How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, often called wood boilers, look like small sheds that have an elongated smoke stack. They heat water or outdoor wood burner a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home.

When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are used with dry wood, they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. However, they still generate substantial amounts of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since the beginning of time, wood heat has been used to warm homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a cost-effective alternative for many. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same effectiveness. As a general rule, models that use wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard models outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is important to choose only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than green, wet wood. It also burns better and releases less pollutants.

Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however, it is vital to determine the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.

Finally, it is important to properly operate the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and maintaining the vent for the flue on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent clogging and reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.

Contrary to stoves that are indoor that are installed directly within your home, an OWB is set up between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The hot water that is heated in the OWB is then run through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your house through a system that uses heat exchangers.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home, and it can help you save money on your energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your OWB, select one that is high-efficiency and maintain it in a proper manner. Make sure to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the firewood from damaging your home and polluting the air.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline, and oil. It is a renewable source, meaning that new trees will be planted to replace the ones that were used to heat. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide, but it is then absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.

Wood furnaces can be utilized to heat garages, homes, sheds, and other structures. They are also economical as they remove the need for expensive energy bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs or pools, providing a relaxing space to relax in winter. A lot of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green option for home heating.

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.

An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which draws heat from the air or ground and allows it to heat buildings and lessen the need for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and are also more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to function.

However, wood-burning heaters are still popular with a few people due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally sustainable models.

Safety

If not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove can be a significant risk of fire. The smoke from a fire may be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that may cause health issues, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture and clothing. Therefore, it is important to employ professionals to install your wood stove.

A professional should also examine your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney regularly. These experts can ensure that your OWB meets the local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. This will help to prevent fires from your home, or in other structures on your property.

It is important to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to keep the area around the logs free of combustible and debris such as paper or plastic, to minimize fire hazards. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Wood smoke poses danger to all, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults, as well as people who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that all new and expectant mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.

Utilizing an OWB can also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can be blown through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or winds. It can also irritate noses and eyes. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets away from the flame.

It is recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in each bedroom of your home and test them regularly. Also, you should create a family evacuation plan and practice it at 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 homes or businesses to their pre-fire state.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are great to heat your home using an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm cozy atmosphere. However, like any appliance you use regularly they require some care to ensure that they are running smoothly.

You will benefit from your outdoor wood stove if maintain it regularly. Cleaning the exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Before you begin any cleaning, make sure that the fire is gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves and a brush.

Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue must be cleaned regularly to maintain an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the accumulation of a substance that could cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed to clean.

You will also need to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is more efficient to empty the ash into metal containers rather than the standard trash can which is typically filled with plastics, trash and other items. They may spark or explode if the ashes are hot when placed in the container.

Smoke from your wood burner may require to be controlled on a regular basis, dependent on the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This is a challenging task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health problems that could result from inhaling a lot smoke from the wood stove.