How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, often called wood boilers, look like small sheds with an elongated smoke stack. They heat water, or a mix of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout the house.
When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved 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.
modern wood burning stove
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to warm homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels wood heat is a viable alternative for a lot of. Wood boilers are not all built with the same efficiency. In general models that employ wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One factor is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing 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 usable heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiencies however it is crucial to look for the delivered efficiency as well. This is a measure of how much of the available heat from the wood reaches the home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its effectiveness. This means keeping it clean and maintaining the vent for the flue regularly. The flue vent should be cleaned every week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the stove and avoid clogging.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which sit directly within your home, an OWB is installed between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The water that is heated in the OWB is then piped through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is then distributed through a system of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB can be an extremely efficient method of heating your house and save you money on your energy bills. Make sure you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow proper maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. And don't forget that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean should be burned in an OWB to stop it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a greener and more friendly option to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane, and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will grow to replace those that were burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants that convert the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not generate any other environmental pollutant.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other buildings. They are also economical as they remove the need for expensive energy bills. They can be used to heat hot tubs and pools and provide a place to unwind during the winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, making them an eco-friendly 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.
Electric heat pumps are an alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the ground or air, which allows them to heat buildings and decrease their need for propane, oil, or natural gas. They are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves, and they are more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to operate.
Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than many other heating alternatives. Those who are concerned about the environment should consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out the best models that are both efficient and eco-friendly.
Safety
If not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove could pose a serious danger to fire. Smoke from a fire can be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and reduced lung function. In addition, smoke can be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Therefore, it is important to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
It is also a good idea to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney, stovepipe and wood-burning appliance on a regular basis. They can make sure that your OWB is operating safely and that it meets local safety regulations, which can help prevent fires from occurring in your home or any other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to only use dry and seasoned logs. It is also important to ensure that the area around the logs free of debris and combustible materials such as plastic or paper, in order to minimize the danger of fire. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke is able to harm anyone but it is especially harmful for teenagers, children, older adults and people suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that all new and expecting mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood, as it can adversely affect their babies.
Utilizing an OWB can also be a nuisance for neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can be blown through windows that are open in response to weather conditions or winds. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. It is a good idea to close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
It's also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in each bedroom of your home, and to test them regularly. You should also have a family escape plan in place and test it at least once per year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a cozy, warm space within your home. However, like any appliance you regularly use, they require some maintenance to ensure that they are running smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the maximum use out of it. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe regularly. Before you do any cleaning, ensure that the fire is completely extinguished and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all your supplies. This includes newspapers to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves and a brush.
Each time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote that must be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system as well as to prevent the buildup of a substance which corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort for cleaning.
It is also necessary to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is recommended to empty the ash into a steel ash container instead of dumping it into a garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash and other items that could ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes inside them.
Smoke from your wood burner could need to be controlled on a regular basis depending on the kind of wood used, how much heat is being drawn and the conditions of the air. If you are concerned about smoke, you will want to consider getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a job that can be difficult for DIYers and is probably a job that is better left to the experts to avoid any health issues caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.