How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with a short smokestack. They provide heat to water or a mixture of water and antifreeze which is then circulated around your home.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can be an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still produce lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat was used to warm homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels, wood heat is an attractive option for many. Wood boilers are not all built with the same effectiveness. In small wood burner that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by several factors. One of these is the quality of the firewood utilized. It is important to choose only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns cleaner and produces less pollutants.
The boiler's rate of combustion is a different factor. This is the percentage of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' combustion efficiencies however, it is vital to look for the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much heat produced by the wood gets to your home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to prevent clogging and reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed directly in your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water in the OWB is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed via a network of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB can be an extremely effective way to heat your home and save money on your energy bills. To get the most from your unit, choose one that is high-efficiency and maintain it in a proper manner. Be sure to burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco friendly option to burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees are able to develop and replace the ones burning for warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood does not produce any other environmental pollutant.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other buildings. These units are also very economical as they remove the need for costly utility bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs or pools and provide a place to relax in winter. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved, making them a green 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.
Electric heat pumps are a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the ground or air, which allows them to heat buildings and decrease their need for oil, propane or natural gas. They are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves, and are also more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to perform their job.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people because of their low price and environmental friendliness. The top models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is better than most other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the environment should speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burners to learn about the best models available that are efficient and eco-friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove, if not installed and maintained properly, could be a fire hazard. Smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which could cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. It is therefore important to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
It is also a good idea to have a professional do 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 in a safe manner. This will help to prevent fires in your home, or in other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to select dry and seasoned logs. It is also important to keep the area around the logs free of debris and combustible materials, such as plastic or paper, in order to minimize fire hazards. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to anyone, but it's particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults, as well as people who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could negatively affect the unborn baby.
Using an OWB can also be a nuisance for neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can be blown through windows that are open in response to weather conditions or the wind. It can also cause irritation to noses and eyes. It is a good idea to shut all windows and doors near the stove and to keep pets from the fire.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. It is also recommended to make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at the minimum once per month. For assistance with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged home or business back to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are great for heating your home using renewable energy sources and creating a warm cozy atmosphere. But like any appliance that you use regularly they require some care to ensure that they are running smoothly.
You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if maintain it regularly. The primary cleaning requirements of your wood stove are cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Be sure to turn off the electricity and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the materials you need. These include newspapers to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves and a brush.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue must be cleaned regularly to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps stop the build-up of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort required for cleaning.
It is also necessary to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is recommended to empty the ash into a metal container for ash instead of throwing it into a regular garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash, and other items that could ignite and explode if you place the hot ashes inside the containers.
Smoke from your wood stove may require a controlled airflow on a regular basis, depending on the type of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and atmospheric conditions. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to look into getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This can be a difficult task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health issues caused by inhaling a lot smoke from wood.