How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with a short smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home.
When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce an enormous amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat is a common choice for heating homes for a long time. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is an affordable choice for a lot of people. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. In general models that use wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.
There are many factors that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of these is the quality of the wood used. It is important to choose only firewood that has been seasoned and 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 firewood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is a further aspect. This is the amount of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' combustion efficiency however it is crucial to determine the delivered efficiency as well. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
It is also important to operate the OWB properly to maximize its efficiency. This means cleaning it and maintaining the flue vent on a regular basis. 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.
Unlike indoor stoves that are located inside your home, an OWB is installed between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is circulated through a system of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB can be a highly efficient way to heat your home and save money on your energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is efficient and properly maintained. Don't forget to only burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace the ones which were burned to provide warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns but it is absorbed by other trees and plants, which then convert it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't produce any other environmental pollutant.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other buildings. They are also economical as they remove the need for expensive utility bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs and pools as well as provide a tranquil place to relax in winter. Many of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved 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.
Electric heat pumps are a great alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the ground or air and can be used to heat buildings and reduce their use of oil, propane or natural gas. These heat pumps are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and they're more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials to operate.
However, wood-burning heaters are still popular with a few people because of its low cost and environmental friendliness. Many of the best models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is higher than the majority of other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
A wood burning stove in the event of not being installed and maintained correctly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health problems, including asthma and a reduced lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also inspect your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney on a regular schedule. These experts can ensure that your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This can help prevent fires in your home or any other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to only use dry, seasoned logs. Also, ensure that the area around logs clear of any debris and combustible substances like paper or plastic, to avoid the risk of fire. Do not burn treated lumber, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke poses danger to everyone, but it is particularly harmful to children, teenagers and older adults and those with heart or respiratory conditions. It is also recommended that new and expectant mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke, as it can negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing woodburning stoves fireplacesandstove can also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Based on the weather and the wind, smoke from a fire could be blown through windows that are not closed. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your house is also a great idea. Check them frequently. Also, you should have an escape plan for your family in place and test it at least once a year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating your home and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere in your home. Like any appliance you use regularly they require some care to ensure they run smoothly.
You will get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if maintain it on a regular basis. The primary cleaning requirements of your wood stove are cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire is completely gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is shut off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the materials you need. This includes newspapers to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves, and a brush.
Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps to stop the build-up of a substance which can cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort to clean.
It is also necessary to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better to empty the ash into metal containers rather than the standard trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other substances. They may explode or ignite when the hot ashes are put in the container.
Smoke from your wood burner could need to be controlled on a regular basis, according to the type of wood used, how much heat is being drawn in and the conditions of the air. If you are concerned about smoke you should think about getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health issues that could result from breathing in a lot of wood smoke.