A Community Center for the Arts, known for showcasing performing and visual arts is now attracting attention for its state-of-the-art wood pellet heating system.

Their old steam boiler system used 6.5 gallons of oil per hour or 5,500 gallons a year. As oil prices have risen, the cost of heating the facility became very expensive for the small non-profit. At one point, the center was hosting shows during the winter months at another facility because of the heating costs.

A 2011 energy audit and biomass feasibility study recommended converting the existing steam distribution system, which was near the end of its life, to a biomass heating system using wood pellets. The new system would heat all 6000 square feet of space.

The system installed includes two 191,000 Btu/hr output biomass boilers and a 50,000 Btu thermal hot water storage tank. The total project cost was $159,972 with about 35% of the total used to convert the heating distribution system from low pressure steam to hot water.

Switching to the renewable and locally produced wood pellets will save the center an estimated $10,000 annually in heating costs. In addition, the new pellet furnace has made the building more comfortable in winter.

The project also serves as a demonstration model for how other non-profits a can heat and maintain large historic buildings. Pellet furnaces and multi-fuel furnaces are an efficient and economical alternative to heating buildings and homes.

When it comes to heating, there are alternatives to oil, electric and gas furnaces.  And multi-fuel furnaces are a dependable alternative. Available in two distinct models from St. Croix Stoves, these furnaces are cost-effective and reliable. Our multi-fuel furnaces burn any of six renewable, natural fuel sources—wood pellets, distillers grain pellets, corn, wheat, rye or cherry pits—resulting in minimal emissions and clean-burning, long-lasting fuel.

For more information, contact St. Croix Stoves.

Berlin Daily Sun