How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, also called wood boilers, appear like small sheds that have an elongated smoke stack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of water and antifreeze that is then circulated throughout your home.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still produce plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. As a rule models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
There are many factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of them is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months, and best for a whole year. Dry firewood ejects more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns cleaner and produces less pollutants.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a further aspect. This is the proportion of heat converted by the stove into useful heat. It is standard for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's important to look at the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much of the available heat from the wood reaches the home.
In the end, it is essential to properly operate the OWB to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and avoid the clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves, which sit directly inside your home, an OWB is installed between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home by a system that uses heat exchangers.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB can be an extremely efficient way to heat your home and save money on your energy bills. Make sure you select a high-efficiency model and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most out of it. Remember that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean is recommended to be burned in an OWB to stop it from polluting the environment and damaging your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees can grow and replace the ones that were burned for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not create any other environmental pollutants.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating homes, garages sheds, and other structures. These units are very cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay costly utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools that are ideal for relaxing in wintertime. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them 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.
An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which draws heat from the air or ground which allows it to heat buildings and reduce the need for propane, natural gas or oil. They are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and are also more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to function.
However, wood-burning heaters are still a favorite among some because of its low cost and green credentials. modern wood burning stove of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is higher than other heating options. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
A wood burning stove in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and a reduced lung function. In addition, smoke can cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore essential to get a professional to install your wood stove.
A professional should also inspect your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and is in compliance with local safety standards, which will help to keep fires from forming in your home or other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to select dry and seasoned logs. You should also ensure that the area around logs free of any debris and combustible substances such as plastic or paper, to avoid the risk of fire. Never burn wood burners near me , trash or treated lumber, as they can release a number of harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke is able to harm anyone but it is especially harmful for children, teenagers older adults, and those suffering from respiratory or heart issues. It is also recommended that all new and expectant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB can be a source of trouble for neighbors. Depending on the weather and the wind smoke from a fire can fly through windows. It can also irritate eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and keep pets away from the stove.
It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your home, and to test them regularly. You should also develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can help restore your smoke-damaged home or business back to its pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs, are ideal for heating your home using an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm and cozy environment. As with any appliance that you use frequently it needs some attention to keep it running smoothly.
You'll benefit from your outdoor wood stove if you maintain it regularly. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove are cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, make sure that the fire is extinguished and that all electrical power to the wood stove is shut off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. These include newspapers to cover the floor in your home as well as safety gloves and a toothbrush.
Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue must be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps to stop the accumulation of a substance that could corrode the inner layers of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort for cleaning.
You will also need to clean out the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is better to dispose of the ash in an aluminum container rather than a regular trash can, which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other substances. They may ignite or explode when the ashes are hot when placed into the can.
Based on the type and amount of heat being drawn from your wood burner, and the conditions in the air depending on the weather, you may have to manage smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is an issue it is recommended to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This isn't an easy task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health problems that may arise from smoking a lot of smoke from the wood stove.