How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with a short smokestack. They provide heat to water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your house.
When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are used with dry wood, they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They still produce a lot of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular choice for heating homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a cost-effective choice for a lot of people. Wood boilers are not all built with the same efficiency. As a rule, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard models outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months, and ideally for a year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the atmosphere than green, wet wood. It also burns cleaner and produces less pollutants.
The boiler's rate of combustion is a further factor. This is the proportion of heat converted by the stove into usable heat. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiency however it is crucial to look for the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measure of how much heat from the wood is delivered to your home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed in your home or office, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your house. The heated water in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your house through a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home and save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your OWB, select one that is efficient and maintain it properly. And don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from harming the environment and your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable source, meaning that new trees will be planted to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. When wood is burned it emits carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood does not create any other environmental pollutant.
A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages, sheds and other buildings. These units are also very economical as they remove the need for expensive energy bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs or pools and provide a place to relax in winter. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified and are 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 that extracts heat from the air or ground and allows it to heat buildings and reduce the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. modern wood stove are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as green, but they require a constant supply of raw materials to function properly.
Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still a favorite among some due to its low cost and green credentials. Many of the best models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is far superior to other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
If not properly maintained and installed, a wood-burning stove can be a significant danger to fire. Smoke from a fire could be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health problems, including asthma and reduced lung function. In addition, smoke can cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is working safely and is in compliance with local safety regulations, which will help to prevent fires from occurring in your home or any other structures on your property.
It is important to only use dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the area around the logs clear of any debris or combustible material, such as paper or plastic. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish as they can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
While wood smoke is able to harm everyone, it is especially dangerous for teenagers, children older adults, as well as those who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart issues. It is also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it could adversely affect the unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB can be a nuisance for neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and winds smoke from a fire can fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. Close all doors and windows close to the stove and keep pets away from it.
It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your house and test them regularly. You should also have an escape plan for your family in place and test it at least once per year. If you need help with smoke or fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to 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 atmosphere. As with any appliance you use regularly it needs some attention to keep it running smoothly.
Keeping up with your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the best use from it. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire is completely out of the way and that all electrical power to the wood stove is turned off. You should also prepare your tools before you start cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house), safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue must be cleaned frequently to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to prevent the accumulation of a substance which can corrode the inner layers of the steel within the water jacket. Using a creosote remover such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort needed to clean.
You'll have to clean the ash container of your wood burner every week. It is better to empty the ash in an aluminum container rather than the standard trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other materials. These could spark or explode if the hot ashes are put in the can.
Based on the type and amount of heat generated by your wood burner, and the atmospheric conditions depending on the weather, you may have to control smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to look into having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a job that can be difficult for DIYers, and is a task that should be done by experts to avoid any health issues caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from your wood stove.