How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with an elongated smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home.
When used in wood stove burning with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still generate lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to warm homes. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is an affordable alternative for many. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same effectiveness. As a general rule models that employ wood gasification technology are much 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 them is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.
Another factor 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 however it is crucial to check the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much heat produced by the wood gets to your home.
Finally, it is important to ensure that you are operating the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue vent should be cleaned every week during the heating season to minimize the amount of smoke generated by the stove and avoid clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves, which sit directly within your home, an OWB is set up between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The hot water that is heated in the OWB is then run through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your house through an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient way to heat your home, and it can reduce your energy bills. Make sure you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the correct maintenance procedures to make the most of it. And don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco friendly option to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace the ones that were used to heat. Wood releases carbon dioxide when burned however, it is absorbed by other plants and trees, which then convert the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants, unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating garages, homes sheds, and other structures. These units are also very economical as they remove the need for costly energy bills. They can be used to heat hot tubs and pools and provide a place to unwind during the winter months. These heaters are EPAand CSA-approved, making them an environmentally friendly alternative 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.
Electric heat pumps are a great alternative to wood furnaces. They draw thermal energy from the air or ground and can be used to heat buildings and decrease 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 to work properly.
However, wood-burning heaters are still popular with a few people because of its low cost and green credentials. Many of the best models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is better than most other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and eco friendly models.
Safety
A wood burning stove when not maintained and installed properly, can create a significant fire risk. Smoke from a fire can contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health issues, such as asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. Because of this, it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner.
It is also a good idea to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney or wood-burning appliance and stovepipe on a regular basis. They can make sure that your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating safely. This will help to prevent fires from happening in your home or any other buildings on your property.
It is important to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. You should also keep the area around the logs clear of combustible and debris, such as paper or plastic, to reduce the danger of fire. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber, as these can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
While wood smoke has the potential to harm everyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers older adults, as well as those with respiratory diseases or heart problems. It is also recommended that all new pregnant mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB can also be a source of trouble for neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and wind, smoke from a fire could be blown through windows that are not closed. It can also irritate eyes and noses. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets away from the flame.
It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your house and test them regularly. Also, you should create a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a cozy warm atmosphere inside your home. Like all appliances that you regularly use, it requires some maintenance to ensure it is running smoothly.
You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if maintain it on a regular basis. Cleaning the exterior, interior, and flue pipe is essential. Before you do any cleaning, make sure that the fire is extinguished and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is turned off. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the items you require. These include newspapers to cover the floor in your home as well as safety gloves, and a brush.
Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue that needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system as well as to stop the accumulation of a substance which corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort required for cleaning.
You will also need to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is more efficient to empty the ash into metal containers rather than the regular trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other materials. These could ignite or explode when the ashes are hot when placed into the can.
Smoke from your wood stove may need to be controlled regularly, according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn and the conditions of the air. If smoke is a problem you might want to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health problems that could result from breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.