How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with an elongated smokestack. They are heated by water, or a mixture of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout the house.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still produce a significant amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat has been used to heat homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable alternative for many. Wood boilers are not all built with the same effectiveness. In general, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The energy efficiency of an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One of them is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months; ideally, for a whole year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the atmosphere than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a different aspect. This is the amount of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. It is standard for manufacturers to promote the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, but it's crucial to also look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much heat generated by the wood is delivered to your home.
It is also important to operate the OWB properly to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to prevent obstruction and to reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed in your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed via a network of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB can be a highly efficient way to heat your home and save money on your energy bills. Be sure to choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. Don't forget that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean is recommended to be burned in an OWB to avoid creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a greener and more friendly option to burning fossil fuels such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees can grow and replace those burned for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burned but it is absorbed by other plants and trees and then transform it back into oxygen for us to breathe. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollutants, unlike fossil fuels.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, and other buildings. These units are also very cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for costly energy bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs and pools, providing a relaxing place to unwind during the winter months. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved, 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 an alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or the ground and can be used to heat buildings and reduce their need for propane, oil or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are seen as eco-friendly, however they require a constant supply of raw materials to perform properly.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular for some due to their low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the top models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is superior to other heating options. Those who are concerned about the environment should speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models, which are both efficient and eco-friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove if not installed and maintained correctly, could create a significant fire risk. Smoke from a fire could be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health issues, including asthma and a reduced lung function. In addition, smoke can cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. Therefore, it is important to get a professional to install your wood stove.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood regularly. They can make sure that your OWB is working safely and is in compliance with local safety standards, which can help prevent fires from occurring in your home or other structures on your property.
It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs free of any debris and combustible substances such as plastic or paper, in order to minimize fire hazards. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish as they can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
While wood smoke has the potential to harm everyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers older adults, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could negatively affect the unborn baby.
Using an OWB can also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Depending on the weather and wind, smoke from a fire could be blown through windows that are not closed. It can also irritate noses and eyes. It is recommended to shut all windows and doors near the stove and to keep pets away from the fire.
It is recommended to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every room of your house, and to test them frequently. You should also have a family escape plan in place and do it at least once a year. For assistance with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are great for heating your home with renewable energy sources and creating a warm and cozy environment. Like any appliance that you use frequently it needs some attention to ensure that it runs smoothly.
Being on top of the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the best use from it. Cleaning the exterior flue, inside, and pipe is a must. Make sure you turn off the electricity and fire before you begin cleaning. It is also important to prepare your tools before you begin cleaning. These should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a brush, and a small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the build-up of a substance that could corrode the inner layers of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort for cleaning.
You should also clean out the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better to dispose of the ash in a metal container than in the standard trash can which is usually filled with plastics, trash and other materials. small wood burning stove could ignite or explode when the hot ashes are put into the can.
Smoke from your wood stove may require a controlled airflow on a regular basis according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn in and the conditions of the air. If woodburning stove is a problem, you will want to look into having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This isn't an easy task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best to leave it to experts to avoid health issues that could result from smoking a lot of smoke from wood.