How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, sometimes called wood boilers, look like small sheds with a short smoke stack. They provide heat to water, or a combination of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your home.

When EPA-approved outdoor woodburning stoves (official statement) wood boilers are made of dry wood, they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They still emit plenty of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Wood heat is a common choice to heat homes for centuries. With the fluctuating costs of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable option for many. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same effectiveness. As a rule models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.

The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by several factors. One of these is the quality of the wood that is used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six month and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollutants.

The boiler's rate of combustion is a further aspect. This is the proportion of heat converted by the stove into useful heat. It is standard for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's important to look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat from the wood is absorbed by the home.

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

In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed in your home or office, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The heated water in the OWB is then run through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is then distributed via a network of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.

Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is an extremely efficient way to heat your home and reduce your energy bills. Just make sure that you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most benefit of it. Be sure to burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the firewood from damaging your home and polluting the air.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable source, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when burned, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees, which then convert the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not produce any other environmental pollutant.

A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages, sheds and other buildings. They are extremely cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool which are perfect to relax in winter months. Many of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved, making them an eco-friendly 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.

An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which extracts thermal energy from the ground or air, allowing it to warm buildings and decrease the requirement for natural gas, propane or oil. They are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and they're more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials to function.

Wood-burning heaters remain popular among some people due to their low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much better than most other heating alternatives. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco green models.

Safety

A wood burning stove, when not maintained and installed correctly, could pose a serious fire risk. The smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory issues. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.

A professional should also inspect your wood-burning stovepipe or chimney regularly. These professionals can ensure your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This will help to prevent fires from your home, or in other structures on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to select dry and seasoned logs. Also, ensure that the area around logs clear of combustible and debris, such as plastic or paper, to avoid the danger of fire. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber, as these could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.

Wood smoke poses danger to all, but it's particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults, as well as people who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that all new and expectant mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke as it may negatively affect their unborn babies.

Utilizing an OWB can be a nuisance for neighbors. Depending on the weather and wind, smoke from a fire could blow through open windows. It can also irritate the eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and keep pets away from it.

It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your home, and to test them regularly. It is also recommended to have an escape plan for your family in place and do it at least once a year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as woodburner outdoor wood burners or OWBs are ideal for heating your home using a renewable energy source and creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, like any appliance you regularly use, they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly.

Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the best enjoyment from it. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove is cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, ensure that the fire is gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is turned off. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home, safety gloves and a brush.

Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue should be cleaned frequently to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the build-up 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 can reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean.

You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is more efficient to empty the ash into metal containers rather than the standard trash can which is typically filled with plastics, trash and other items. They may ignite or explode when the hot ashes are put in the container.

Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat being drawn from your wood burner, as well as the atmospheric conditions it is possible to control smoke on a regular basis. If you are concerned about smoke you should consider having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This is a job that isn't easy for DIYers, and is a task which is best done by professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling lots of smoke from wood.