How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have a short smokestack. They heat water, or a combination of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout the house.
When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they can provide an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still produce a significant amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable option for many. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are equal in terms of efficiency. In general models that employ wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are many factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One factor is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is important to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six month; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood ejects more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is another aspect. This is the percentage of heat that is converted by the stove into usable heat. It is common for manufacturers to promote the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's crucial to also look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
In the end, it is essential to operate the OWB to ensure its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue should be cleaned every week during the heating season in order to minimize the amount of smoke generated by the stove and to prevent clogging.
Contrary to stoves that are indoor, which sit directly in your home, an OWB is installed between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The water that is heated in the OWB is then pumped 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 disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is a highly efficient method of heating your home and reduce your energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is energy efficient and properly maintained. Remember that only dry, seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to stop it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco friendly option to burning fossil fuels, such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable source which means that new trees will grow to replace those that were burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it is burned however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants that convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollutants.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. They are extremely cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools which are perfect to relax in wintertime. These heaters are EPAand CSA-approved and are 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.
A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which draws heat from the ground or air and allows it to heat 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 eco-friendly, however they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to work properly.
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 much better than most other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the environment should talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to find out about the best models that are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
If it is not properly maintained and installed, a wood-burning stove can pose a major risk of fire. Smoke from fires could contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood on a regular schedule. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and that it is compliant with local safety standards, which will help to prevent fires from occurring within your home or other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to use only dry and seasoned logs. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs clear of combustible and debris, such as paper or plastic, to avoid fire hazards. Don't burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke poses danger to anyone, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults as well as those with heart or respiratory conditions. It is also recommended that all new and expectant mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB can also be a nuisance for neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and the wind, smoke from a fireplace can fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. Close any doors or windows that are close to the stove and keep pets away from the stove.
It's recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in each bedroom of your home and test them regularly. Also, you should make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at very least once a month. For assistance with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged home or business to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating your home and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere in your home. As with Wood burning stove indoor that you use frequently it needs some attention to ensure it is running smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most use out of it. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior, interior, and flue pipe is essential. Before you begin any cleaning, make sure that the fire has been completely gone and all electricity connected to the wood stove is off. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the items you require. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home as well as safety gloves and a toothbrush.
Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue, which must be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system and also to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed to clean.
You'll need to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is recommended to empty the ash into an iron Ash container rather than dumping it into a garbage can that is filled with plastics, trash and other materials that can ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes in them.
Depending on the type and amount of heat drawn from your wood burner, and the atmospheric conditions it is possible to control smoke on a regular basis. If you are concerned about smoke it is recommended to think about getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health issues that may arise from breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.