How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They look like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They provide heat to water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout the house.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they offer an eco-friendly alternative to fossil 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 an affordable choice for a lot of people. However, not all wood boilers are to be equally efficient. As a rule, models that utilize wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.
There are many factors that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of these is the quality of the firewood that is used. It is crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months, and best for a year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
Another factor is the boiler's combustion efficiency (or percentage) of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, however it is important to look at the efficiency of the product. The latter is a measurement of how much heat generated by the wood gets to your home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue should be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which sit directly within your home, an OWB is installed between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your house through a system that uses heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is an extremely efficient method of heating your home and can save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your unit, choose one that is efficient and maintain it in a proper manner. Don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to avoid 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 renewable resource, which means that new trees will grow and replace those burning for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns but it is absorbed by other plants and trees, which then 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, and other buildings. They are extremely economical as they do away with the need to pay high utility bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs and pools as well as provide a tranquil place to unwind in winter. Many of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them a green 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 an alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or ground and can be used to heat buildings and reduce the need for propane, oil or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are seen as eco-friendly, however they require a steady supply of raw materials to perform efficiently.
Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people due to its low cost and eco-friendly. Many of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is more than other heating alternatives. People who are concerned about the environment need to speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burning to find out about the best models available that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove, if not installed and maintained properly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide, which could cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets as well as furniture and clothing. This is why it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner.
A professional should also check your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating in a safe manner and is in compliance with local safety standards, which will help to prevent fires from occurring in your home or other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to select dry and seasoned logs. You should also ensure that the area around the logs free of any debris and combustible substances like plastic or paper, in order to minimize the danger of fire. Do not burn treated lumber, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to all, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults as well as those with heart or respiratory conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could adversely affect their unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB could also be a source of trouble for neighbors. very small wood burning stove from a fire may blow through windows that are open according to the weather or winds. It can also irritate the eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors that are close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It is also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in each bedroom of your house, and to test them regularly. You should also make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are excellent for heating up and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere inside your home. Like any appliance you use regularly it needs some attention to ensure it is running smoothly.
Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most enjoyment from it. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe regularly. Before you start 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, gather all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor of your home, safety gloves and a brush.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps keep from the build-up of a chemical that can corrode the inner layers of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort required for cleaning.
You will also need to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is recommended to empty the ash into a metal Ash container rather than dumping it in a regular garbage container that is filled with trash, plastics and other items that could ignite and explode if you place the hot ashes in the containers.
Depending on the type and amount of heat being drawn from your wood burner, as well as the weather conditions depending on the weather, you may have to control smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a concern you should look into 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 to leave it to professionals to avoid health problems that may arise from smoking a lot of smoke from wood.