How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They look like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of water and antifreeze which is then circulated through your home.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can be an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still produce lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat is a common choice to heat homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a reasonable option for many people. Wood boilers are not all built with the same efficiency. In general models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months; ideally, for a full year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a further aspect. This is the amount of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however it is crucial to check the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood is delivered to your home.
In the end, it is essential to operate the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and prevent the clogging.
Contrary to stoves that are indoor, which sit directly within your home, an OWB is installed 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 distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient method of heating your home, and it can save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your unit, choose one that is high-efficiency and maintain it properly. Remember that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean is recommended to be burned in an OWB to avoid harming the environment and your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees will grow to replace the ones that were used to heat. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burned, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees, which then convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. Wood burning produces no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, and other buildings. These units are very cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay high utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pools that are ideal for relaxing in the winter months. A lot 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 that extracts heat from the ground or air and allows it to heat buildings and lessen the need for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves, and they are more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to operate.
Wood-burning heaters remain popular among some people because of their low price and environmental stewardship. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally green models.
Safety
A wood burning stove , in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from fires could contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also contaminate carpets as well as furniture and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.
It is also a good idea to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe on a regular basis. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help avoid fires from your home or other buildings on your property.
It is important to only use dry, seasoned wood for burning wood in an OWB. To decrease the chance of fire, keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible material, such as plastic or paper. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they 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 people with respiratory diseases or heart problems. It is also recommended that newly born and expectant mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB may also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Depending on the weather and wind smoke from a fire could fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your house is also a great idea. Make sure to test them regularly. Also, you should create a family evacuation plan and practice it at the very least once a month. For assistance with smoke and restoration services for fires, call your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs, are ideal for heating your home with an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Like any appliance you regularly use they need some attention to keep them running smoothly.
You will benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it on a regular basis. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe regularly. Make sure you turn off the electricity and the fire before you begin cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the items you require. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home as well as safety gloves, and a brush.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps prevent the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel within the water jacket. Using a creosote remover like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort needed for the cleaning process.
You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better to empty the ash into a metal container than in the regular trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other items. They may spark or explode if the hot ashes are put in the container.
Smoke from your wood stove may require to be controlled on a regular basis, depending on the type of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn in and the conditions of the air. If you are concerned about smoke 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 to leave it to experts to avoid health issues caused by smoking a lot of smoke from wood.