How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

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

When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still produce plenty of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since the beginning of time, wood burner fireplace ideas has been used to heat homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable alternative for many. Wood boilers are not all built with the same effectiveness. As a rule models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.

There are many factors that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of these is the quality of the wood used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and wood burning stove dried for at least six months; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns cleaner and releases less pollutants.

The rate of combustion in the boiler is a different aspect. This is the amount of heat converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' combustion efficiency however it is crucial to check the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.

It is also crucial to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned every week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and avoid clogging.

Unlike indoor stoves that are located within your home, an OWB is installed between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The heated water in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your home through an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers.

Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is an extremely efficient method of heating your home, and it can save you money on your energy bills. Be sure to choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to make the most of it. Don't forget to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent the firewood from damaging your home and polluting the air.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will grow to replace those that were used to heat. Wood releases carbon dioxide when burned however, it is absorbed by other plants and trees that convert it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollutant.

A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages sheds, and other buildings. These units are very economical as they do away with the need to pay costly utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools that are ideal for relaxing in wintertime. 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.

Electric heat pumps are an alternative to wood furnaces. They draw thermal energy from the air or ground which allows them to heat buildings and reduce the need for oil, propane, or natural gas. These heat pumps are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves and they're more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to perform their job.

Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand among some people due to their low cost and eco-friendly. Many of the best models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is far better than most other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the environment should talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to learn about the best models available, which are both efficient and eco-friendly.

Safety

A wood burning stove, when not maintained and installed properly, could pose a serious fire risk. The smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory problems. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Because of this, it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.

It is also a good idea to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe on a regular basis. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and is in compliance with the local safety regulations. This can help stop fires from happening in your home or any other buildings on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to use only dry well-seasoned logs. To minimize the risk of fire, you should keep the area around the logs free of debris or combustible material, such as paper or plastic. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber, as they can release a number of harmful pollutants into the air.

Wood smoke is harmful to everyone, but it is particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults and those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that newly born and expecting mothers beware of exposure to wood stove burning smoke, as it can adversely affect their babies.

Using an OWB can also cause trouble to your neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can blow through windows that are not closed in response to weather conditions or winds. It can also irritate eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and keep pets away from it.

It is recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in each bedroom of your home and test them frequently. You should also make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at the very least once a month. For assistance with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are great for heating your home with a renewable energy source and creating a warm, cozy environment. Like any appliance that you use frequently, it requires some maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly.

You'll benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it regularly. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove are cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire is gone and all electricity to the wood stove is shut off. You should also prepare your tools before you start cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a toothbrush and a small shovel, as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.

Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue needs to be cleaned frequently to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the accumulation of a substance which can corrode the inner layers of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort needed to clean.

You will need to clean the ash tank of your wood burner every week. It is better to empty the ash into an iron container for ash instead of throwing it into a regular garbage can that is filled with plastics, trash, and other items that could ignite and explode if you put the hot ashes in the containers.

Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat drawn from your wood burner, as well as the atmospheric conditions depending on the weather, wood burning stove you may have to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a concern you should look into having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This can be a difficult task for a DIYer. It is best left to experts to avoid health issues that could result from breathing in a lot of smoke from the wood stove.