How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, often called wood boilers, look like small sheds that have an elongated smoke stack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home.
When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are made of dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still generate plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to warm homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a cost-effective alternative for many. Wood boilers are not all built with the same efficiency. As a rule models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
There are many factors that impact the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of them is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months, and best for a whole year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is a different aspect. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove into usable heat. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiencies, but it is important to determine the delivered efficiency as well. The latter is a measurement of how much heat from the wood is delivered to your home.
Finally, it is important to ensure that you are operating the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed in your home or office, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your house. portable wood burning stove that is heated in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is then distributed via a network of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home and can help you save money on your energy bills. Just make sure that you select a high-efficiency model and follow proper maintenance procedures to make the most of it. Remember that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from polluting the environment and damaging your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees will grow to replace those which were burned to provide warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants, which then convert it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood doesn't produce any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating homes, garages sheds and other structures. These units are very cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay high utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pools which are perfect for relaxing in the winter months. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved and are a green option 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.
Electric heat pumps are a great alternative to wood furnaces. They draw thermal energy from the air or the ground which allows them to heat buildings and reduce the need for oil, propane or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are regarded as eco-friendly, however they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to perform properly.
Wood-burning heaters remain popular for some because of their low price and environmental stewardship. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is more than other heating options. Those who are concerned about the environment need to talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to find out about the most effective models available that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove, when not maintained and installed correctly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that can cause health issues, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. For these reasons, it is important to hire an expert to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney or wood-burning appliance and stovepipe on a regular basis. These professionals can ensure your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. This will help to prevent fires in your home, or in other structures on your property.
It is essential to make use of dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around the logs clear of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, to avoid the danger of fire. Never burn treated wood, garbage or trash as they can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke is harmful to all, but it's particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults as well as those with heart or respiratory conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid wood smoke as it can negatively impact the unborn baby.
Using vintage wood stove can also cause trouble to your neighbors. Depending on the weather and winds, smoke from a fireplace can fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. It is recommended to shut all windows and doors near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
It's recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every room of your house, and to test them regularly. It is also recommended to make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at the minimum every month. If you need help with smoke or restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your smoke-damaged home or business to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating your home and creating a cozy, warm space in your home. Like all appliances you use regularly it will require some maintenance to ensure it is running smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the best use out of it. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Make sure to shut off the electricity and the fire before you begin cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the items you require. These include newspapers to cover the floor of your home along with safety gloves and a brush.
Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue, which must be regularly cleaned to maintain optimum air flow through the combustion system as well as to prevent the buildup of a substance that corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort needed to clean the process.
You'll have to clean the ash container of your wood burner each week. It is recommended to empty the ash into a steel Ash container rather than dumping it into a regular garbage bin that is stuffed with trash, plastics and other items that could ignite and explode when you put the ashes that are hot in them.
Smoke from your wood burner may require to be controlled on a regular basis, dependent on the type of wood used, how much heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If you are concerned about smoke, you will want to think about having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This isn't an easy task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health issues that could result from inhaling a lot smoke from the wood stove.