How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with a short smokestack. They heat water, or a mix of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout the house.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still emit lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood has been used to warm homes. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are with the same efficiency. As a general rule models that employ wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are many factors that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of them is the quality of the firewood utilized. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months, and ideally for a full year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns cleaner and releases less pollutants.
Another element is the boiler's efficiency in combustion, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however it is crucial to determine the efficiency of the product delivered. This is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood is delivered to your home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This means cleaning it and maintaining the flue vent regularly. The flue must be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season in order to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the stove and avoid clogging.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The water that is heated in the OWB is then piped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is distributed via a network of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home and help you save money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your unit, choose one that is energy efficient and maintain it properly. Don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from harming the environment and your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will grow to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns but it is absorbed by other plants and trees and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood doesn't create any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating garages, homes sheds and other structures. These units are also very economical, since they eliminate the need for costly utility bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs or pools as well as provide a tranquil space to relax during the winter months. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green choice 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 ground or air, allowing it to warm buildings and reduce the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are seen as green, but they require a continuous supply of raw materials to function efficiently.
However, wood-burning heating is still popular with some people because of its low cost and eco-friendly. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than other heating alternatives. Those who are concerned about the environment need to talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to learn about the best models available that are efficient and eco-friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove, when not maintained and installed correctly, could be a fire hazard. Smoke from fires can contain toxins, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which could cause asthma and respiratory problems. In addition, smoke can contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. Because of this, it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe and wood-burning appliance on a regular basis. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help avoid fires from happening in your home, or in other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to use only dry, seasoned logs. It is also important to ensure that the area around the logs free of any debris and combustible substances, such as plastic or paper, in order to avoid the risk of fire. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
While wood smoke is able to harm everyone but it is especially harmful for children, teenagers older adults, and those with respiratory diseases or heart issues. It is also advised that pregnant women and new mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it could negatively affect their unborn child.
Using an OWB may also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and wind smoke from a fireplace can fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to noses and eyes. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets away from the flame.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in every room of your house is also a great idea. Check them frequently. You should also have an escape plan for your family in place and do it at least once per year. Contact wood stove furnace for assistance with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses to their pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere within your home. Like any appliance you use regularly, they require some maintenance to ensure that they are running smoothly.
You'll benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove if you maintain it regularly. Regularly cleaning the exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Be sure to turn off the power and the fire before you begin cleaning. You should also prepare your tools before you start cleaning. This should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your house) Safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel, as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.
Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue that needs to be regularly cleaned to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system as well as to prevent the buildup of a substance that can corrode the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort needed for cleaning.
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 a metal Ash container rather than dumping 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 in them.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the weather conditions depending on the weather, you may have to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is an issue, you may want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned regularly. 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 problems caused by inhaling a lot of smoke from wood.