How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They look like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They are heated by water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout your house.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they can provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still emit a lot of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular choice for heating homes for a long time. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a reasonable alternative for many. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are to be equally efficient. As a general rule, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One factor is the quality and quantity of firewood. 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 in releasing its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.
Another factor is the boiler's efficiency in combustion, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiency, but it is important to look for the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much heat from the wood reaches your home.
It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.
In contrast to indoor stoves that are installed directly in your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is circulated through a system of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is an effective way to heat your home and save money on energy costs. To maximize the efficiency of your OWB, select one that is energy efficient and maintain it in a proper manner. Don't forget to only burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco friendly option to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace the ones which were burned to provide warmth. When wood is burned, it emits carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood does not generate any other environmental pollutants.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. These units are also very cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive utility bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs or pools, providing a relaxing space to relax in winter. A lot of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved and are therefore a green alternative 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 a great alternative to wood furnaces. They draw thermal energy from the air or the ground which allows them to heat buildings and reduce their use of oil, propane or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as environmentally friendly, but they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to perform efficiently.
However, wood-burning heating is still a favorite among some due to its low cost and green credentials. The top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much higher than the majority of other heating alternatives. Those who are concerned about the environment should talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burners to learn about the most effective models available that are efficient and eco-friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, can create a significant fire risk. The smoke from fires can contain toxins, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which can cause asthma and respiratory problems. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. For these reasons, it is crucial to employ an expert to install your wood burner.
It is also a good idea to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe or wood-burning appliance on a regular basis. They will ensure that your OWB is working safely and that it meets local safety regulations, which can prevent fires from occurring in your home or any other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to use only dry well-seasoned logs. It is also important to keep the area around the logs clear of combustible and debris, such as paper or plastic, to avoid the risk of fire. Do not burn treated lumber, garbage or trash as they can release harmful pollutants into the air.
While wood smoke is able to harm everyone but it is especially harmful for teenagers, children older adults, and those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it could negatively affect their unborn baby.
Utilizing an OWB can be a nuisance for neighbors. Based on the weather and wind smoke from a fire can blow through open windows. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. Close contemporary wood burning stoves or doors that are near the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house, and to test them regularly. You should also develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. For help with smoke and fire restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore your damaged home or business to its pre-fire condition.
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 and cozy atmosphere. Like all appliances you use regularly it needs some attention to ensure that it runs smoothly.
Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most enjoyment from it. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove is cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, make sure that the fire has been completely extinguished and that all electricity to the wood stove is off. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the materials you need. This includes newspapers to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves and a brush.
Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to maintain the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps to prevent the build-up of a substance which can corrode the inner layers of the steel in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean the process.
You will also need to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is best to empty the ash into a metal Ash container rather than dumping it into a garbage can that is filled with trash, plastics and other items that could ignite and explode if you place the hot ashes inside them.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the weather conditions, you may need to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is an issue you might want to make sure that the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned regularly. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best left to professionals to avoid health problems that could result from inhaling a lot smoke from the wood stove.