How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with an elongated smokestack. They heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still emit plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular choice for heating homes for centuries. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a cost-effective choice for a lot of people. There aren't fireplaces wood burning stoves that have the same effectiveness. As a rule models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
There are many factors that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months; ideally, for a year. Dry firewood ejects more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and produces less pollutants.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a different factor. This is the percentage of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however it is crucial to check the delivered efficiency as well. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue vent should be cleaned every week during the heating season to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the stove and to prevent the clogging.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed directly in your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your home through a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB can be a highly effective way to heat your home and save money on energy costs. To get the most from your OWB, select one that is high-efficiency and maintain it properly. Don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to stop it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable source which means that new trees will be planted to replace those which were burned to provide warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it burns but it is absorbed by other trees and plants, which then convert it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't create any other environmental pollutants.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other buildings. These units are very economical as they do away with the need to pay costly utility bills. They can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub as well as provide a tranquil space to relax during the winter months. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved, making them an eco-friendly 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.
A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which extracts thermal energy from the air or ground, allowing it to warm buildings and lessen the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves and they are more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to perform their job.
Wood-burning heaters remain popular with some people because of their low price and eco-friendly. Many of the best models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is superior to other heating alternatives. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
A wood-burning stove, if not installed and maintained properly, could be a fire hazard. Smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which could cause respiratory problems and asthma. In addition, smoke can be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also check your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney on a regular schedule. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and is in compliance with the local safety regulations. This can help prevent fires from occurring within your home or other structures on your property.
It is important to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to keep the area around the logs clear of debris and combustible materials like plastic or paper, in order to avoid fire hazards. Never burn treated wood, garbage or trash as they could release harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to everyone, but it is particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults and those who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that newly born and expectant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke, as it can negatively affect their babies.
Using an OWB can also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Based on the weather and the wind smoke from a fire can blow through open windows. It can also irritate eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors that are close to the stove and keep pets away from it.
It is recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom of your house, and to test them regularly. You should also have an escape plan for your family in place and test it at least once per year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are ideal for heating your home using an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm cozy environment. However, like any appliance you regularly use they need some attention to ensure they run smoothly.
You will get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if you maintain it regularly. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior, interior, and flue pipe is essential. Before you start any cleaning, make sure that the fire is completely extinguished and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is shut off. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor of your home along with safety gloves and a toothbrush.
Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue that needs to be regularly cleaned to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system as well as to stop the accumulation of a substance which corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort to clean.
You'll need to clean the ash container of your wood stove every week. It is better to dispose of the ash in metal containers rather than the regular trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other items. They may spark or explode if the hot ashes are placed in the can.
Depending on the type and amount of heat attracted from your wood burner, as well as the weather conditions depending on the weather, you may have to control smoke on a regular schedule. If you notice smoke you might want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This is a job that can be a challenge for DIYers, and is a task that is better left to the professionals to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling lots of smoke from wood.