How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners, often called wood boilers, look like small sheds with an elongated smoke stack. They provide heat to water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home.
When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are used with dry wood, they can provide an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. However, they do produce substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to heat homes. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels wood heat is an attractive option for many. However not all wood boilers are with the same efficiency. As a rule, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are many factors that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of them is the quality of the firewood utilized. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six month at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the atmosphere than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.
Another aspect is the boiler's combustion efficiency which is the percentage of heat energy converted into useful heat by the stove. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however, it is vital to look for the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
Finally, it is important to properly operate the OWB to maximize its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and ensuring that the vent is maintained regularly. The flue vent should be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and prevent obstruction.
Unlike indoor stoves, which sit directly in your home, an OWB is located between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The water that is heated in the OWB is then piped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your house through an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB can be an extremely efficient method of heating your house and save you money on your energy bills. Just make sure that you select a high-efficiency unit and follow the correct maintenance procedures to make the most of it. Don't forget that only dry and seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to stop it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable source, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace those which were burned to provide warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burned however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants and then transform it back into oxygen for us to breathe. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating homes, garages sheds and other structures. These units are very cost-effective since they eliminate the need to pay high utility bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs and pools and provide a space to relax in the winter months. These heaters are EPAand CSA-approved, making them an environmentally 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 draws heat from the ground or air which allows it to heat buildings and lessen the requirement for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves and they are more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to perform their job.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand with some people due to their low price and environmental friendliness. Many of the best models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is far superior to other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco green models.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained, a wood burning stove can be a significant fire hazard. Smoke from a fire can contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health issues, including asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. For these reasons, it is crucial to employ an expert to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney, stovepipe or wood-burning appliance regularly. These experts can ensure that your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This can help avoid fires from happening in your home or other structures on your property.
It is crucial to only use dry, seasoned wood for burning wood in an OWB. Also, keep the area around the logs clear of any debris and combustible substances like paper or plastic, to reduce fire hazards. Never burn treated wood, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is dangerous to all, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults, as well as people who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that new and expectant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke as it may negatively affect their unborn babies.
Utilizing an OWB may also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Smoke from a fire may blow through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or wind. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. It is a good idea to close any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets from the fire.
It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your home, and to test them frequently. You should also develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at minimum every month. If you need help with smoke or fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses back to their pre-fire state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are great to heat your home using renewable energy sources and creating a warm cozy environment. But like any appliance that you regularly use they require some care to ensure they run smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the maximum enjoyment from it. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, make sure that the fire is completely out of the way and that all electrical power to the wood stove is off. wood burner fireplace will also want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies prior to beginning cleaning. This should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your home), safety gloves, a brush, and an incredibly small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote that must be cleaned regularly to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system and to stop the accumulation of a substance that can corrode the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort required for cleaning.
You'll need to clean the ash tank of your wood stove every week. It is better to empty the ash into a metal container than in the standard trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other materials. These could explode or ignite when the hot ashes are placed into the can.
Smoke from your wood burner may require a controlled airflow on a regular basis, dependent on the kind of wood used, how much heat is being drawn out and atmospheric conditions. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This is a challenging task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health issues that may arise from breathing in a lot of smoke from wood.