How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, sometimes called wood boilers, look like small sheds that have a short smoke stack. They provide heat to water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home.
When outdoor wood boilers approved by the EPA are utilized with dry wood, they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. However, they still generate a significant amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat was used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a cost-effective alternative for many. Wood boilers are not all built with the same effectiveness. As a rule models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
The energy efficiency of an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One is the quality of the wood utilized. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six month and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.
Another aspect is the boiler's efficiency in combustion, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however it is crucial to check the efficiency of the product delivered. This is a measure of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
outdoor wood burning stove is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue vent should be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the stove and to prevent clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your home by an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home and can save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your OWB, select one that is high-efficiency and maintain it properly. Make sure to only burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a greener and more friendly option to burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees will grow to replace those that were used to heat. When wood is burned it releases carbon dioxide, but it is then absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. Wood burning produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds, and other structures. These units are very cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay high utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool that are ideal to relax in winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, making them a green 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.
Electric heat pumps are a great alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the air or ground and can be used to heat buildings and decrease their need for oil, propane or natural gas. These heat pumps are more sustainable 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 popular with 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 alternatives. Those who are concerned about the environment need to talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove, in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, could be a fire hazard. Smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide, which could cause respiratory problems and asthma. In addition, smoke can be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Therefore, it is important to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also check your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning regularly. They can make sure that your OWB is operating safely and that it is compliant with the local safety regulations. This can prevent fires from occurring within your home or other structures on your property.
It is essential to use dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the area around the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials like paper or plastic. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish as they can release harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke has the potential to harm everyone, it is especially dangerous for teenagers, children, older adults and people who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could negatively affect their unborn child.
Utilizing an OWB could also cause trouble to your neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and wind smoke from a fire can blow through open windows. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close any doors or windows that are near the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It's also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every room of your home and test them regularly. It is also recommended to have an escape plan for your family in place and test it at least once a year. For assistance with smoke and restoration services for fires, call your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged home or business to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a cozy, warm ambience in your home. Like any appliance you use regularly they need some attention to keep them running smoothly.
You will benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove if you maintain it on a regular basis. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe regularly. Make sure you turn off the electricity and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the items you require. These include newspapers to cover the floor of your home as well as safety gloves and a brush.
Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue must be cleaned frequently to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to stop the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort required for cleaning.
You will also need to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better to empty the ash in a metal container than in a regular trash can, which is usually filled with plastics, trash and other items. They could spark or explode if the hot ashes are placed in the container.
Smoke from your wood burner may need to be controlled on a regular basis according to the type of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the weather conditions. If smoke is a concern it is recommended to consider having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This isn't an easy task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health issues caused by breathing in a lot of wood smoke.