How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with an elongated 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 are an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still produce lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat has been used to heat homes. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. Wood boilers are not all built with the same efficiency. In general models that utilize wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are several factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months, and best for a whole year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the atmosphere than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is a further factor. This is the amount of heat that is converted by the stove to useful heat. It is typical for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their OWBs, but it's crucial to consider the delivered efficiency. The latter is a measure of how much heat from the wood gets to your home.
It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue must be cleaned every week during the heating season to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the stove and avoid the clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves that are located inside your home, an OWB is set up between 100 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is distributed via a network of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB can be a highly efficient method of heating your house and save you money on energy costs. Just make sure that you select a high-efficiency model and follow proper maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. Don't forget to only burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will be planted to replace those that were used to heat. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide but it is then absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood doesn't create any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating garages, homes sheds, and other structures. They are extremely cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay costly utility bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs and pools and provide a space to relax during the winter months. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green 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 viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the air or ground which allows them to heat buildings and decrease their use of oil, propane or natural gas. They are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves and they're more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials to operate.
Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people because of its low cost and eco-friendly. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much higher than the majority of other heating options. Those who are concerned about the environment need to speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burning to find out the best models available that are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove, when not maintained and installed properly, could be a fire hazard. Smoke from a fire can contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that may cause health issues, such as asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also contaminate carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore important to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
It is recommended to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. They can make sure that your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. wood burning stove near me can help prevent fires from happening in your home or other buildings on your property.
It is essential to use dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. To reduce the risk of fire, you should keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials such as paper or plastic. Never burn treated wood, garbage or trash as they can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
While wood smoke has the potential to harm everyone, it is especially dangerous for teenagers, children older adults, as well as those who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart problems. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid wood smoke as it can negatively impact their unborn child.
Utilizing an OWB can also cause annoyance to neighbors. Based on the weather and the wind smoke from a fire can fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. It is a good idea to shut all windows and doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets away from the flame.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your house is also a great idea. Make sure to test them regularly. It is also recommended to have an escape plan for your family in place and do it at least once a year. If you need help with smoke or fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged home or business back to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are excellent for heating up and creating a warm, cozy ambience within your home. As with any appliance that you regularly use it needs some attention to keep it running smoothly.
You'll benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it regularly. The primary cleaning requirements of your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe regularly. Before you do any cleaning, be sure that the fire has been completely gone and all electricity to the wood stove is off. You will also want to prepare your tools prior to beginning cleaning. This should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your home) Safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote residue, which must be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system and to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort required for the cleaning process.
You'll need to clean the ash container 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 plastics, trash and other materials. These could ignite or explode when the hot ashes are placed in the container.
Smoke from your wood burner could require a controlled airflow on a regular basis, depending on the kind of wood used, how much heat is being drawn and atmospheric conditions. If you notice smoke it is recommended to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best left to experts to avoid health issues that could result from inhaling a lot smoke from wood.