How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners , also called wood boilers, appear like small sheds with an elongated smoke stack. They provide heat to water, or a combination of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your home.
When outdoor wood boilers approved by the EPA are utilized with dry wood, they are an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still produce lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat was used to warm homes. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a cost-effective alternative for many. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are to be equally efficient. As a rule 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 of these is the quality of the firewood that is used. It is essential to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six month and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and releases less pollutants.
Another aspect is the boiler's combustion efficiency which is the percentage of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. It is typical for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their OWBs, however it is important to consider the delivered efficiency. The latter is a measurement of how much heat from the wood reaches your home.
It is also crucial to properly operate the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This means cleaning it and ensuring that the vent is maintained on a regular basis. The flue must be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed in your home or office, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home, and it can reduce your energy bills. Make sure you select a high-efficiency model and follow the correct maintenance procedures to make the most of it. Make sure to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally friendly option to burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, propane, and oil. It is a renewable source, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace the ones that were used to heat. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it is burned however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants that convert it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood doesn't produce any other environmental pollutant.
Wood furnaces can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds, and other structures. These units are also very cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive energy bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs and pools as well as provide a tranquil place to unwind in the winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified and are an environmentally friendly 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.
Electric heat pumps are an alternative to wood furnaces. They draw thermal energy from the air or the ground which allows them to heat buildings and decrease the need for propane, oil, or natural gas. 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 to perform their job.
However, wood-burning heating is still popular with some people because of its low price and environmental friendliness. A majority of the top models have 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 could cause health issues, such as asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. For these reasons, it is essential to engage a professional to install your wood burner.
A professional should also check your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning regularly. They can make sure that your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating safely. This will help to prevent fires from happening in your home or any other buildings on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to only use dry well-seasoned logs. It is also important to ensure that the area around logs clear of combustible and debris such as plastic or paper, to avoid fire hazards. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish as they can release harmful pollutants into the air.
While wood smoke has the potential to harm anyone but it is especially harmful for teenagers, children older adults, and those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that new pregnant mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood because it could adversely affect their babies.
Utilizing an OWB can also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can blow through windows that are open in response to weather conditions or winds. It can also irritate eyes and noses. It is recommended to close any windows or doors near the stove, and to keep pets away from the flame.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your house is also an excellent idea. Check them frequently. Also, you should develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the very least once a month. For assistance with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere in your home. However, like any appliance you use regularly, they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
You'll benefit from your outdoor wood stove if maintain it on a regular basis. Regularly cleaning your wood stove's exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Before you begin any cleaning, make sure that the fire is completely extinguished and that all electricity connected to the wood stove is off. You should also make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin cleaning. This should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house), safety gloves, a brush, and an incredibly small shovel as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue must be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps to keep from the accumulation of a chemical that can damage the inner layer of the steel within the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort required to clean.
You will also need to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is best to empty the ash into an iron container for ash instead of throwing it in a regular garbage bin that is stuffed with plastics, trash, and other materials that could ignite and explode when you put the hot ashes inside the containers.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat generated by your wood burner, as well as the atmospheric conditions, you may need to manage smoke on a regular schedule. If smoke is a problem you might want to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This isn't an easy task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best to leave it to experts to avoid health issues that could result from smoking a lot of wood smoke.