Managing our Ecoforest pellet oven - Eco friendly heating -
or the things you don't find in any brochure
First of all let me say that I'm not (yet) a vendor of Ecoforest products and ovens. Looking around when we made the decision for this type of heating for the power and size of property we have, we settled on a Spanish product. Ecoforest produce pellets and ovens and seem to have a technical network across Spain (even in Galicia).
1. At -10 Celsius for a stone /brick property (250 m2) not fully insulated we would need about 20-25Kw
2. Pipe runs may be in excess of 20 meters length. Max height difference 5 meters.
3. Needs to be automatic and capable of running unattended for at least 24 hours.
The following is particular to Ecoforest Hydrocoper central calefaccion
The oven comes as a complete package. It takes up to 40Kg's of pellets. Delivers up to 27Kw or power. All is in build. Expansion vessel, pump, heat exchanger and electronics. Connect it to your heating pipes, a water feed and plug into a nearby socket and you're done!
Management
Below are pictures of what I use and do when cleaning the oven.
Things they don't tell you and don't deliver with the oven.
1. You need a small hoover. We use a battery powered one as lugging about our big one is just too much.
2. You need a flat bladed screw driver and a glass or cup to relive air from the boiler.
3. You need a paint brush and metal dust pan.
4. You need a small spatula.
5. You need a pair od scissors or similar to cut the pellet bags.
6. You may want to use disposable or work men's gloves
Here is how I do it.
1. I shut down the oven. This leaves the extraction running for quite a while. This comes in handy to suck any dust into the chimney rather than the room.
2. I use a bag of pellets to refill the oven. This is when a pair of scissors or a small knife comes in handy. By doing it as shown one avoids a lot of dust.
3. I use the bag as a dust sheet in front of the oven.
4. Before opening, I use the register cleaners from the out side.
5. Opening the front I use the paint brush to clean the ash and any debris from the grill and surroundings.
6. As the oven is still hot be careful when touching the central basket to take it out to check and clean. Every now ant then check this opening for accumulation of heavier debris.
7. The ash we use straight on the compost or any part of the garden that requires potash. As you see some of the ash will fall out.
8. A tip to clean the window: Use a paper wipe dip it into the ash and use it. You'll be amazed. Works for wood burners as well.
9. Check that the delivery slot for the pellets is free and unblocked.
10. Close it. Use the hoover to take care of the ash / dust that has escaped the bag.
11. Done! Ready to fire up again.
Infrequent maintenance:
After having used 1 ton of pellets it's advisable to clean the dust collector before the turbine. The small round opening (screwdriver / pliers) below the ash hopper.
Once a year I also check and clean the exhaust pipes and clean the oven thoroughly.
It's usually the day I do all ovens and chimneys.
Spray oil on the motor bearing points.
Due to the fluctuation in our water pressure I fill water (rarely) opening a hand valve.
A good airpump I use to top up the pressure vessel. Its a good time to do the same with your water expansion vessel if you have independent water supply. 
Pellets
It pays to use and unfortunately pay for high quality pellets.
We used about 2T's of cheaper "average" pellets and the top of my chimney is black. Also when cleaning the oven one realises there is more soot
Update 2010: Last years Ecoforest pelletes where a disgrace. So switched to an Italian supply (Tommyservice). Slightly more expensive but burn very well, consistant quality and at the top end of Cal´s. Available at A Campina (Gardencenter) Monforte.
We have heard that Ecof has got its act together again but now I´m hooked.
One big warning about the chimney install
The 80 mm pipes they use in Spain do have a design fault. These are put together from the oven up to the top of the chimney.
Although there is a seal in each element, water running down the chimney (yes it does rain frequently in Galicia) does penetrate and may flow back to the oven.
You can install an inspection elbow, but believe me when it rains here it does rain and not dribble. Thus the inspection extension fills easily with water. Been there - experienced it. I now have a meter long downward pipe at the T junction in the chimney to catch some of the fine dust that may also otherwise accumulate in a standard elbow.
What helps is the black sealant stuff for oven pipes. Every building merchant has this. Smear it in the joints and let it dry.
Update 02/2010: I have replaced the rubbish pipes with pipes from Germany. Steel, enamelled inside and outside. These come in colors. Mat black looks really nice.
Otherwise just enjoy!
It works like a treat and we certainly don't want to be without it.
PS. Filling the oven makes you really think about how and when you use the power available to you.
PPS. It's great fun to switch on a wood fire by simply pushing a button and knowing it saves money at the same time.
Rationale and saving calculations when using pellets
If you want to see this in action or have any questions about the technology, the make or the general install of a central heating here in Galicia. Feel free to contact and visit us.
