How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, often called wood boilers, look like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smoke stack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of water and antifreeze which is then circulated through your home.

When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are made of dry wood, they can be an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. However, they still produce a significant amount of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is an affordable choice for a lot of people. Not all wood boilers have the same effectiveness. As a rule models that employ wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The energy efficiency of an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One of these is the quality of the firewood that is used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six month; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns more efficiently and releases less pollutants.

Another aspect is the boiler's combustion efficiency which is the percentage of heat energy converted into useful heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's important to consider the delivered efficiency. This is a measure of how much of the available heat from the wood reaches the home.

It is also essential to operate the OWB properly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.

Contrary to stoves that are indoor wood burner stove that are located inside your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and Wood Burning Stoves For Sheds 200 feet from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home by a system that utilizes heat exchangers.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient way to heat your home and reduce your energy bills. To get the most from your OWB, select one that is energy efficient and maintain it in a proper manner. Don't forget that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean should be burned in an OWB to stop it from harming the environment and your home.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline, and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees are able to grow and replace those that were burned to provide warmth. When wood is burned it emits carbon dioxide, but it is then absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollution.

Wood furnaces can be used for heating garages, homes sheds, and other structures. They are also economical, since they eliminate the need for expensive energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools that are ideal to relax in winter. Many of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green choice 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 ground or air, which allows them to heat buildings and reduce their need for propane, oil or natural gas. These heat pumps are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and they are more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to function.

Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still a favorite among some due to its low cost and green credentials. A majority of the top models have an 85% efficiency rating, which is far superior to other heating alternatives. People who are concerned about the environment need to consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out the best models, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Safety

A wood burning stove, in the event of not being installed and maintained correctly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from fires could contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which could cause asthma and respiratory problems. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore important to get a professional to install your wood stove.

It is also a good idea to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney, stovepipe and wood-burning appliance regularly. These professionals can ensure your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating safely. This will help to prevent fires from your home or any other buildings on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to select dry and seasoned logs. To minimize the risk of fire, keep the area around the logs clear of any debris or combustible material, such as paper or plastic. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Although wood burning fireplace smoke has the potential to harm anyone but it is especially harmful for children, teenagers older adults, and those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that new and expecting mothers beware of exposure to wood burning stoves for sheds (see this here) smoke, as it can negatively affect their babies.

Utilizing an OWB can be a nuisance for neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and the wind, smoke from a fire could fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. It is a good idea to close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets away from the flame.

Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your house is also an excellent idea. Check them frequently. 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 houses 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 that you use frequently it will require some maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly.

Being on top of the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most use out of it. Cleaning the exterior, interior, and flue pipe is essential. Be sure to turn off the electricity and fire before you begin cleaning. It is also important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies prior to beginning cleaning. This should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your home) Safety gloves, a brush and an incredibly small shovel as along with a metal ash container instead of a bucket.

Each time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote that must be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system and to prevent the buildup of a substance which corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed to clean.

You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner every week. It is better to empty the ash into an aluminum container rather than the standard trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other materials. They could ignite or explode when the hot ashes are put in the container.

Smoke from your wood burner may require to be controlled on a regular basis, depending on the type of wood used, how much heat is being drawn in and atmospheric conditions. If smoke is a concern, you will want to think about having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a task that can be a challenge for DIYers and is probably a job which is best left to the experts to avoid any health issues caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.