How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They provide heat to water, or a combination of antifreeze and water, 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. However, they still generate substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is an affordable alternative for many. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. In general models that utilize wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are several elements that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months, and best for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution.
The boiler's rate of combustion is a further aspect. outdoor wood burning stove is the percentage of heat converted by the stove into usable heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however it is crucial to determine the delivered efficiency as well. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
It is also important to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The hot 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 throughout your house through a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home, and it can help you save money on your energy bills. Make sure you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the correct maintenance procedures to make the most of it. Make sure to only burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent 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 resource, which means that new trees are able to grow and replace those burning for warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide, however, it is absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not generate any other environmental pollutant.
A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages sheds, homes and other structures. These units are also very cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools, which are great for relaxing in the winter. A lot 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.
A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump, which draws heat from the ground or air, allowing it to warm buildings and decrease the need for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are regarded as green, but they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to function effectively.
Wood-burning heaters are still popular for some due to their low price and environmental friendliness. Many of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is more than many other heating alternatives. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and eco friendly models.
Safety
A wood-burning stove, if not installed and maintained correctly, could pose a serious fire risk. The smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide, which can cause asthma and respiratory problems. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets, furniture and clothing. Because of this, it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. They can make sure that your OWB meets the local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This can help avoid fires from happening in your home or any other structures on your property.
It is important to only use dry, seasoned wood when burning wood in an OWB. To minimize the risk of fire, you should keep the area around the logs clear of any debris or combustible material, like paper or plastic. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke is able to harm everyone, it is especially dangerous for children, teenagers older adults, as well as those who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid wood smoke as it could negatively affect their unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB could also be a nuisance for neighbors. Based on the weather and winds, smoke from a fire can blow through open windows. It can also cause irritation to eyes and noses. It is recommended to shut any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets away from the fire.
It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house and test them regularly. You should also have an escape plan for your family in place and do it at least once a year. For assistance with smoke and fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged property or business to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are ideal to heat your home using renewable energy sources and creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Like any appliance you regularly use they require some care to ensure they run smoothly.
You will get the most out of your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it regularly. wood burning stoves near me of your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Make sure you turn off the electricity and fire prior to beginning cleaning. You will also want to gather your supplies before you start cleaning. These should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a toothbrush 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 that must be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal air flow through the combustion system and to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Using a creosote removal product like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean.
It is also necessary to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is best to empty the ash into a metal container for ash instead of throwing it into a garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash and other items that could ignite and explode when you put the hot ashes in the containers.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the weather conditions depending on the weather, you may have to control smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a problem you should look into having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This can be a difficult task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best to leave it to experts to avoid health issues that may arise from inhaling a lot smoke from wood.