How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, also called wood boilers, look like small sheds that have an elongated smoke stack. They heat water, or a combination of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout the house.

When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still produce a significant amount of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since centuries, Used Wood Burning Stoves wood heat was used to warm homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable choice for a lot of people. However, not all wood boilers are equal in terms of efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months; ideally, for a year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.

The boiler's rate of combustion is a different aspect. This is the amount of heat that is converted by the stove into usable heat. It is standard for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, however it is important to also look at the efficiency of the product. This is a measure of how much of the available heat from the wood reaches the home.

It is also crucial to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its effectiveness. This means cleaning it and maintaining the flue vent regularly. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent clogging and reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.

In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed directly within your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your house through a system that uses heat exchangers.

Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB is an efficient method of heating your house and save you money on energy bills. Make sure you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow proper maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. Don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood should 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 such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable source which means that new trees will be planted to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other plants and trees that convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. Wood burning produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.

Wood furnaces can be used wood Burning stoves to heat garages, homes, sheds, and other structures. They are also economical, since they eliminate the need for expensive 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 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 burning stove for sale isn't seasoned, it will release more smoke, which can irritate those with sensitive respiratory systems.

A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which draws heat from the air or ground which allows it to heat buildings and lessen the need for propane, natural gas or oil. They are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and are also more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to function.

Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still a favorite among some due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. The top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. Those who are concerned about the environment should talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to find out about the most effective models available that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Safety

If not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove can be a significant risk of fire. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health issues, including asthma and a reduced lung function. In addition, smoke can contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. It is therefore essential to get a professional to install your wood stove.

A professional should also examine your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney regularly. They will ensure that your OWB is operating safely and that it meets local safety standards, which can help stop fires from happening in your home or other structures on your property.

It is crucial to only make use of dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the area surrounding the logs free of debris or combustible material, such as plastic or paper. Don't burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.

While wood smoke has the potential to harm anyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers, older adults and people who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart problems. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could adversely affect their unborn baby.

Utilizing an OWB can be a source of trouble for neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and wind smoke from a fire could blow through open windows. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. Close all doors and windows close to the stove and keep pets away from it.

It's also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom of your home and test them regularly. It is also recommended to develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum once per month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses to pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a cozy, warm ambience within your home. However, like any appliance you regularly use they need some attention to keep them running smoothly.

Keeping up with your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum enjoyment from it. The primary cleaning requirements of your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you do any cleaning, make sure that the fire is gone and all electricity connected to the wood stove is turned off. Before you begin cleaning, collect all your supplies. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves and a brush.

Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue needs to be cleaned frequently to ensure optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps stop the build-up of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort required for cleaning.

You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is best to empty the ash into an iron ash container instead of dumping it into a garbage bin that is stuffed with plastics, trash and other materials that could ignite and explode if you place the ashes that are hot in them.

Depending on the type and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the atmospheric conditions it is possible to manage smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is a problem, you will want to look into having the flue pipe on your wood stove wood burning professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This is a task that isn't easy for the do-it-yourselfer and is probably a job which is best left to professionals to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling lots of smoke from your wood stove.