Nov. 16--WALTON -- Helping area residents stay warm this winter is Nick Williams' new business venture.

A pipe fitter by trade for the past 11 years, the Walton resident started Williams Boiler Systems LLC in August as a sideline business. He is an authorized dealer for Central Boiler brand outdoor wood furnaces and also offers installation and maintenance on the products.

Williams sells five different models, including three residential and two commercial models. For each one, a heat exchange system is installed into the building's existing furnace and water heater, which allows residents to keep their previous heating system.

"You don't eliminate anything," Williams said. "You just override your gas."

The outdoor furnace works by burning wood to heat water. The heat is relayed through a system of underground tubing into the structure through its existing indoor heating system. The furnace is controlled using a separate thermostat, which allows residents to turn off the wood-burning furnace in the summer and use the hot water heater as normal.

The furnaces can provide heat for pole barns, houses, garages and hot tubs. However, the units must be filled at least once a day.

Williams said the systems are cleaner than wood-burning stoves and won't dry out the air on the inside of the home. The units also help reduce a homeowner's heating costs by eliminating gas consumption.

Depending on the size of the unit, most furnaces sell for between $5,000 and $8,800. Williams said it takes about two and a half years to see a return on the initial investment.

When someone purchases a unit from Williams, he also makes a free courtesy call to fill the furnace and get the fire started.

"When people spend this much money, you have to bend over backwards to help them," he explained.

While Williams has done some recent installations, he expects business to slow down during the winter months.

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com

New business

Williams Boiler Systems LLC

LOCATION: 5802S 1100E, Walton

HOURS: By appointment

PHONE: (765) 469-6869

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