How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have an elongated smokestack. They heat water, or a mix of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your house.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can be an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still generate lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat is a common choice for heating homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a cost-effective choice for a lot of people. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. In general models that utilize wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The energy efficiency of an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One factor is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months; ideally, for a year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.
Another factor is the boiler's combustion efficiency, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiencies, but it is important to look for the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue vent should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and to prevent obstruction.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed in your home or office, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your home. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed via a network of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is an effective way to heat your house and save you money on energy bills. To get the most from your OWB, select one that is high-efficiency and maintain it properly. Be sure to burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the firewood from damaging your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative 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 used to heat. When wood is burnt, it emits carbon dioxide, however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be utilized for heating garages, homes sheds, and other structures. They are extremely cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay expensive utility bills. They can be used to heat hot tubs or pools and provide a space to relax in the winter months. Many 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.
An alternative to 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 need for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are regarded as environmentally friendly, but they require a steady supply of raw materials in order to function efficiently.
Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still popular with some people because of its low cost and environmental friendliness. Many of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. contemporary wood stove who are concerned about the environment need to talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to find out about the most effective models available, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove when not maintained and installed properly, could create a significant fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets furniture, clothing and furniture. It is therefore important to employ professionals to install your wood stove.
It is recommended to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney or wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. These professionals can ensure your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This will help to prevent fires from your home or any other buildings on your property.
It is essential to make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. You should also ensure that the area around the logs free of any debris and combustible substances, such as plastic or paper, in order to avoid the danger of fire. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is dangerous to all, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults and those who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that newly born pregnant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke as it may negatively affect their babies.
Utilizing an OWB could also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can blow through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or wind. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors near the stove and to keep pets away from the flame.
It is also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom of your home, and to test them regularly. Also, you should have a family escape plan in place and practice it at least once a year. For help with smoke and fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your smoke-damaged property or business to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are great for heating your home and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere inside your home. Like all appliances you use regularly it needs some attention to ensure it is running smoothly.
You will benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove when 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 to shut off the electricity and fire before you begin cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor of your home along with safety gloves, and a brush.
Each time you burn 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 as well as to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort needed to clean.
You should also clean out the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is better to empty the ash into metal containers rather than a regular trash can, which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other materials. They may spark or explode if the hot ashes are put in the container.
Smoke from your wood burner may require to be controlled on a regular basis according to the kind of wood used, how much heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If you are concerned about smoke, you will want to consider having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This can be a difficult task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best left to professionals to avoid health issues that could result from smoking a lot of smoke from the wood stove.
