How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, also called wood boilers, look like small sheds with the appearance of a small smoke stack. They heat water, or a mix of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your home.

When outdoor wood boilers approved by the EPA are used with dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They still produce plenty of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since centuries, wood heat was used to warm homes. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is an affordable choice for a lot of people. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are equal in terms of efficiency. As a general rule models that employ 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 crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months, and ideally for a year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.

Another aspect is the boiler's combustion efficiency, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's crucial to consider the efficiency of the product. The latter is a measure of how much heat from the wood reaches your home.

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

Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly in your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. 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 to distribute warmth throughout your home.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient method of heating your home and reduce your energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is efficient and maintain it properly. Don't forget that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees will develop and replace the ones burning for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burned however, it is absorbed by other plants and trees, which then convert it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. The burning of wood produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.

A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other buildings. They are extremely cost-effective as 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 winter. 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 isn't seasoned, it will release more smoke, which can irritate those with sensitive respiratory systems.

Electric heat pumps are a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or the ground which allows them to heat buildings and decrease the need for propane, oil or natural gas. They are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves, and are also more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials to perform their job.

Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand with some people due to their low price and environmental stewardship. The top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much higher than the majority of other heating options. Those who are concerned about the environment need to speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burning to find out about the best models that are both efficient and eco-friendly.

Safety

If not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove can be a significant fire hazard. The smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory issues. In addition, smoke can cause harm to carpets, furniture and clothing. For these reasons, it is important to hire a professional to install your Large wood Burner burner.

It is also a good idea to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe and wood-burning appliance on a regular basis. These professionals can ensure your OWB meets the local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help prevent fires from happening in your home or other buildings on your property.

It is important to only make use of dry, seasoned logs for burning wood in an OWB. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs clear of combustible and debris like plastic or paper, in order to reduce the risk of fire. Don't burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.

Wood smoke is dangerous to anyone, large Wood Burner but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that all new pregnant mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke as it may negatively affect their unborn babies.

Using an OWB could also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can travel through windows that are open in response to weather conditions or Large Wood Burner wind. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. Close all doors and windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.

Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in every room of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. You should also make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore your smoke-damaged home or business back to its pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are ideal for heating your home using an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm, cozy environment. Like all appliances you use regularly, it requires some maintenance to ensure it is running smoothly.

Keeping up with your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum use from it. Regularly cleaning your wood woodburning stove's exterior flue, inside, and pipe is essential. Before you start any cleaning, make sure that the fire has been completely extinguished and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is shut off. It is also important to prepare your tools before you begin cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home) safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.

Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it produces creosote residue, which must be cleaned regularly to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system and also to prevent the buildup of a substance that can corrode the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Using a creosote removal product such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort needed to clean.

You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better to empty the ash into an aluminum container rather than the regular trash can which is usually filled with plastics, trash and other items. These could spark or explode if the hot ashes are placed in the can.

Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat drawn from your wood burner, and the weather conditions, you may need to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned regularly. This is a task that can be difficult for DIYers and is a task that is better done by experts to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling a lot of shed wood burner smoke.