How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They look like small sheds that have an elongated smokestack. They heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated through your home.

When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are used with dry wood, they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still produce a lot of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since the beginning of time, wood was used to warm homes. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. Wood boilers are not all built with the same effectiveness. As a rule models that employ wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard 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 firewood. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months; ideally, for a year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.

The boiler's rate of combustion is a further factor. This is the amount of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. It is typical for manufacturers to promote the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, however it is important to also look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat from the wood is absorbed by the home.

It is also essential to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its effectiveness. This includes keeping it clean and ensuring that the vent is maintained on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.

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

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home and can save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your unit, choose one that is energy efficient and properly maintained. Remember that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean is recommended to be burned in an OWB to avoid polluting the environment and damaging your home.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a greener and more friendly option to burning fossil fuels, such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees will grow and replace the ones that were that were burned to provide warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants, unlike fossil fuels.

A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. They are extremely cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay costly utility bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs and pools and provide a place to unwind in the winter months. 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 cheap wood burning stove isn't seasoned, it will release more smoke, which can irritate those with sensitive respiratory systems.

Electric heat pumps are a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the air or ground and can be used to heat buildings and reduce their use of 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 function.

Wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. Many of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is more than many other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.

Safety

If not properly maintained and installed, a 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 can cause health issues, including asthma and a reduced lung function. Smoke can also cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.

A professional should also inspect your chimney or fireplaces stovepipe that burns wood on a regular schedule. They will ensure that your OWB is operating safely and that it meets local safety regulations, which will help to keep fires from forming in your home or any other structures on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to only use dry, seasoned logs. To decrease the chance of fire, keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials, such as plastic or paper. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber as they can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.

While wood smoke is able to harm everyone but it is especially harmful for children, teenagers older adults, as well as those with respiratory diseases or heart issues. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it could adversely affect their unborn child.

Using an OWB could also be a source of trouble for neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can blow through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or the wind. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close any doors or windows that are near the stove and keep pets away from the stove.

Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in every room of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. You should also have an escape plan for your family in place and practice it at least once per year. If you need help with smoke or fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your smoke-damaged home or business to its pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are great for heating your home using an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. However, like any appliance is used regularly, they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly.

You'll benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove if maintain it on a regular basis. Regularly cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Before you begin any cleaning, ensure that the fire is gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is turned off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home as well as safety gloves and a brush.

Each time you use wood burning stove near me in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue that needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain optimum air flow through the combustion system as well as to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort required to clean.

You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood stove every week. It is best to empty the ash into a metal ash container instead of dumping it in a regular garbage container that is filled with trash, plastics and other items that can ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes in the containers.

Based on the type and amount of heat being attracted from your wood burner, and the conditions in the air, you may need to manage smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned frequently. 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 inhaling a lot smoke from the wood stove.