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 heat water, or a mix of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your home.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they can be an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for a long time. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels, wood heat is an attractive alternative for a lot of. Not all wood boilers have the same effectiveness. In general models that employ wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are corner wood burning stove that impact the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One factor is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months, and ideally for a 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.
The boiler's combustion rate is a further aspect. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. It is common for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, however it is important to consider the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much of the available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
It is also crucial to properly operate the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to prevent obstruction and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves that are located inside your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The water that is heated in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your house through a system that uses heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is a very efficient way to heat your home, and it can help you save money on your energy bills. Be sure to choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most benefit of it. Be sure to burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the firewood from damaging your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels, such as propane, gasoline 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, 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, since they eliminate the need for costly energy bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs and pools and provide a space to relax in the winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified 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 a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They draw thermal energy from the air or the 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 efficiently.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand with some people because of their low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is better than most other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the environment need to consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out the best models available, which are both efficient and eco-friendly.
Safety
A wood-burning stove, when not maintained and installed properly, can be a fire hazard. The smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory problems. In addition, smoke can cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore essential to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also inspect your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning on a regular schedule. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. This will help to prevent fires from your home or any other structures on your property.
It is important to only use dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs free of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, in order to avoid the danger of fire. Never burn treated wood, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke is able to harm everyone but it is especially harmful for teenagers, children older adults, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could adversely affect the unborn baby.
Using an OWB could also be a source of trouble for neighbors. Smoke from a fire can blow through windows that are open according to the weather or winds. It can also cause irritation to the nose and eyes. It is recommended to shut any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house and test them frequently. It is also recommended to develop 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 your damaged property or business to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating your home and creating a cozy warm ambience inside your home. As with any appliance you use regularly it will require some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most use out of it. Cleaning the exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Be sure to turn off the electricity and fire prior to beginning cleaning. You should also make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin cleaning - these include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a toothbrush and a small shovel, as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.
Each 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 inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort to clean.
You will need to clean the ash container of your wood burner every week. It is better to empty the ash into a metal container than in the standard trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other substances. They may explode or ignite when the hot ashes are placed into the can.
Depending on the type and amount of heat attracted from your wood burner, and the conditions in the air, you may need to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is an issue you might want to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned frequently. This can be a difficult task for a DIYer. It is best to leave it to experts to avoid health issues that may arise from smoking a lot of wood smoke.