How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have an elongated smokestack. They are heated by water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your house.
When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are utilized with dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. However, they still generate a significant amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option to heat homes for centuries. With the fluctuating costs of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable alternative for many. However, not all wood boilers are created with the same efficiency. In general models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
The energy efficiency of an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One factor is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns cleaner and emits less pollution.
Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiencies however, it is vital to determine the efficiency of the product delivered. small log burning stove is a measure of how much of the available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves, which sit directly within your home, an OWB is located between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is circulated through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home and reduce your energy bills. Make sure you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most out of it. Don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood should 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 gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable source which means that new trees will be planted to replace those that were burned 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 for us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating garages, homes sheds, and other structures. They are extremely 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 winter. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified and are a green option 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, allowing it to warm buildings and decrease the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and are also more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to operate.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand for some due to their low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the top models have an 85% efficiency rating, which is much superior to other heating options. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and eco sustainable models.
Safety
A wood burning stove, if not installed and maintained correctly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which could cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets furniture, clothing and furniture. This is why it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning regularly. They can make sure that your OWB is working safely and that it meets the local safety regulations. This can keep fires from forming in your home or any other structures on your property.
It is important to only make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. To reduce the risk of fire, ensure that the area around the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials, such as paper or plastic. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is harmful to everyone, but it is particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults and those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that new and expectant mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB can also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can travel through windows that are open depending on the weather or the wind. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. Close any windows or doors that are near 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. It is also recommended to make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at the minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses back to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known 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. As with any appliance that you regularly use, it requires some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Being on top of your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum use from it. Regularly cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Be sure to turn off the electricity and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. You will also want to prepare your tools before you start cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house), safety gloves, a brush, and a small shovel, as along with a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote residue, which must be regularly cleaned to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system and also to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort for cleaning.
You'll have to clean the ash container of your wood stove every week. It is more efficient to dispose of the ash in a metal container than in the regular trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other items. They may ignite or explode when the ashes are hot when placed in the can.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat being drawn from your wood burner, as well as the conditions in the air depending on the weather, you may have to control smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is an issue you might want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This can be a difficult task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health issues that may arise from breathing in a lot of wood smoke.