How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with a short smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of water and antifreeze that is then circulated throughout your home.
When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still generate plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is an affordable option for many people. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. As a general rule models that employ wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are several factors that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One is the quality of the firewood utilized. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months; ideally, for a year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and releases less pollutants.
The boiler's combustion rate is a further aspect. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however, it is vital to check the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much available heat from the wood is absorbed by the home.
It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and maintaining the vent for the flue regularly. The flue must be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and prevent clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves, which sit directly inside your home, an OWB is located between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home by a system that uses heat exchangers.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB can be a highly effective way to heat your house and save you money on your energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is efficient and maintain it in a proper manner. Make sure to only burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a greener and more sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane, and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees will be planted to replace the ones which were burned to provide warmth. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide but it is then absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't create any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be utilized for heating garages, homes sheds, and other structures. They are cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay high utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pools which are perfect to relax in winter months. Many of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore 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.
Electric heat pumps are a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or the ground and can be used to heat buildings and reduce their use of oil, propane, or natural gas. They are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and they are more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to function.
However, wood-burning heaters are still a favorite among some because of its low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than many other heating alternatives. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and eco friendly models.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove can be a significant fire hazard. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health issues, such as asthma and reduced lung function. In addition, smoke can 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 inspect your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood on a regular schedule. They will ensure that your OWB is working safely and is in compliance with local safety standards, which can help prevent fires from occurring in your home or other structures on your property.
It is crucial to only use dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. To reduce cast iron wood stove of fire, keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials, such as plastic or paper. Don't burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they can release a number 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 those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it can negatively impact their unborn child.
Utilizing an OWB can also cause trouble to your neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can travel through windows that are open depending on the weather or the wind. It can also irritate noses and eyes. Close any doors or windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in every room of your home is a great idea. Make sure to test them regularly. Also, you should develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum once per 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 known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating and creating a cozy, warm ambience in your home. But like any appliance that you regularly use they require some care to keep them running smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the best enjoyment from it. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, inside, and pipe is a must. Before you start any cleaning, ensure that the fire has been completely gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is turned off. It is also important to gather your supplies before you begin cleaning. These include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home) Safety gloves, a toothbrush 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 is produced. This residue must be cleaned frequently to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps stop the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort required for the cleaning process.
You will need to clean the ash container of your wood burner each week. It is more efficient to empty the ash in metal containers rather than a regular trash can, which is typically filled with plastics, trash and other substances. These could ignite or explode when the hot ashes are put into the can.
Based on the type and amount of heat attracted from your wood burner, and the atmospheric conditions, you may need 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 can be a difficult task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health problems that may arise from inhaling a lot wood smoke.