How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, often called wood boilers, appear like small sheds that have an elongated smoke stack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home.

When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still generate a lot of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable alternative for many. However not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. In general, models that utilize wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.

There are a variety of elements that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One is the quality of the firewood utilized. It is essential to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the atmosphere than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.

The boiler's rate of combustion is another factor. This is the proportion of heat converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' efficiency in combustion, but it is important to determine the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.

It is also essential to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes keeping it clean and maintaining the flue vent regularly. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent clogging and reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner.

Contrary to stoves that are indoor, which sit directly inside your home, an OWB is installed between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes 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 an extremely efficient method of heating your home, and it can reduce your energy bills. Be sure to select a high-efficiency model and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most benefit of it. Be sure to burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees are able to grow and replace the ones that were burning for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when burned but it is absorbed by other plants and trees that convert the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.

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 or pool that are ideal for relaxing in winter. A lot of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved, making them an eco-friendly 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 shed wood burner isn't seasoned, it will release more smoke, which can irritate those with sensitive respiratory systems.

Electric heat pumps are an alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the air or the ground which allows them to heat buildings and reduce their need for oil, propane, or natural gas. They are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves and are also more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to operate.

Wood-burning heaters are still popular among some people because of their low price and eco-friendly. Many of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent, which is better than the majority of other heating options. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and environmentally green models.

Safety

If not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove can be a significant risk of fire. The smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which can cause asthma and respiratory problems. In addition, smoke can be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Therefore, it is important to hire professionals to install your wood stove.

A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning regularly. These professionals can ensure your OWB meets the local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help avoid fires in your home or any other structures on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to select dry and seasoned logs. Also, keep the area around the logs free of any debris and combustible substances such as plastic or paper, in order to minimize the risk of fire. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.

Wood smoke is harmful to all, but it's particularly dangerous to teenagers, children and older adults, as well as people suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also advised that pregnant women and new mothers avoid wood smoke as it could negatively affect the unborn baby.

Using an OWB can also cause trouble to your neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can be blown through windows that are not closed according to the weather or winds. It can also irritate eyes and noses. It is recommended to shut any windows or doors near the stove and to keep pets from the fire.

It's recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house and test them frequently. It is also recommended to have a family escape plan in place and do it at least once per year. If you need help with smoke or restoration services for fires, call your local PuroClean office. We can restore your smoke-damaged property or business to its pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are ideal for heating your home using renewable energy sources and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. However, like any appliance you regularly use, they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly.

You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if you maintain it regularly. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, outdoor inside, and pipe is a must. Make sure you turn off the power and the fire before you begin cleaning. You will also want to gather your supplies prior to beginning cleaning. This should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home) safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.

Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it produces creosote residue, which must be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system as well as to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort to clean.

You'll have to clean the ash container of your wood stove every week. It is better to dispose of the ash in a metal container than in the regular trash can which is typically filled with plastics, trash and other materials. These could explode or ignite when the hot ashes are put in the container.

Smoke from your wood stove may require to be controlled on a regular basis depending on the kind of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn and the conditions of the air. If smoke is an issue it is recommended to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned frequently. This is a task that isn't easy for DIYers and is probably a job that should be left to professionals to avoid any health problems caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.