How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with the appearance of a small smokestack. They are heated by water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout your home.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still produce a significant amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to warm homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable alternative for many. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are with the same efficiency. In general models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
There are many factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is important to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet green wood burning fire. It also burns more efficiently and releases less pollutants.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is another aspect. This is the amount of heat converted by the stove into usable heat. It is standard for manufacturers to advertise the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, but it’s crucial to look at the efficiency of the product. This is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood gets to your home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue vent should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season in order to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the stove and to prevent the clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed in your home or office, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your house through a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home and can save you money on your energy bills. Make sure you select a high-efficiency model and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most out of it. Don’t forget to only burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees are able to develop and replace the ones burned for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other plants and trees, which then convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood doesn’t generate any other environmental pollutant.
A wood furnace can be used wood burning stoves to heat homes, garages sheds, and other buildings. They are also cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for costly utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools which are perfect for relaxing in the winter. Many of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green alternative for heating your home.
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.
An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump that extracts heat from the air or ground and allows it to heat buildings and lessen the need for propane, natural gas or oil. They are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and they are more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to function.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular for some due to their low cost and environmental stewardship. A majority of the top models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is far better than most other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco friendly models.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove could pose a serious fire hazard. Smoke from a fire could contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that could cause health issues, including asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore essential to get a professional to install your wood stove.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning on a regular schedule. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating in a safe manner and that it is compliant with local safety standards, which will help to stop fires from happening in your home or any other structures on your property.
It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs clear of debris and combustible materials such as paper or plastic, to minimize fire hazards. Don’t burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to all, but it’s particularly harmful to children, teenagers and older adults, as well as people who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it could adversely affect their unborn baby.
Using an OWB can also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire may travel through windows that are not closed in response to weather conditions or wind. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close all doors and windows that are near the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It’s recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your home, and to test them frequently. Also, you should have an escape plan for your family in place and practice it at least once per year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore your smoke-damaged home or business back to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a cozy, warm space in your home. As with any appliance you use regularly it will require some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
You will benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it on a regular basis. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove are cleaning the exterior, interior and wood Burning Fire flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you begin any cleaning, ensure that the fire is completely out of the way and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is shut off. You should also make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin cleaning. This include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel, as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue should be cleaned frequently to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps to prevent the accumulation of a substance that could corrode the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort needed to clean.
It is also necessary to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is best to empty the ash into a metal ash container instead of dumping it in a regular garbage container that is filled with trash, plastics and other items that could ignite and explode when you put the ashes that are hot in them.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat drawn from your wood burner, and the conditions in the air it is possible to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is an issue you might want to make sure that the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This is a task that can be a challenge for DIYers, and is likely to be a task that should be left to professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling lots of smoke from wood.