Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Outdoor Furnace Supply heat exchangers, the essential components for transferring heat from your outdoor wood furnace to indoor air systems. Featuring two standout models, the 12x18 Water to Air Heat Exchanger and the 8x8 Water to Air Heat Exchanger, these hot water coils deliver reliable, efficient performance for homeowners seeking cost-effective heating solutions. Whether you're upgrading your HVAC setup or building a new system, these products from a trusted brand stand out for their durability and heat transfer efficiency.
What Are Outdoor Furnace Supply Heat Exchangers?
Outdoor Furnace Supply specializes in robust heat exchangers designed specifically for outdoor wood furnaces. These water-to-air units use hot water from your furnace to warm air, which is then distributed through ductwork to heat your home, garage, or workshop. Known for their copper tubing and aluminum fins, these coils resist corrosion and maximize heat transfer, making them ideal for harsh outdoor environments.
What sets Outdoor Furnace Supply apart is their commitment to quality craftsmanship. Their products feature high-grade materials that ensure longevity, even in demanding conditions like freezing winters or high-humidity areas. As part of the broader heat exchangers category, these models excel in applications where traditional indoor boilers fall short.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for heat exchangers, prioritize these features to match your needs:
- Size and Capacity: Larger coils like the 12x18 offer higher BTU output for bigger spaces, while the 8x8 suits smaller setups.
- Construction: Copper tubes with aluminum fins provide superior heat transfer and corrosion resistance.
- Compatibility: Designed for standard ductwork and outdoor wood furnaces, ensuring easy integration.
- Durability: Heavy-duty builds withstand pressure up to 30 PSI and temperatures over 200°F.
- Efficiency: Optimized fin spacing enhances airflow without excessive fan power.
Outdoor Furnace Supply emphasizes these traits across their lineup, delivering products that outperform generic alternatives. For broader options, explore related categories like AB Heat Exchangers or Hayward Heat Exchangers for comparisons.
Comparing the 12x18 vs. 8x8 Models
Choosing between the 12x18 and 8x8 Water to Air Heat Exchangers depends on your heating demands. The 12x18 model boasts a larger surface area, making it perfect for homes over 2,500 sq ft or multi-zone systems. It handles higher water flow rates, delivering up to 150,000+ BTU/hr, ideal for colder climates or larger buildings.
In contrast, the 8x8 model is compact and efficient for spaces up to 1,500 sq ft, such as cabins or workshops. Its smaller footprint fits tight plenums, and it still provides robust output around 80,000 BTU/hr. Both share the brand's signature leak-tested construction and easy-install headers, but the 12x18 edges out in scalability for future expansions.
Outdoor Furnace Supply's engineering ensures both models minimize pressure drops, reducing strain on your furnace pump. Homeowners praise their quiet operation and even heat distribution compared to competitors.
Common Use Cases and Installation Tips
These heat exchangers shine in off-grid homes, rural properties, or shops relying on wood as fuel. Integrate them into forced-air systems within your building supplies project for zoned heating, heat the house during the day and the garage at night.
Installation is straightforward: mount in the plenum, connect water lines, and insulate. Always use non-toxic glycol mixes for freeze protection. Pair with proper airflow (400-600 CFM per ton) for peak efficiency. For whole-home solutions, these fit seamlessly into tools & home improvement upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Outdoor Furnace Supply heat exchangers stand out?
Outdoor Furnace Supply prioritizes heavy-duty copper coils and rigorous testing, offering superior corrosion resistance and heat transfer over budget brands. Their reputation for reliability stems from years serving wood furnace users.
Which model should I choose: 12x18 or 8x8?
Opt for the 12x18 for larger areas or high-demand heating; choose the 8x8 for compact, efficient setups. Calculate based on your furnace's BTU rating and space size.
How do they compare to other brands?
Versus AB or Hayward, Outdoor Furnace Supply excels in wood furnace compatibility and value, with fewer reported leaks and better warranties for outdoor use.
What about warranty and customer support?
They offer a strong manufacturer's warranty against defects, with responsive support for installation queries. Contact via their site for model-specific advice.
Can these handle glycol antifreeze?
Yes, both models are compatible with propylene glycol mixes up to 50%, ensuring year-round protection in cold climates.
