How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, sometimes called wood boilers, appear like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smoke stack. They provide heat to water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated through your home.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still generate lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat is a common choice to heat homes for centuries. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, 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 with the same efficiency. As a rule, models that use wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are a variety of elements that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of these is the quality of the wood that is used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and emits less pollution.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a further aspect. This is the proportion of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. It is common for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their OWBs, but it's important to also look at 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 in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and maintaining the flue vent on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner.
Contrary to stoves that are indoor that are installed directly within your home, an OWB is installed between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home and save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your OWB, select one that is energy efficient and properly maintained. Don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to avoid polluting the environment and damaging your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a greener and more 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 the ones that were that were burned to provide warmth. When wood is burnt, it emits carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. In contrast 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 economical as they remove the need for costly utility bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs or pools, providing a relaxing place to relax during the winter months. A lot of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them 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, that extracts heat from the ground or air which allows it to heat buildings and lessen the requirement for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as green, but they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to work effectively.
However, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people because of its low cost and green credentials. The top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and eco sustainable models.
Safety
A wood burning stove when not maintained and installed properly, could create a significant fire risk. The smoke from fires can contain toxins, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory problems and asthma. In addition, smoke can cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. For these reasons, it is crucial to employ a professional to install your wood burner.
A professional should also inspect your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning regularly. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating safely. This will help to prevent fires from your home, or in other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to use only dry, seasoned logs. Also, ensure that the area around the logs clear of any debris and combustible substances like plastic or paper, to reduce fire hazards. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish as they could release harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to anyone, but it's particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults as well as those who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that newly born and expecting mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB can also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Depending on the weather and the wind, smoke from a fire could blow through open windows. It can also irritate the eyes and noses. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets away from the fire.
small wood burner 's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your home and test them frequently. You should also have a family escape plan in place and do it at least once per year. For help with smoke and fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can help restore your smoke-damaged property or business to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are ideal for heating your home with an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. As with any appliance you use regularly it needs some attention to keep it running smoothly.
Maintaining your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the best use out of it. Regularly cleaning the exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Before you do any cleaning, make sure that the fire is out of the way and that all electricity to the wood stove is turned off. You should also make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you start cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a brush, and an incredibly small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps keep from the accumulation of a substance that could corrode the inner layers of the steel within the water jacket. Using a creosote removal product such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can reduce the amount of time and effort needed to clean the process.
You will also need to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better to dispose of the ash in metal containers rather than the regular trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other materials. These could explode or ignite when the ashes are hot when placed in the can.
Smoke from your wood stove may need to be controlled regularly, according to the type of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn and atmospheric conditions. If you notice smoke, you may want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This is a job that can be difficult for DIYers and is likely to be a task that should be done by professionals to avoid any health issues caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from your wood stove.