How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, often called wood boilers, look like small sheds with a short smoke stack. stove wood burning provide heat to water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout your home.
When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are used with dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. However, they still produce substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood was used to heat homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a reasonable option for many people. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One factor is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is important to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is a different factor. This is the proportion of heat that is converted by the stove into usable heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however it is crucial to check the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much heat generated by the wood reaches your home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This means cleaning it and ensuring that the vent is maintained on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to prevent blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
In contrast to indoor stoves that are located in your home, an OWB is located between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home by a system that uses heat exchangers.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB can be a highly efficient method of heating your home and save money on energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is high-efficiency and properly maintained. And don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to avoid polluting the environment and damaging your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane, and oil. It is a renewable source, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace those that were burned for warmth. When wood is burned it releases carbon dioxide however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be utilized to heat garages, homes, sheds and other structures. These units are also very economical, since they eliminate the need for expensive utility bills. They can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub, providing a relaxing space to relax during the winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, making them a green option for home heating.
However, a wood stove is not without its drawbacks. Wood smoke contains tiny air particles that can aggravate the symptoms of certain health conditions, such as heart and lung problems. These particles can also contribute to climate change and contaminate water supplies. It is important to use only seasoned firewood in your outdoor wood burner. If your wood isn't seasoned, it will release more smoke, which can irritate those with sensitive respiratory systems.
A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump, which extracts thermal energy from the ground or air which allows it to heat buildings and lessen the requirement for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are regarded as green, but they require a steady supply of raw materials to perform effectively.
Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still popular with some people because of its low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the top models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is far superior to other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the impact on the environment must consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out about the best models that are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove could pose a serious risk of fire. Smoke from a fire could contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that can cause health issues, such as asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also contaminate carpets as well as furniture and clothing. This is why it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner.
It is also a good idea to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating in a safe manner and that it is compliant with the local safety regulations. This can stop fires from happening in your home or any other structures on your property.
It is important to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. Also, ensure that the area around the logs clear of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, in order to reduce fire hazards. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these can release a number of harmful pollutants into the air.
While wood smoke has the potential to harm anyone, it is especially dangerous for teenagers, children older adults, as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and new mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it can negatively impact the unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB may also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Based on the weather and the wind smoke from a fire can be blown through windows that are not closed. It can also irritate eyes and noses. It is recommended to shut any windows or doors near the stove and to keep pets from the fire.
It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your home, and to test them frequently. You should also have a family escape plan in place and test it at least once a year. If you need help with smoke or restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are excellent for heating your home and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere inside your home. However, like any appliance you regularly use they require some care to ensure they run smoothly.
Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the maximum use out of it. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Be sure to turn off the power and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the materials you need. These include newspapers to cover the floor of your home as well as safety gloves and a brush.
Each time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote that must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain optimum air flow through the combustion system and to prevent the buildup of a substance that can corrode the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed to clean.
You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner every week. It is recommended to empty the ash into a metal Ash container rather than dumping it in a regular garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash, and other materials that could ignite and explode if you place the hot ashes inside them.
Smoke from your wood burner may need to be controlled on a regular basis dependent on the type of wood used, how much heat is being drawn in and the weather conditions. If smoke is an issue it is recommended to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned regularly. This isn't an easy task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best left to experts to avoid health issues caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.