How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with a short smokestack. They are heated by water, or a combination of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your home.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can be an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still produce lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for centuries. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels wood heat is an attractive option for many. Wood boilers are not all built with the same efficiency. As a 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 several factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months, and best for a whole year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and emits less pollution.
Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency which is the percentage of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. It is common for manufacturers to tout the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, however it is important to also look at the delivered efficiency. The latter is a measurement of how much heat produced by the wood gets to your home.
It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and maintaining the flue vent on a regular basis. The flue vent should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and to prevent clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly inside your home, an OWB is located between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water in the OWB is then pumped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB can be an extremely efficient way to heat your house and save you money on energy costs. To get the most from your OWB, select one that is energy efficient and maintain it properly. Remember that only dry and seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to avoid harming the environment and your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane and oil. It is a source of renewable energy which means that new trees will be planted to replace those which were burned to provide warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants that convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes 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 perfect to relax in wintertime. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved and are an environmentally friendly 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 great alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or the ground and can be used to heat buildings and reduce their need for oil, propane or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are regarded as eco-friendly, however they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to work effectively.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand for some due to their low cost and eco-friendly. Many of the best models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much better than most other heating alternatives. People who are concerned about the impact on the environment must consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models that are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
If not properly maintained and installed, a wood-burning stove could pose a serious risk of fire. Smoke from fires could contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause respiratory problems and asthma. In addition, smoke can cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. Therefore, it is important to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also check your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood on a regular schedule. These professionals can ensure your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This can help prevent fires from happening in your home, or in other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to use only dry, seasoned logs. It is also important to ensure that the area around the logs free of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, to minimize the danger of fire. Never burn treated lumber, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to all, but it's particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults, as well as people suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that new pregnant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke, as it can negatively affect their babies.
Utilizing an OWB can also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Based on the weather and winds, smoke from a fire can blow through open windows. It can also cause irritation to noses and eyes. It is recommended to shut any windows or doors near the stove and to keep pets away from the fire.
It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your home, and to test them frequently. It is also recommended to create a family evacuation plan and practice it at the very least once a month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can help restore your smoke-damaged home or business to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating and creating a cozy warm space inside your home. Like any appliance that you regularly use it needs some attention to ensure it is running smoothly.
Maintaining your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum enjoyment from it. The primary cleaning requirements of your wood stove are cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you begin any cleaning, ensure that the fire is out of the way and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. These should include newspaper to cover the floor of your home along with safety gloves and a toothbrush.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps keep from the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel water jacket. Using a creosote removal tool such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean.
You will also need to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. 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 explode or ignite when the hot ashes are put in the container.
Smoke from your wood stove may require to be controlled on a regular basis, according to the kind of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn and the weather conditions. If smoke is a concern, you will want to consider getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This is a challenging task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best to leave it to experts to avoid health issues caused by smoking a lot of smoke from the wood stove.