How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, sometimes called wood boilers, appear like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smoke stack. They provide heat to water, or a combination of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your home.

When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are made of dry wood, they can provide an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. However, they still produce an enormous amount of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Since the beginning of time, wood has been used to warm homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is an affordable alternative for many. Not all wood boilers have the same effectiveness. In general, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by several factors. One is the quality of the wood utilized. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months; ideally, for a year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the atmosphere than green, wet wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollutants.

Another aspect is the boiler's combustion efficiency which is the percentage of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' combustion efficiency, but it is important to check the efficiency of the product delivered. This is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood reaches your home.

It is also essential to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue vent should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season in order to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the stove and to prevent clogging.

In contrast to indoor stoves that are located within your home, an OWB is located between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The water that is heated in the OWB is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.

Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB is an effective way to heat your house and save you money on energy bills. To get the most from your OWB, select one that is efficient and maintain it in a proper manner. Don't forget to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent the firewood from destroying 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 resource, which means that new trees will grow and replace those burning for warmth. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide however, it is absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood does not produce any other environmental pollutants.

A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages, sheds and other buildings. These units are very cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay high utility bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs or pools, providing a relaxing space to relax during the winter months. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green choice 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, which draws heat from the air or ground which allows it to heat buildings and decrease the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. They are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood woodburner stoves and are also more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to perform their job.

Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand with some people because of their low price and environmental stewardship. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than other heating options. Those who are concerned about the impact on the environment must consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models available, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Safety

If it is not properly installed and maintained, a wood burning stove can pose a major danger to fire. The smoke from a fire may be contaminated by carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that may cause health issues, such as asthma and a reduced lung function. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets, furniture and clothing. This is why it is important to hire an expert to install your wood burner.

A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood on a regular schedule. They can make sure that your OWB is operating safely and is in compliance with the local safety regulations. This can help stop fires from happening in your home or other buildings on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to use only dry, seasoned logs. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs free of combustible and debris such as plastic or paper, to minimize fire hazards. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish as they could release harmful pollutants into the air.

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

Utilizing an OWB can be a source of trouble for neighbors. Smoke from a fire can travel through windows that are open in response to weather conditions or winds. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. Close any windows or doors that are close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.

Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in every bedroom of your house is also a great idea. Make sure to test them regularly. It is also recommended to develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. For help with smoke and restoration services for fires, call your local PuroClean office. We can help restore your smoke-damaged home or business back to its pre-fire state.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs, are ideal for heating your home with renewable energy sources and creating a warm cozy environment. Like any appliance you use regularly they need some attention to ensure they run smoothly.

Being on top of the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most use from it. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove are cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Be sure to turn off the power and the fire before you begin cleaning. You will also want to gather your supplies prior to beginning cleaning. These should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home), safety gloves, a brush, and an incredibly small shovel as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.

Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system as well as to prevent the buildup of a substance that can corrode the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can reduce the amount of time and effort required for the cleaning process.

It is also necessary to clean out the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is recommended to empty the ash into a metal ash container instead of dumping it into a regular garbage can that is filled with plastics, trash, and other materials that could ignite and explode when you place the ashes that are hot in them.

Smoke from your wood stove may need to be controlled on a regular basis, according to the type of wood used, how much heat is being drawn in and the weather conditions. If smoke is a problem you might want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This is a task that can be a challenge for DIYers and is probably a job which is best wood stoves for tents left to the professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling lots of smoke from your wood stove burners stove.