Non-electric back-up for hot water system

slateroof · February 1

Our previous house in Hartford, CT had a natural gas hot water system; the boiler had a pilot light and “manual” setting. When we lost power, we switched to the manual setting, and the boiler kept running, using convection to circulate hot water without needing the circulator motor. I assume no such boiler is legal now. A wood stove would probably drive my home insurance way up. I know of only one non-electric pellet stove (US Stove Company GW1949), but it looks a bit odd. Perhaps a conventional pellet stove with battery back-up? Thanks for any advice or suggestions!

Larry Weingarten · February 1

Hi, I'd contact the insurance company and see if installing a wood stove will affect your insurance. If it doesn't much, that's probably the simplest way forward. I'll add that some areas have no burn days, where they don't want the smoke from stoves and fireplaces. I'd check with the local health department to see if you're subject to that restriction.

Yours, Larry

Jamie Hall · February 1

Ah… is this still the same house in Hartford, CT? And if so, what do you have for heat now? There may be better and simpler ways to do this.

hot_rod · February 1

A large battery backup can keep all the boiler electrics running. The size of the batteries, amount of draw, and period of time is the calculation.

Over the years we have seen systems like that discussed here. As well as a more commercial grade UPS, instead of the Best Buy versions.

slateroof · February 2

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1839568#Comment_1839568

No, that was our previous house. Right now, we have a Buderus gas boiler with baseboards. Looking for some backup system in the event of a power-outage, either a battery to run the boiler or an independent parallel system.

pecmsg · February 2

gas generator?

DCContrarian · February 2

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1839755#Comment_1839755

That's my thought for simplest alternative.

slateroof · February 7

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1839768#Comment_1839768

Thanks for your reply! I agree that it would be a good solution. The only problem is that in our part of Massachusetts there is a “freeze” on additional natural gas appliances. The infrastructure is very old, and after some gas-leak explosions a few years ago, there is a regulation to limit gas pressure: no more than two appliances per household. But a propane generator should be possible.

Long Beach Ed · February 7

We put selector switches on our boilers to permit operation with a portable battery pack. Since these are atmospheric gas boilers, the current demands are minimal. During one of our monthly power interruptions, we plug in a battery or a generator.

Tenants get heat and nothing freezes. Battery can be recharged with a generator or solar panel.

slateroof · February 10

Thank you for this suggestion! The photo is a great help. Our Buderus has a draft inducer motor, so there would be greater current demand, but your system could be used with the right backup power source.

Long Beach Ed · February 11

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1841687#Comment_1841687

There are all sizes of portable batteries with inverters being sold as "solar generators," and some have impressive capacities. Just depends on how much you want to spend vs. how long you want your back up to run. Glad to be of help!

Non-electric back-up for hot water system

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