How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with the appearance of a small smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of water and antifreeze which is then circulated through your home.

When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are utilized with dry wood, they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still generate lots of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for a long time. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. However not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. As a rule models that employ wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

There are several factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One is the quality of the wood that is used. It is important to choose only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six month at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.

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 promote their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however, it is vital to check the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much heat from the wood reaches your home.

It is also crucial to ensure that you are operating the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.

Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly in your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your house. The hot water that is heated in the OWB is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed via a network of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.

Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB is an efficient method of heating your house and save you money on energy costs. Be sure to choose a high-efficiency unit and follow proper maintenance procedures to get the most benefit of it. And don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to avoid harming the environment and your home.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane, 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 burnt, it emits carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollutant.

Wood furnaces can be utilized to heat garages, homes, wood Burning Stove sheds and other structures. They are cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay costly utility bills. They can also be used to warm a pool or hot tub as well as provide a tranquil place to unwind during the winter months. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them 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 the 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 constant supply of raw materials to function efficiently.

However, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people due to its low cost of wood burning stove and green credentials. A majority of the top models have an 85% efficiency rating, which is superior to other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the environment should speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burning to find out about the best models, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Safety

A wood burning stove, if not installed and maintained properly, can pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from fires could contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory problems. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets furniture, clothing and furniture. This is why it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner.

A professional should also check your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood on a regular schedule. They can make sure that your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. This will help to prevent fires from your home or any other structures on your property.

It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. To minimize the risk 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 trash because they release harmful pollutants into the air.

Wood smoke is harmful to anyone, but it's particularly harmful to children, teenagers and older adults as well as those suffering from respiratory or wood burning stove heart problems. It is also recommended that all new pregnant mothers avoid exposure to wood burning stove outdoor smoke as it may negatively affect their unborn babies.

Utilizing an OWB can also be a source of trouble for neighbors. Based on the weather and wind, smoke from a fire could blow through open windows. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. Close any windows or doors close to the stove and keep pets away from it.

Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. Also, you should have an escape plan for your family in place and practice it at least once a year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can help restore your smoke-damaged property or business to its pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating and creating a cozy, warm space inside your home. As with any appliance that you regularly use it will require some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the best enjoyment from it. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove is cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you begin any cleaning, be sure that the fire is extinguished and that all electricity to the wood stove is shut off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. This includes newspapers to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves and a toothbrush.

Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system and also to prevent the buildup of a substance which corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean.

You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is better to empty the ash into a steel container for ash instead of throwing it in a regular garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash, and other materials that can ignite and explode when you put the ashes that are hot in the containers.

Based on the type and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, and the weather conditions depending on the weather, you may have to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a concern it is recommended to consider having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This is a task that can be difficult for DIYers and is probably a job that is better done by professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling a lot of smoke from wood.