How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with an elongated smokestack. They heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated through your home.
When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can be an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still generate lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to warm homes. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels, wood heat is an attractive alternative for many. However not all wood boilers are created with the same efficiency. As a rule models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.
The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One of them is the quality of the wood utilized. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months, and ideally for a whole year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the atmosphere than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.
The boiler's combustion rate is a further factor. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' efficiency in combustion, but it is important to look for the delivered efficiency as well. This is a measure of how much of the available heat from the wood is absorbed by the home.
It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and maintaining the flue vent on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to avoid obstruction and to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The hot water that is heated in the OWB is then run through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home through an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient way to heat your home and can help you save money on your energy bills. Be sure to select a high-efficiency model and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. And don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood should be burned in an OWB to prevent it from polluting the environment and damaging your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a greener and more friendly option to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane, 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. Wood emits carbon dioxide when burned however, it is absorbed by other plants and trees that convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not create any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be utilized to heat garages, homes, sheds, and other structures. They are also cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for expensive energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools that are ideal for relaxing in the winter months. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved 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 a great alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the air or the ground and can be used to heat buildings and decrease their need for oil, propane, or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are seen as environmentally friendly, but they require a steady supply of raw materials to work effectively.
However, wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people due to its low cost and green credentials. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is higher than many other heating alternatives. People who are concerned about the environment should consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out the best models that are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
A wood burning stove when not maintained and installed properly, can be a fire hazard. Smoke from fires can contain toxins, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which can cause asthma and respiratory issues. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Because of this, it is crucial to employ a professional to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe or wood-burning appliance regularly. They will ensure that your OWB is operating in a safe manner and that it is compliant with the local safety regulations. This can help prevent fires from occurring in your home or any other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to use only dry, seasoned logs. Also, keep the area around the logs free of any debris and combustible substances, such as plastic or paper, to reduce fire hazards. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is dangerous to everyone, but it is particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults and those who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that newly born and expecting mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke as it may negatively affect their babies.
Using an OWB can also cause trouble to your neighbors. Based on the weather and winds, smoke from a fire can fly through windows. It can also cause irritation to noses and eyes. Close any windows or doors that are close to the stove and keep pets away from the stove.
It is recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your house and test them frequently. You should also develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. garden wood burner can restore your smoke-damaged property or business 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 an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm and cozy environment. Like any appliance is used regularly they need some attention to keep them running smoothly.
You will get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if maintain it on a regular basis. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove include cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Make sure you turn off the electricity and fire before you begin cleaning. You should also prepare your tools before you begin cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a brush, and a small shovel, as along with a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you use wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote that must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain optimum air flow through the combustion system and to prevent the buildup of a substance that can corrode the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort required for cleaning.
It is also necessary to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is more efficient to dispose of the ash in a metal container than in the standard trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other materials. These could ignite or explode when the hot ashes are put in the container.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the weather conditions it is possible to control smoke on a regular schedule. If you are concerned about smoke, you will want to think about having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This is a task that can be a challenge for the do-it-yourselfer and is likely to be a task that should be done by professionals to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling a lot of smoke from wood.