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 provide heat to water or a mixture of water and antifreeze that is then circulated throughout your home.
When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are made of dry wood, they can provide an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They still emit a lot of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to warm homes. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels wood heat is an attractive alternative for many. However not all wood boilers are equal in terms of efficiency. As a rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are several factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One is the quality of the firewood that is used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six month; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
Another factor is the boiler's combustion efficiency, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their OWBs, however it is important to also look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat from the wood is absorbed by the home.
In the end, it is essential to properly operate the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This includes keeping it clean and maintaining the vent for the flue on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to prevent clogging and reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your house. The heated water in the OWB is then run through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages listed 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 energy efficient and properly maintained. Be sure to burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally friendly option to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline, and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees will grow and replace those burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it is burned, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating garages, homes sheds and other structures. These units are also very cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool that are ideal for relaxing in the winter. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, making them an environmentally friendly 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 which allows them to heat buildings and reduce the need for oil, propane or natural gas. They are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and are also more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to perform their job.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand among some people due to their low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is far superior to other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
A wood-burning stove, if not installed and maintained correctly, could be a fire hazard. The smoke from a fire may be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health problems, including asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Because of this, it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning on a regular schedule. They can make sure that your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating safely. This will help to prevent fires from happening in your home or any other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to use only dry well-seasoned logs. Also, ensure that the area around logs free of any debris and combustible substances such as plastic or paper, to avoid the danger of fire. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber, as these can release a number of harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke is able to harm anyone but it is especially harmful for teenagers, children older adults, as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid wood smoke as it could adversely affect their unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB can be a source of trouble for neighbors. Smoke from a fire may blow through windows that are not closed in response to weather conditions or the wind. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. It is recommended to shut all windows and doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
It's recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your house and test them regularly. It is also recommended to have an escape plan for your family in place and do it at least once per year. For help with smoke and restoration services for fires, call your local PuroClean office. We can help restore your smoke-damaged home or business to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are excellent for heating and creating a cozy warm ambience inside your home. Like all appliances that you use frequently it will require some maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly.
Keeping up with your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum use out of it. Regularly cleaning the exterior flue, interior, and pipe is essential. Make sure he said turn off the electricity and the fire before you begin cleaning. You should also make sure you have all the necessary supplies prior to beginning cleaning. This should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your home), safety gloves, a toothbrush and an incredibly small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it produces creosote that must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain optimum air flow through the combustion system and to prevent the buildup of a substance which corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Using a creosote removal tool such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort needed to clean.
You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is better to empty the ash in an aluminum container rather than the standard trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other substances. These could ignite or explode when the hot ashes are placed in the can.
Smoke from your wood burner may require to be controlled on a regular basis, depending on the type of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If you are concerned about smoke you should consider having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a challenging task for a DIYer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health issues that could result from smoking a lot of smoke from the wood stove.