How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have an elongated smokestack. They provide heat to water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce a significant amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for a long time. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a reasonable option for many people. However not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. As a rule models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by several factors. modern wood burning stoves of these is the quality of the wood that is used. 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 is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is a further aspect. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. It is common for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's crucial to consider the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood reaches your home.
Finally, it is important to operate the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This includes keeping it clean and maintaining the vent for the flue on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves, which sit directly within your home, an OWB is installed between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The water that is heated in the OWB is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home, and it can reduce your energy bills. To get the most from your unit, choose one that is high-efficiency and maintain it in a proper manner. Don't forget to only burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels, such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees can develop and replace the ones that were burned to provide warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood doesn't produce any other environmental pollutants.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, and other buildings. They are economical as they do away with the need to pay costly utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool, which are great for relaxing in winter months. A lot of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green choice 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 an alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or ground which allows them to heat buildings and reduce the need for oil, propane, or natural gas. They are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and they're more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to operate.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand among some people because of their low price and environmental stewardship. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is more than the majority of other heating alternatives. People who are concerned about the impact on the environment must consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models that are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
If it is not properly maintained and installed, a wood-burning stove could pose a serious fire hazard. Smoke from fires could contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide, which could cause respiratory problems and asthma. In addition, smoke can contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also check your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is working safely and that it meets local safety standards, which will help to prevent fires from occurring in your home or any other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to use only dry well-seasoned logs. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs free of debris and combustible materials like plastic or paper, to avoid fire hazards. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke is able to harm anyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers older adults, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it can negatively impact the unborn baby.
Using an OWB could also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Smoke from a fire may blow through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or winds. It can also irritate noses and eyes. Close all doors and windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from the stove.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in every room of your home is an excellent idea. Make sure to test them regularly. It is also recommended to develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at very least once a month. If you need help with smoke or fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs, are ideal to heat your home using an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm and cozy environment. But like any appliance that you use regularly they require some care to ensure they run smoothly.
You will get the most out of your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it regularly. Cleaning the exterior flue, interior, and pipe is essential. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire is out of the way and that all electrical power to the wood stove is turned off. You will also want to gather your supplies prior to beginning cleaning. These should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home), safety gloves, a toothbrush and a small shovel as along with a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the build-up of a substance that could damage the inner layer of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort required to clean.
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 the regular trash can which is usually filled with plastics, trash and other items. They could ignite or explode when the ashes are hot when placed into the can.
Smoke from your wood stove may need to be controlled regularly, according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the weather conditions. If smoke is a problem, you may want to make sure that the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned regularly. This is a task that can be a challenge for DIYers and is probably a job that should be left to the experts to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling a lot of smoke from your wood stove.