Boiler installation varies on the intended setup.  Regardless of the application, a boiler functions most efficiently with the concurrent use of a heat accumulation tank (hot water tank).  The hot water tank allows for the thermal storage of excess heat energy from the boiler during heating process and idling.  The heating system then draws on the stored thermal energy when needed to heat the intended space.  A properly sized storage tank can cut wood consumption by 40%.  The use of a hot water tank also helps to moderate the heating load experienced by the boiler due to fluctuating outside temperature changes.  This is particularly noticeable in transition seasons (spring and autumn), when boilers without a hot water tank will excessively idle accumulating creosote in the boiler heat-exchanger and chimney.  This switching lowers the boiler’s efficiency and results in fuel losses.  However, if a hot water tank is used, the boiler will work at maximum efficiency while storing excess heat energy for later use which minimizes the amount of wood fuel required.  

Generally, the bigger the storage tank the better, as the boiler is most efficient when running at full capacity.  The rule of thumb on tank sizing is that 13 gallons of water can store about 1KW of boiler heat.  Using the EKO Line 25 as an example: 13 gal/1KW x 31KW = 421 gallons.  421 gallons x 91% efficiency = 383 gallon minimum size water tank.  As these are just estimates, please contact us regarding your unique situation

Also, it is worth noting that other heating systems such as solar water heater, heat pumps, and others can be connected to the hot water storage tank for greater redundancy.