How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They look like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They provide heat to water, or a combination of water and antifreeze, which 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 fossil fuel heating. However, they still generate a significant amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat was used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. However, not all wood boilers are equal in terms of efficiency. As a general rule, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One of these is the quality of the firewood that is used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is a different aspect. This is the proportion of heat that is converted by the stove to useful heat. It is typical for manufacturers to promote the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, however it is important to also look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat from the wood is absorbed by the home.
It is also crucial to ensure that you are operating the OWB to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue vent should be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season to minimize the amount of smoke generated by the stove and to prevent clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly within your home, an OWB is set up between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home and can save you money on your energy bills. To get the most from your unit, choose one that is energy efficient and properly maintained. Don't forget to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees are able to develop and replace the ones burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when burned, but this is reabsorbed by other trees and plants and then transform it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.
A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages, sheds and other buildings. They are also cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool which are perfect to relax in wintertime. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified and are an environmentally 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 a great alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the air or ground which allows them to heat buildings and reduce the need for oil, propane, or natural gas. They are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and they are more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to function.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people because of their low price and eco-friendly. Many of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally green models.
Safety
If it is not properly maintained and installed the wood burning stove can be a significant fire hazard. The smoke from a fire may contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health issues, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. This can help avoid fires in your home or other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to only use dry, seasoned logs. Also, ensure that the area around logs clear of debris and combustible materials such as paper or plastic, to avoid fire hazards. Never burn treated lumber, garbage or trash as they can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke poses danger to all, but it's particularly harmful to children, teenagers and older adults, as well as people suffering from respiratory or heart problems. modern wood burner is also recommended that newly born pregnant mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke because it could negatively affect their babies.
Utilizing an OWB may also cause trouble to your neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and wind smoke from a fire could fly through windows. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close any doors or windows that are near the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house and test them regularly. Also, you should make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at the minimum every month. If you need help with smoke or restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating and creating a cozy, warm space within your home. Like all appliances you use regularly, it requires some maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly.
You'll benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove if maintain it regularly. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, ensure that the fire has been completely gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is off. You will also want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin cleaning. This should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a brush, 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 gets produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the accumulation of a substance that could cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Using a creosote removal tool like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can reduce the amount of time and effort required for the cleaning process.
You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is better to dispose of the ash in an aluminum container rather than the regular trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other substances. These could ignite or explode when the hot ashes are placed in the can.
Based on the type and amount of heat attracted from your wood burner, and the atmospheric conditions it is possible to manage smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is an issue, you may want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This is a job that can be difficult for the do-it-yourselfer and is likely to be a task that is better left to the experts to avoid any health issues caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.