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 provide heat to water or a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce substantial amounts 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 an affordable choice for a lot of people. Not all wood boilers have the same effectiveness. As a rule models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One factor is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months, and best for a full year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
Another element is the boiler's efficiency in combustion, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their OWBs, but it's important to also look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid obstruction and to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves that are located within your home, an OWB is located between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The hot water that is heated in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home by a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB is an efficient method of heating your house and save you money on energy bills. Just make sure that you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. And don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to stop it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees can grow and replace those burning for warmth. When wood is burned, it emits carbon dioxide, however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollutants.
A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages sheds, homes and other structures. These units are also very economical, since they eliminate the need for costly utility bills. They can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub as well as provide a tranquil place to relax in the winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified which makes them an eco-friendly option 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 their use of propane, oil, or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are regarded as environmentally friendly, but they require a continuous supply of raw materials to perform effectively.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people due to their low price and environmental stewardship. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than the majority of other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco friendly models.
Safety
If not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove can pose a major risk of fire. Smoke from a fire could contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that could cause health issues, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. For these reasons, it is crucial to employ an expert 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 is operating in a safe manner and is in compliance with the local safety regulations. This can keep fires from forming in your home or other buildings on your property.
It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. To reduce the risk of fire, ensure that the area around the logs free of debris or combustible material, like paper or plastic. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
While wood smoke is able to harm everyone, it is especially dangerous for teenagers, children older adults, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could negatively affect the unborn baby.
Using an OWB can cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can be blown through windows that are open according to the weather or wind. It can also cause irritation to the nose and eyes. It is a good idea to close any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets away from the flame.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your house is also an excellent 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 assistance 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 called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating your home and creating a warm, cozy space within your home. Like any appliance you use regularly they require some care to keep them running smoothly.
You will benefit from your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it on a regular basis. Cleaning the exterior flue, interior, and pipe is essential. Before you start any cleaning, ensure that the fire is gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is off. It is also important to prepare your tools before you begin cleaning. This should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home) safety gloves, a toothbrush and a small shovel, as along with a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue must be cleaned frequently to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer 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 needed for the cleaning process.
You'll need to clean the ash tank of your wood burner every week. It is recommended to empty the ash into an iron Ash container rather than dumping it in a regular garbage can that is filled with trash, plastics and other items that could ignite and explode when you place the ashes that are hot in the containers.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat being attracted from your wood burner, as well as the conditions in the air depending on the weather, you may have to control smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is a problem, you may want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This is a task that isn't easy for the do-it-yourselfer and is likely to be a task that should be left to the professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling lots of wood smoke.