How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have an elongated smokestack. They provide heat to water, or a combination of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout the house.
When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are used with dry wood, they can be an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They still produce a lot 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 a reasonable alternative for many. However, not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are several elements that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One factor is the quality and quantity of 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. wood burners near me releases more heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns cleaner and produces less pollutants.
The boiler's combustion rate is another aspect. This is the percentage of heat that is converted by the stove into usable heat. It is common for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's important to look at the efficiency of the product. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat from the wood reaches the home.
In the end, it is essential to operate the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and ensuring that the vent is maintained regularly. The flue vent should be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the stove and avoid clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly inside your home, an OWB is set up between 100 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home by 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 can save you money on your energy bills. Make sure you select a high-efficiency model and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most benefit of it. And don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to stop it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels, such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees can grow and replace those burning for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns but it is absorbed by other trees and plants that convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollutants, unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be utilized to heat garages, homes, sheds, and other structures. These units are very cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay costly utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool that are ideal for relaxing in the winter. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved which makes them an environmentally friendly 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.
A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which extracts thermal energy from the air or ground and allows it to heat buildings and decrease the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and they're more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to function.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand for some due to their low price and environmental stewardship. Many of the best models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is much higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. Those who are concerned about the environment should consult a professional in outdoor wood burners to find out the best models, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
If not properly maintained and installed, a wood-burning stove can be a significant danger to fire. Smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets, furniture and clothing. Therefore, it is important to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also examine your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney on a regular schedule. They can make sure that your OWB is working safely and that it meets local safety regulations, which can keep fires from forming in your home or any other buildings on your property.
It is crucial to only use dry, seasoned wood for burning wood in an OWB. You should also ensure that the area around logs clear of combustible and debris like paper or plastic, to minimize fire hazards. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke is harmful to all, but it's particularly harmful to children, teenagers and older adults, as well as people suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that newly born and expectant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke, as it can negatively affect their unborn babies.
Using an OWB could also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Based on the weather and the wind smoke from a fire can blow through open windows. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. It is recommended to shut any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your house is also an excellent idea. Make sure to test them regularly. It is also recommended to develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum once per month. If you need help with smoke or fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged home or business back to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating and creating a cozy warm atmosphere within your home. But like any appliance that is used regularly they need some attention to keep them running smoothly.
Keeping up with your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the best enjoyment from it. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you do any cleaning, be sure that the fire is completely gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is shut off. It is also important to prepare your tools prior to beginning cleaning. This should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your home) Safety gloves, a toothbrush and a small shovel as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps stop the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed for cleaning.
You will need to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is better to empty the ash into a steel Ash container rather than dumping it into a garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash, and other materials that can ignite and explode when you put the ashes that are hot in the containers.
Based on the type and amount of heat being drawn from your wood burner, and the atmospheric conditions, you may need to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to consider having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a task that can be a challenge for the do-it-yourselfer and is a task that should be left to professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling lots of wood smoke.