How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood burning stove modern boilers. They resemble small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home.

When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they offer an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still produce substantial amounts of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since the beginning of time, wood heat has been used to heat homes. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is an affordable option for many people. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same effectiveness. As a rule, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by several factors. One factor 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 full year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.

The boiler's rate of combustion is another aspect. This is the percentage 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 of the product delivered. This is a measure of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.

It is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and maintaining the vent for the flue on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned every week during the heating season to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and avoid the clogging.

In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed directly within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is then distributed via a network of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.

Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB can be an extremely effective way to heat your home and save money on your energy bills. To get the most from your unit, choose one that is high-efficiency and maintain it properly. And don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from harming the environment and your home.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees can grow and replace the ones that were that were burned to provide warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not generate any other environmental pollutants.

A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. These units are very cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay costly utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool which are perfect to relax in winter. A lot 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 great alternative to wood furnaces. They draw thermal energy from the air or the ground which allows them 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 environmentally friendly, but they require a steady supply of raw materials in order to perform properly.

However, wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people because of its low price and green credentials. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is higher than other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the impact on the environment must speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burners to find out the most effective models available that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Safety

A wood burning stove, in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, can pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and a reduced lung function. Smoke can also cause harm to carpets, furniture and Outdoor Wood Burner clothing. Therefore, it is important to hire professionals to install your wood stove.

It is recommended to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney or wood-burning appliance and stovepipe on a regular basis. They can make sure that your OWB is working safely and that it is compliant with local safety regulations, which will help to keep fires from forming in your home or any other buildings on your property.

It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around the logs free of any debris and combustible substances such as plastic or paper, in order to minimize the danger of fire. Never burn treated lumber, garbage or trash as they could release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Wood smoke poses danger to anyone, but it's particularly dangerous to teenagers, children and older adults as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it can negatively impact the unborn baby.

Utilizing an OWB can cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire may blow through windows that are not closed according to the weather or wind. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. Close all doors and windows that are close to the stove, and keep pets away from the stove.

Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house is also an excellent idea. Test them regularly. You should also develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. For help with smoke and fire restoration services, outdoor wood burner contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your smoke-damaged home or business to its pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating up and creating a warm, cozy space within your home. However, like any appliance you use regularly they require some care to ensure that they are running smoothly.

Being on top of the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most use out of it. Regularly cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Before you do any cleaning, be sure that the fire is completely out of the way and that all electricity to the wood stove is off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. This includes newspapers to cover the floor in your home, 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 an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps keep from the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort needed for cleaning.

It is also necessary to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better to empty the ash into an iron Ash container rather than dumping it into a garbage bin that is stuffed with plastics, trash, and other materials that could ignite and explode if you put the hot ashes in the containers.

Smoke from your wood burner may need to be controlled regularly, dependent on the type of wood used, how much heat is being drawn and the conditions of the air. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to consider having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This isn't an easy task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best left to experts to avoid health issues that could result from breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.