How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They are heated by water, or a combination of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your house.
When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are utilized with dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still emit plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for a long time. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable option for many. However, not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. As a rule models 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 them 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 and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood ejects more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and produces less pollutants.
Another element is the boiler's efficiency in combustion (or percentage) of heat energy converted into useful heat by the stove. It is common for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their OWBs, however it is important to look at the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much heat produced by the wood reaches your home.
Finally, it is important to ensure that you are operating the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue must also be cleaned weekly during the heating season to minimize the amount of smoke generated by the stove and prevent clogging.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed directly in your home or office, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your house. 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 distributed throughout your home through a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient method of heating your home and help you save money on your energy bills. Be sure to select a high-efficiency model and follow proper maintenance procedures to make the most of it. Don't forget to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent 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 gasoline, propane and oil. It is a source of renewable energy which means that new trees will sprout to replace those that were burned for warmth. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide, but it is then absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not produce any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be utilized for heating homes, garages sheds and other structures. These units are also very cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools, which are great for relaxing in winter. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified which makes them a green 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.
An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which extracts thermal energy from the air or ground which allows it to heat buildings and decrease the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves and they are more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials to operate.
Wood-burning heaters remain popular with some people due to their low price and environmental stewardship. A majority of the top models have an 85% efficiency rating, which is better than most other heating options. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco friendly models.
Safety
A wood-burning stove, if not installed and maintained correctly, could create a significant fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets as well as furniture and clothing. This is why it is important to hire an expert to install your wood burner.
It is also a good idea to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe and wood-burning appliance on a regular basis. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and that it meets the local safety regulations. This can help stop fires from happening in your home or other buildings on your property.
It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. Also, ensure that the area around the logs free of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, to reduce fire hazards. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber, as these can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to all, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults and those with heart or respiratory conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it can negatively impact the unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB could also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can blow through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or wind. It can also irritate the eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your home and test them regularly. Also, you should have an escape plan for your family in place and practice it at least once per year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can help restore your smoke-damaged home or business back to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are ideal for heating your home using a renewable energy source and creating a warm cozy atmosphere. Like any appliance that you regularly use it needs some attention to ensure it is running smoothly.
Being on top of 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 flue, inside, and pipe is essential. Make sure you turn off the electricity and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. You should also prepare your tools before you start cleaning. These should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home) Safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel, as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote that must be cleaned regularly to maintain optimum air flow through the combustion system and also to stop the accumulation of a substance which corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Using a creosote removal tool such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can reduce the amount of time and effort required for the cleaning process.
It is also necessary to clean out the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is more efficient to empty the ash into an aluminum container rather than the regular trash can which is usually filled with plastics, trash and other substances. They may ignite or explode when the hot ashes are put in the container.
Depending on the type and amount of heat generated by your wood burner, and the atmospheric conditions it is possible to control smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is a concern it is recommended to think about getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a task that can be a challenge for DIYers, and is a task that is better left to the experts to avoid any health issues caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from your wood stove.