How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, sometimes called wood boilers, look like small sheds that have an elongated smoke stack. They are heated by water, or a combination of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout the house.
When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are made of dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still emit plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood has been used to warm homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable alternative for a lot of. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. As a rule, models that utilize wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.
There are a variety of factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of them is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months; ideally, for a full year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns cleaner and emits less pollution.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a further factor. This is the proportion of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' combustion efficiencies, but it is important to look for the delivered efficiency as well. This is a measure of how much heat produced by the wood is delivered to your home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 and 200 feet away 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 an extremely effective way to heat your house and save you money on energy costs. Make sure you select a high-efficiency model and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most out of it. Remember that only dry and seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to stop it from harming the environment and your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a source of renewable energy which means that new trees will grow to replace those that were used to heat. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burned, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants, unlike fossil fuels.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other buildings. These units are very economical as they do away with the need to pay expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools that are ideal for relaxing in winter months. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved which makes 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 woodburner stove 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 ground or air which allows them to heat buildings and reduce their use of propane, oil or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as environmentally friendly, but they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to work properly.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular for some due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85%, which is better than many other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and eco sustainable models.
Safety
If it is not properly maintained and installed the wood burning stove can pose a major risk of fire. Smoke from a fire can contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that may cause health issues, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets, furniture and clothing. For these reasons, it is essential to engage a professional to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney, stovepipe and wood-burning appliance regularly. They can make sure that your OWB is working safely and that it is compliant with the local safety regulations. This can keep fires from forming in your home or other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to use only dry well-seasoned logs. Also, ensure that the area around logs clear of debris and combustible materials like plastic or paper, to avoid the risk of fire. Don't burn garbage, trash or treated lumber as they can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke poses danger to everyone, but it is particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults and those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that newly born and expecting mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke as it may negatively affect their unborn babies.
Using an OWB could also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire may blow through windows that are not closed in response to weather conditions or wind. It can also irritate noses and eyes. It is a good idea to shut all windows and doors near the stove, and to keep pets away from the fire.
Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your house is also an excellent idea. Check them frequently. It is also recommended to have a family escape plan in place and do it at least once per year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can restore your damaged home or business to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners or OWBs, are ideal for heating your home with renewable energy sources and creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, like any appliance is used regularly they require some care to ensure that they are running smoothly.
You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if you maintain it regularly. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Be sure to turn off the electricity and fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, collect all your supplies. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home, safety gloves, and a brush.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the accumulation of a chemical that can corrode the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Using a creosote removal tool such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort needed for the cleaning process.
You'll have to clean the ash container of your wood burner each week. It is more efficient to dispose of the ash in a metal container than in the standard trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other substances. They could spark or explode if the hot ashes are put in the container.
Smoke from your wood burner may need to be controlled on a regular basis according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If smoke is a concern, you will want to consider having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a job that isn't easy for the do-it-yourselfer and is likely to be a task that should be left to the professionals to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling lots of wood smoke.