How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have an elongated smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated through your home.
When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still emit a lot of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. However, not all wood boilers are with 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 affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of these is the quality of the wood utilized. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns cleaner and releases less pollutants.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a different aspect. This is the proportion of heat that is converted by the stove into usable heat. It is typical for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's important to look at the delivered efficiency. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
In the end, it is essential to ensure that you are operating the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue must be cleaned every week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and avoid obstruction.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed directly in your home or office, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your home. The water that is heated in the OWB is then run through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is circulated through a system of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home and save you money on your energy bills. To get the most from your OWB, select one that is high-efficiency and maintain it in a proper manner. Don't forget to only burn dry and 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 are able to grow and replace those burned for warmth. When wood is burned it releases carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not produce any other environmental pollutants.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating homes, garages sheds and other structures. They are also economical as they remove the need for costly energy bills. They can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub, providing a relaxing place to relax during the winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, making 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 a great alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or ground which allows them 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 regarded as green, but they require a steady supply of raw materials to work effectively.
Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still popular with some people because of its low price and environmental friendliness. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is more than other heating options. Those who are concerned about the environment should speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, can create a significant fire risk. Smoke from a fire can be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and a reduced lung function. In addition, smoke can be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. It is therefore essential to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also check your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney on a regular schedule. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help prevent fires from your home or other structures on your property.
It is crucial to only use dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around the logs clear of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, to avoid the risk of fire. Don't burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke has the potential to harm anyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers, older adults and people who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart conditions. It is also recommended that new pregnant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke, as it can negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB could also be a source of trouble for neighbors. Smoke from a fire can travel through windows that are open depending on the weather or the wind. It can also irritate noses and eyes. It is a good idea to close any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house, and to test them regularly. It is also recommended to have a family escape plan in place and practice it at least once per year. For assistance with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are great for heating your home with renewable energy sources and creating a warm cozy atmosphere. However, like any appliance you regularly use they require some care to ensure that they are running smoothly.
You will get the most out of your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it on a regular basis. Regularly cleaning the exterior flue, interior, and pipe is essential. Make sure to shut off the electricity and fire prior to beginning cleaning. You should also prepare your tools prior to beginning cleaning. This include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) Safety gloves, a toothbrush and an incredibly small shovel as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.
When wood burning fireplace burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps prevent 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 help reduce the time and effort needed to clean.
You will need to clean the ash container of your wood burner every week. It is best to empty the ash into a steel Ash container rather than dumping it in a regular garbage can that is filled with trash, plastics and other materials that can ignite and explode when you place the ashes that are hot in them.
Based on the type and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, and the weather conditions, you may need to manage smoke on a regular basis. If you are concerned about smoke you should think about having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This is a task that can be a challenge for DIYers and is probably a job that should be left to the experts to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling a lot of smoke from wood.