How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, also called wood boilers, appear like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smoke stack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of water and antifreeze that is then circulated throughout your home.
When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are used with dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. However, they still generate an enormous amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat is a common choice for heating homes for a long time. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are a variety of elements that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of the factors 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 ideally for a whole year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns better and releases less pollutants.
Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiencies however, it is vital to determine the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood is delivered to your home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This means cleaning it and maintaining the flue vent on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to prevent obstruction and to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner.
Contrary to stoves that are indoor that are installed directly inside your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The heated water in the OWB is then run through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is distributed through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient way to heat your home, and it can reduce your energy bills. Be sure to select a high-efficiency model and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most benefit of it. Make sure to only burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees can develop and replace the ones 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. Wood burning produces no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating homes, garages sheds and other structures. They are cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay high utility bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs or pools and provide a space to relax in winter. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified which makes them 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.
An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump, which draws heat from the air or ground and allows it to heat buildings and decrease the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as environmentally friendly, but they require a steady supply of raw materials in order to function effectively.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular among some people because of their low price and environmental friendliness. wood burning stoves of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is higher than the majority of other heating options. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove can pose a major risk of fire. Smoke from fires could contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory problems. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore important to get a professional to install your wood stove.
It is recommended to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe or wood-burning appliance regularly. These professionals can ensure your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This can help prevent fires from your home or any other buildings on your property.
It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. Also, ensure that the area around the logs clear of combustible and debris such as paper or plastic, to reduce fire hazards. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber as they can release a number of harmful pollutants into the air.
While wood smoke is able to harm everyone however, it is particularly dangerous for teenagers, children older adults, as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that all new and expectant mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood as it may negatively affect their unborn babies.
Using an OWB can be a nuisance for neighbors. Based on the weather and the wind, smoke from a fireplace can blow through open windows. It can also irritate eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and keep pets away from it.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. You should also develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at very least once a month. For help with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are excellent for heating your home and creating a cozy warm atmosphere within your home. Like any appliance that you regularly use it will require some maintenance to ensure it is running smoothly.
Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most use out of it. The primary cleaning requirements of your wood stove is cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Be sure to turn off the power and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all your supplies. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home as well as safety gloves and a toothbrush.
Each time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote residue that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain optimum air flow through the combustion system and also to prevent the buildup of a substance that 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.
You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is recommended to empty the ash into a steel Ash container rather than dumping it into a regular garbage container that is filled with trash, plastics and other materials that could ignite and explode when you put the hot ashes inside the containers.
Smoke from your wood stove may need to be controlled on a regular basis, dependent on the type of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn and atmospheric conditions. If smoke is a problem you should consider having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health problems that may arise from breathing in a lot of wood smoke.