How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with a short smokestack. They are heated by water, or a combination of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your house.

When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are used with dry wood, they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. However, stove wood burning they still produce an enormous amount of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since the beginning of time, wood has been used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is an affordable option for many people. However not all wood boilers are equal in terms of efficiency. As a rule models that employ wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by several factors. One of the factors 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; ideally, for a year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and releases less pollutants.

The boiler's combustion rate is a different aspect. This is the amount of heat converted by the stove into usable heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' combustion efficiency, but it is important to look for the delivered efficiency as well. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.

It is also essential to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and to prevent clogging.

Unlike indoor stoves that are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your house through an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient method of heating your home and help you save money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your unit, choose one that is efficient and properly maintained. And don't forget that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean should be burned in an OWB to prevent it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will grow to replace those which were burned to provide warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burned, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. The burning of wood Stove Cooking produces no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.

Wood furnaces can be used for heating homes, garages sheds and other structures. They are cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay costly utility bills. They can be used to heat hot tubs and pools and provide a place to unwind in winter. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them 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.

A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which draws heat from the air or ground which allows it to heat buildings and reduce the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as eco-friendly, however they require a steady supply of raw materials to work effectively.

However, wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people due to its low cost and green credentials. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than many other heating alternatives. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and eco green models.

Safety

A wood burning stove if not installed and maintained properly, could create a significant fire risk. Smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory issues. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Because of this, it is crucial to employ an expert to install your wood burner.

A professional should also inspect your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood regularly. They can make sure that your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help avoid fires in your home or any other buildings on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to only use dry well-seasoned logs. You should also keep the area around the logs free of combustible and debris, such as paper or plastic, to avoid the danger of fire. Never burn treated lumber, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Although wood smoke is able to harm anyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers older adults, and those who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid wood smoke as it could adversely affect the unborn baby.

Using an OWB may also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Depending on the weather and wind smoke from a fire can be blown through windows that are not closed. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close any doors or windows that are near the stove and keep pets away from the stove.

It is also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom of your house and test them frequently. You should also make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are excellent for heating up and creating a cozy warm ambience inside your home. Like any appliance is used regularly they need some attention to ensure they run smoothly.

Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the maximum use from it. Cleaning the exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Before you do any cleaning, be sure that the fire has been completely extinguished and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is shut off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home, safety gloves and a toothbrush.

Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue must be cleaned regularly to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps keep from the accumulation of a substance which can cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort required for cleaning.

You'll have to clean the ash container of your wood burner every week. It is best to empty the ash into a steel ash container instead of dumping it in a regular garbage can that is filled with plastics, trash and other items that could ignite and explode if you place the hot ashes in them.

Based on the type and amount of heat generated by your wood burner, and the weather conditions, you may need to manage smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is an issue you might want to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned frequently. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health problems caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from the wood stove.