Central Boiler is the largest manufacturer of highly efficient outdoor wood furnaces. Since indoor wood furnaces can be dangerous and a nuisance to your home, these outdoor furnaces help eliminate fire hazards, use less wood, and save money on energy bills. Central Boiler currently has two EPA-certified models available: the Classic Edge furnace and Maxim furnace.
You're probably wondering – how much do Central Boiler furnaces cost? Let’s break it down.
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- Central Boiler furnace cost
- How do Central Boiler furnaces work?
- Pros and cons
- Are Central Boiler furnaces right for me?
Central Boiler furnace costs
Central Boiler prices vary from model to model. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of each model, its cost, and key features to look forward to.
Classic Edge Titanium HDX
Classic Edge 360
Image source: DIWH Heating
Average cost (after installation): $12,000
Central Boiler’s Classic Edge Titanium series is available in four different sizes with varying heat outputs. The Classic Edge 360 is the smallest model available, with a maximum heat output of 150,000 BTU/hr and a 12-hour heat output of 66,894 BTU/hr. This stainless steel firebox model includes the FireStar combustion controller, which monitors how the wood is burning, adds necessary air, and alerts you on your phone when to add more wood.
Classic Edge 360’s key features:
- Manufacturer’s rated heat output capacity - 150,000 BTU/hr
- Heat output (12 hours) - 66,894 BTU/hr
- Water capacity - 150 gallons
- Weight - 1,365 lbs
- 25-year warranty covering firebox and water jacket
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Classic Edge 560
Image source: DIWH Heating
Average cost (after installation): $15,000
If you're looking for a little more power, the Classic Edge 560 features a maximum heating capacity of 200,000 BTU/hr and uses up to 60% less wood than other wood-burning options. This model also features the Easy View heat exchanger, which makes it easy to maintain and clean without the use of any tools.
Classic Edge 560’s key features:
- Manufacturer's rated heat output capacity - 200,000 BTU/hr
- Heat output (12 hours) - 92,417 BTU/hr
- Water capacity - 205 gallons
- Weight - 1,668 lbs
- 25-year workmanship warranty (firebox and water jacket)
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Classic Edge 760
Image source: DIWH Heating
Average cost (after installation): $17,000
With a maximum heating capacity of 245,000 BTU/hr, the Classic Edge 760 packs a punch and is the most efficient outdoor wood furnace that's EPA certified. In addition to including the FireStar WiFi controller, it also features the Easy View heat exchanger, and the stainless steel firebox, which ensures strong heat transfer performance. These Classic models are also eligible for potential tax credits.
Classic Edge 760’s key features:
- Manufacturer's rated heat output capacity - 245,000 BTU/hr
- Heat output (12 hours) - 146,686 BTU/hr
- Water capacity - 330 gallons
- Weight - 2,036 lbs
- 25-year workmanship warranty (firebox and water jacket)
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Maxim M-255-PE
Image source: DIWH Heating
Average cost (after installation): $13,000
The Central Boiler Maxim wood pellet furnace is a great alternative option for homeowners who would rather use corn and scrap wood pellets than sticks of wood as their heating system. These furnaces burn the wood pellets to heat water which circulates through insulated pipes and transfers its heat energy through heat exchangers and provides heat through forced air vents or baseboards.
Maxim’s key features:
- Electric ignition
- EPA certified
- Manufacturer's rated heat output capacity - 190,000 BTU/hr
- Water capacity - 90 gallons
- Weight - 1310 lbs
- Hopper capacity - 600 lbs
- 5-year limited warranty
How do Central Boiler furnaces work?
Located between 30 and 200 feet away from the home, Central Boiler outdoor wood furnaces are designed to work with most existing heating systems. They contain water surrounding the firebox and heat exchanger, which is then heated and circulated through insulated pipes and pushed through the forced air vents or baseboards in your home. Then, you'll be able to easily adjust the temperature using your regular thermostat.
The Central Boiler Classic Edge furnace also provides unlimited hot water when you install a heat exchanger on your domestic hot water heater. These furnaces are also able to heat multiple buildings simultaneously, including your garage, barn, greenhouse or shed, and even your pool or hot tub.
Pros and cons of Central Boiler furnaces
Pros of Central Boiler furnaces
High efficiency - Not only is Central Boiler's Classic Edge furnace EPA certified, but along with other brands like Heatmaster and Heatmor, it's among the most efficient outdoor wood-burning furnaces available.
Easy installation - Installation costs could be an additional $2,000, but installing a Central Boiler furnace yourself is fairly simple. Dealers will provide you with all of the necessary piping and accessories and information regarding installation.
Sustainable - Unlike other heat sources like propane and other fuels, wood heat is not only environmentally friendly but also a locally-sourced renewable energy source. Keeping an outdoor furnace as opposed to an indoor wood stove is also a safer and more efficient way to heat your home.
Durability - Central Boiler's furnaces are made with a stainless steel firebox, which ensures corrosion resistance, hot water, and a long lifespan.
Cons of Central Boiler furnaces
Expensive - One of the largest concerns is its high price point. On average, Central Boiler furnaces can cost between $10,000-$17,000 depending on the size and potential installation costs.
Emissions - Although these furnaces are environmentally friendly, there is growing concern regarding how burning wood affects air quality. They can produce a large amount of smoke if operated at a low temperature.
Are Central Boiler furnaces right for you?
Outdoor wood-burning furnaces are a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to heating your home than some other HVAC options. Though these furnaces can be expensive, they can save you money on energy bills and feature an easy-to-control monitoring system available on your smartphone. Outdoor wood furnaces are a great heating option if you want to save some money, have the necessary outdoor space, and live in a colder climate.