How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, also called wood boilers, look like small sheds with an elongated smoke stack. They provide heat to water or a mixture of water and antifreeze which is then circulated around your home.
When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are used with dry wood, they are an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still produce lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular choice for heating homes for centuries. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a reasonable option for many people. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. In general models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
There are a variety of elements that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is important to choose only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six month; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and emits less pollution.
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, but it is important to look for the delivered efficiency as well. This is a measure of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue must be cleaned every week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and to prevent obstruction.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed directly in your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home by a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home and can save you money on your energy bills. Just make sure that you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the correct maintenance procedures to make the most of it. Don't forget to only burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent 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 source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood does not produce any other environmental pollution.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. 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 or pools which are perfect for relaxing in wintertime. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, making them an eco-friendly option 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, that extracts heat from the ground or air which allows it to heat buildings and decrease the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are seen as eco-friendly, however they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to perform properly.
Wood-burning heaters remain popular for some due to their low price and environmental stewardship. A majority of the top models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is much better than most other heating alternatives. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove could pose a serious risk of fire. Smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory problems and asthma. In addition, smoke can contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. It is therefore essential to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also inspect your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney on a regular schedule. 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 in other buildings on your property.
It is essential to use dry, seasoned wood when burning wood in an OWB. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials such as plastic or paper. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber, as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.
While wood smoke is able to harm everyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers older adults, and those suffering from respiratory or heart issues. It is also recommended that new and expectant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke, as it can adversely affect their babies.
Using an OWB may also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can blow through windows that are open according to the weather or wind. It can also irritate noses and eyes. Close any doors or windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from the stove.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in every bedroom of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. It is also recommended to have an escape plan for your family in place and test it at least once a year. If you need help with smoke or restoration services for fires, call your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are great for heating your home using a renewable energy source and creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. But like any appliance that you use regularly they need some attention to keep them running smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the maximum use out of it. Regularly cleaning your wood stove's exterior, interior, and flue pipe is essential. Make sure to shut off the electricity and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. 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.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue should be cleaned frequently to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the build-up of a chemical that can corrode the inner layers of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort for cleaning.
It is also necessary to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. small wood burner is more efficient to empty the ash in an aluminum container rather than the stand
