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 provide heat to water, or a mixture of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your house.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they can be an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still generate lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to heat homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels, wood heat is an attractive alternative for a lot of. Not all wood boilers have the same effectiveness. As a general rule models that employ wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard models outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One of these is the quality of the wood utilized. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months; ideally, for a full year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and releases less pollutants.
The boiler's combustion rate is a further aspect. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove into usable heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' combustion efficiency however it is crucial to look for the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much heat generated by the wood reaches your home.
It is also important to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue must be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount of smoke produced by the stove and avoid clogging.
Contrary to stoves that are indoor, which sit directly within your home, an OWB is located between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The water that is heated in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is distributed via a network of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite vintage wood burning stove discussed above, an OWB is an effective way to heat your house and save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your unit, choose one that is energy efficient and properly maintained. Remember that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean should be burned in an OWB to stop it from harming the environment and your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees are able to grow and replace those burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it burns, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees that convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood does not generate any other environmental pollutants.
Wood furnaces can be utilized for heating homes, garages sheds, and other structures. They are also economical as they remove the need for costly energy bills. They can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub and provide a space to relax in winter. Many 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.
A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump, that extracts heat from the ground or air and allows it to heat buildings and reduce the need for propane, natural gas or oil. They are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and they are more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to operate.
However, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people because of its low price and environmental friendliness. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is more than the majority of other heating options. Those who are concerned about the environment need to talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to find out about the most effective models available that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove, in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, can pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health problems, including asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also contaminate carpets, furniture and clothing. Therefore, it is important to get a professional to install your wood stove.
It is also a good idea to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney, stovepipe or wood-burning appliance regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating in a safe manner and is in compliance with local safety regulations, which will help to keep fires from forming in your home or any other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to use only dry and seasoned logs. To reduce the risk of fire, keep the area surrounding the logs free of debris or combustible materials, such as paper or plastic. Never burn treated wood, garbage or trash as they could release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
While wood smoke has the potential to harm everyone but it is especially harmful for teenagers, children older adults, as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that newly born and expecting mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke as it may adversely affect their babies.
Using an OWB can also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can travel through windows that are not closed in response to weather conditions or the wind. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. Close all doors and windows that are close to the stove and keep pets away from it.
It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house, and to test them regularly. It is also recommended to develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the very least once a month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses 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. Like any appliance you regularly use, they require some maintenance to ensure that they are running smoothly.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the maximum use out of it. Regularly cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Make sure to shut off the power and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the items you require. This includes newspapers to cover the floor in your home as well as safety gloves and a brush.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to maintain the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps prevent the build-up of a substance that could corrode the inner layers of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can cut down the time and effort needed for cleaning.
You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner every week. It is better to empty the ash into an iron container for ash instead of throwing it into a regular garbage bin that is stuffed with trash, plastics and other materials that could ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes inside the containers.
Smoke from your wood burner could need to be controlled regularly, depending on the kind of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn and the weather conditions. If smoke is a problem, you may want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This isn't an easy task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best left to experts to avoid health issues that could result from smoking a lot of wood smoke.