Can I change an oil fired Rayburn for a Wood-burner with back burner?

[Bellzy]

At the moment I have an oil fired Rayburn (another version of a money pit) and I am thinking it could be changed for an wood-burner with back boiler as I have a free supply of wood.
I don't have any rads running off the Rayburn, it only does the hot water.

Can this be done?

[camillitech]

Hi Bellzy and welcome,

so long as the flue is large enough I see no reason why not, but, and some would disagree, line it if at all possible, even if the present chimney is in good condition. Have a good look at your Rayburn, it may actually be a solid fuel one that has been converted to oil anyway, as many were and it is possible that you may be able to convert it back.

I'm sure that someone who knows more will be along shortly 

Cheers, Paul

[clivejo]

I converted a Rayburn Royal from oil (wick) back to solid fuel.  The parts (griddle, pan, bricks etc) are hard to source but it was definitely the best thing to do.  The only bad or negative point is the lack of heat it puts into the boiler and rads.  Saying that it is probably because we have a large heat store (DHW cylinder) and 12 rads in the house !!

However, the ability to cook in the oven and hot plate (constant source of boiling water for cups of tea) far outweighs that small negative point. I would strongly recommend you fully look into converting it, if its do-able!

How is the current central heating system currently fed?