How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with an elongated smokestack. They heat water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout the house.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still produce substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to warm homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels wood heat is an attractive option for many. However not all wood boilers are with the same efficiency. In general, models that use wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One of them is the quality of the wood that is used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is another factor. This is the amount of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' combustion efficiencies however, it is vital to look for the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat from the wood reaches the home.
It is also important to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent clogging and reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves that are located inside your home, an OWB is installed between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The water that is heated in the OWB is then piped through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is then distributed through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient way to heat your home, and it can help you save money on your energy bills. Be sure to choose a high-efficiency unit and follow proper maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. Don't forget to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the firewood from damaging your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally friendly option to burning fossil fuels, such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a source of renewable energy which means that new trees will grow to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when burned however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. These units are also very economical, since they eliminate the need for expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool that are ideal for relaxing in winter months. indoor wood burning stove 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.
Electric heat pumps are a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or the ground and can be used to heat buildings and decrease their need for oil, propane, or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are seen as green, but they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to function effectively.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people due to their low cost and environmental stewardship. A majority of the top models have an 85% efficiency rating, which is much better than most other heating alternatives. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and environmentally green models.
Safety
A wood burning stove if not installed and maintained properly, could pose a serious fire risk. The smoke from a fire may be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health problems, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also contaminate carpets furniture, clothing and furniture. It is therefore important to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
It is also a good idea to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This will help to prevent fires in your home or other buildings on your property.
It is crucial to only use dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. To decrease the chance of fire, keep the area around the logs free of debris or combustible materials, such as paper or plastic. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish as they could release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke is dangerous to everyone, but it is particularly dangerous to teenagers, children and older adults and those who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers avoid wood smoke as it can negatively impact the unborn baby.
Using an OWB can be a nuisance for neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can travel through windows that are not closed in response to weather conditions or wind. It can also irritate nose and eyes. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors near the stove and to keep pets away from the fire.
Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your house is also an excellent idea. Check them frequently. You should also create a family evacuation plan and practice it at minimum once per month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are great for heating your home and creating a warm, cozy ambience in your home. Like any appliance you use regularly they require some care to keep them running smoothly.
Maintaining your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the most use from it. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove is cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Be sure to turn off the electricity and fire before you begin cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the items you require. These should include newspaper to cover the floor of your home as well as safety gloves, and a brush.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to maintain the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps to stop the accumulation of a chemical that can corrode the inner layers of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed for cleaning.
You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is recommended to empty the ash into a steel container for ash instead of throwing it in a regular garbage can that is filled with trash, plastics and other materials that can ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes in them.
Smoke from your wood burner could need to be controlled regularly, according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If you notice smoke it is recommended to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This is a job that isn't easy for DIYers and is likely to be a task that should be done by professionals to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling a lot of wood smoke.