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 an elongated smokestack. They heat water, or a combination of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout the house.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce an enormous amount of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a cost-effective alternative for many. However there are a few differences between wood boilers. Not all wood boilers are created equal in terms of efficiency. In general models that use wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.
There are many factors that impact the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of these is the quality of the firewood that is used. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and thoroughly seasoned for at least six months, and best for a year. Dry firewood is more efficient in releasing its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.
The boiler's rate of combustion is a different factor. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove into useful heat. It is standard for manufacturers to promote the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, but it's important to also look at the efficiency of the product. wood burning stoves near me is a measure of how much heat produced by the wood reaches your home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB properly to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue must be cleaned every week during the heating season to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and prevent clogging.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly within your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your house through a system that utilizes heat exchangers.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is an efficient method of heating your home and save money on energy costs. Just make sure that you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most benefit of it. Be sure to burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more eco friendly option to burning fossil fuels such as propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees will grow and replace the ones that were that were burned to provide warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burned, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood does not generate any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be utilized for heating homes, garages sheds and other structures. These units are also very economical as they remove the need for costly energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pools which are perfect to relax in wintertime. A majority 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.
Electric heat pumps are a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or the ground, which allows them to heat buildings and decrease their use of propane, oil, or natural gas. 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 work properly.
However, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people due to its low cost and green credentials. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is more than many other heating options. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to know about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models.
Safety
A wood burning stove when not maintained and installed properly, can pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from a fire can contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that could cause health issues, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets furniture, clothing and furniture. For these reasons, it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner.
It is also a good idea to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney or wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. They can make sure that your OWB is operating in a safe manner and that it meets local safety standards, which can keep fires from forming within your home or other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to only use dry, seasoned logs. You should also ensure that the area around logs clear of combustible and debris like paper or plastic, to reduce the risk of fire. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber as they can release a range of harmful pollutants into the air.
Wood smoke is dangerous to everyone, but it is particularly dangerous to teenagers, children and older adults and those with heart or respiratory conditions. It is also recommended that all new pregnant mothers stay clear of exposure to smoke from wood because it could negatively affect their unborn babies.
Using an OWB may also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Based on the weather and the wind smoke from a fire could blow through open windows. It can also irritate eyes and noses. Close all doors and windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It is also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom of your house and test them frequently. It is also recommended to have a family escape plan in place and do it at least once per 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 state.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating your home and creating a cozy, warm ambience in your home. Like any appliance is used regularly they require some care to ensure they run smoothly.
You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it on a regular basis. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe regularly. Be sure to turn off the electricity and fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home, safety gloves, and a brush.
Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps prevent the accumulation of a substance that could cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean the process.
You'll need to clean the ash tank of your wood burner every week. It is best to empty the ash into a metal ash container instead of dumping it in a regular garbage bin that is stuffed with plastics, trash, and other items that could ignite and explode when you place the ashes that are hot in them.
Smoke from your wood stove may require to be controlled on a regular basis according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If you notice smoke, you may want to ensure that the flue pipe on your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This is a job that isn't easy for DIYers and is probably a job that is better done by professionals to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling a lot of smoke from wood.