How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with the appearance of a small smokestack. They are heated by water, or a mix of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout your house.

When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are used with dry double sided wood burner, they can provide an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. However, they still produce a significant amount of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Wood heat is a common choice for heating homes for centuries. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable alternative for many. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. As a general rule models that employ wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One factor is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months, and ideally for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the atmosphere than green, wet wood. It also burns cleaner and releases less pollutants.

The boiler's rate of combustion is a different factor. This is the proportion of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' combustion efficiencies however it is crucial to look for the delivered efficiency as well. This is a measure of how much heat from the wood is delivered to your home.

It is also crucial to properly operate the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and ensuring that the vent is maintained regularly. The flue must be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner.

In contrast to indoor stoves that are installed directly inside your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is circulated through a system of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home and reduce your energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is efficient and properly maintained. Be sure to burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a more environmentally friendly option to burning fossil fuels, such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees can develop and replace the ones burning for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns but it is absorbed by other plants and trees that convert the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.

A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages sheds, homes and other structures. They are also economical as they remove the need for expensive energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool, which are great for relaxing in wintertime. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified and are 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.

A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump, which draws heat from the air or ground, allowing it to warm buildings and decrease the need for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as green, but they require a steady supply of raw materials in order to perform efficiently.

Wood-burning heaters are still popular for some because of their low price and environmental stewardship. Many of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is more than many other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the environment should talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to find out the most effective models available, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Safety

If it is not properly installed and maintained, wood burner a wood burning stove could pose a serious fire hazard. Smoke from a fire can contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets as well as furniture and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.

A professional should also inspect your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning on a regular schedule. These professionals can ensure your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help avoid fires from happening in your home, or in other structures on your property.

It is important to only use dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. Also, ensure that the area around the logs free of combustible and debris such as paper or plastic, to minimize the risk of fire. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.

While wood smoke has the potential to harm anyone, it is especially dangerous for teenagers, children older adults, as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that new and expecting mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood, as it can negatively affect their unborn babies.

Utilizing an OWB could also cause trouble to your neighbors. Smoke from a fire can travel through windows that are not closed according to the weather or the wind. It can also cause irritation to the nose and eyes. Close any windows or doors that are close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.

Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your house is also a great idea. Make sure to test them regularly. It is also recommended to create a family evacuation plan and practice it at very least once a month. If you need help with smoke or restoration services for fires, call your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged home or business back to its pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners or OWBs, are ideal to heat your home using a renewable energy source and creating a warm and cozy environment. Like any appliance you use regularly, they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly.

Maintaining your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum use from it. Regularly cleaning the exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire is completely out of the way and that all electricity to the wood stove is off. It is also important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin cleaning. These should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your house), safety gloves, a brush, and a small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.

Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps keep from the build-up of a chemical that can cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Using a creosote removal product such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean.

You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is more efficient to dispose of the ash in metal containers rather than the regular trash can which is typically filled with plastics, trash and other substances. They could explode or ignite when the ashes are hot when placed in the can.

Based on the type and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the weather conditions, you may need to control smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This is a task that can be difficult for DIYers, and is a task that is better done by professionals to avoid any health issues caused by breathing in a lot of wood smoke.