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 water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout the house.
When outdoor wood boilers approved by the EPA are used with dry wood, they can provide an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. However, they still produce substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat was used to warm homes. With the fluctuating costs of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable alternative for many. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by several factors. One of these is the quality of the firewood utilized. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months; ideally, for a full year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and produces less pollutants.
Another factor is the boiler's efficiency in combustion (or percentage) of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' combustion efficiency, but it is important to look for the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood gets to your home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the stove and prevent clogging.
In contrast to indoor stoves that are located in your home, an OWB is located between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The water that is heated in the OWB is then run through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your home through an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB is an efficient way to heat 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. Make sure to only burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco friendly option to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane, and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees will grow to replace those that were burned for warmth. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide but it is then absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants, unlike fossil fuels.
A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages sheds, homes and other structures. These units are also very cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive energy bills. They can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub and provide a place to unwind in the winter months. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green option for home heating.
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 draw thermal energy from the air or ground which allows them to heat buildings and decrease their need for propane, oil, 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 to operate.
However, wood-burning heating is still popular with some people because of its low cost and green credentials. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much superior to other heating alternatives. People who are concerned about the impact on the environment must talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
If not properly installed and maintained, a wood burning stove can be a significant danger to fire. The smoke from a fire may contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that could cause health problems, including asthma and a reduced lung function. Smoke can also cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. For these reasons, it is crucial to employ a professional to install your wood burner.
A professional should also examine your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney regularly. They will ensure that your OWB is working safely and is in compliance with local safety regulations, which will help to keep fires from forming in your home or any other buildings on your property.
It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around the logs free of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, to reduce the danger of fire. Never burn treated wood, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke is dangerous 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 pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it can negatively impact the unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB could also cause trouble to your neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and the wind, smoke from a fire can blow through open windows. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close any windows or doors close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.
shop wood burning stove is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your house, and to test them frequently. You should also have an escape plan for your family in place and do it at least once per 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 and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere in your home. Like all appliances you use regularly it will require some maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly.
You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if maintain it on a regular basis. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove is cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Make sure to shut off the power and the fire before you begin cleaning. You should also prepare your tools before you start cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) Safety gloves, a brush, and an incredibly small shovel as along with 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 optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps keep from the build-up of a substance that could corrode the inner layers of the steel within 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 to clean.
You'll need to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is more efficient to empty the ash in metal containers rather than the standard trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other substances. They could explode or ignite when the hot ashes are put into the can.
Depending on the type and amount of heat being attracted from your wood burner, as well as the conditions in the air it is possible to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to think about having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This isn't an easy task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best left to experts to avoid health issues caused by smoking a lot of smoke from wood.