatever reason. I am sure your wife can do it. I travel occassionally, and want my wife to switch it over to oil if needed. Hopefully, I can get her to empty the ashes while I am gone to stay on coal. With all the money saved on burning coal instead of oil she might be able to go buy some clothes as an incentive to help empty the ashes!

Good luck!

Dave

Thnaks for the reply Dave - maybe I can work on oyour atrategy with the wife!

Can anyone give me a "ballpark" number on one of these furnaces? Plea$e?

Thanks,

Dave

Dave:

I ordered my EMF 520 in early June, 2008 at a cost of $8200. I believe that orders for them now are up about 20-25% given the recent increase in steel prices by that much. I expect to have it delivered to me some time this week, but I understand they are getting backlogged like other coal boiler manufacturers. Gopd luck. So far my dealings with EMF have been stellar, to say the least. I cannot wait to see this coal conversion functioning some time in the next 2-3 weeks.

Manny

Manny,

Thanks for the response. I can appreciate what you're saying about steel - we use a lot of it at work and we have to almost obtain quotes by the minute to price jobs!

I've had a hard time finding anyone that will bad mouth an EFM - looks like it's the way to go!

Thanks Again,

Dave