How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They are heated by water, or a combination of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout the house.
When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they can be an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. They still emit lots of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood was used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a reasonable option for many people. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same effectiveness. As a rule, models that utilize wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.
There are several elements that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of them is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is important to choose only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollutants.
Another element is the boiler's efficiency in combustion, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into useful heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to tout the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, however it is important to consider the efficiency of the product. This is a measure of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.
It is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue must be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid clogging and reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves 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 then piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite wood burning stove near me mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home, and it can save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your unit, choose one that is high-efficiency and properly maintained. Remember that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean should be burned in an OWB to prevent it from harming the environment and your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable source which means that new trees will sprout to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when burned but it is absorbed by other plants and trees, which then convert the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood doesn't produce any other environmental pollutant.
Wood furnaces can be utilized for heating homes, garages sheds, and other structures. They are also economical as they remove the need for expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pools which are perfect for relaxing in the wintertime. These heaters are EPAand CSA-approved and are a green 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.
A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which draws heat from the ground or air and allows it to heat buildings and decrease the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are regarded as eco-friendly, however they require a constant supply of raw materials to work properly.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand among some people because of their low price and environmental stewardship. Many of the best models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is superior to other heating options. Anyone who is concerned about the environment should talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best models available, which are both efficient and eco-friendly.
Safety
A wood-burning stove, in the event of not being installed and maintained properly, could be a fire hazard. The smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide, which can cause asthma and respiratory problems. In addition, smoke can contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage a professional to install your wood burner.
It is recommended to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and that it is compliant with the local safety regulations. This can help prevent fires from occurring in your home or other structures on your property.
It is essential to use dry, seasoned wood for burning wood in an OWB. You should also ensure that the area around logs free of any debris and combustible substances like plastic or paper, to avoid fire hazards. Don't burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.
While wood smoke has the potential to harm everyone but it is especially harmful for teenagers, children older adults, and those who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart problems. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it can negatively impact their unborn child.
Using an OWB could also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Depending on the weather and the wind, smoke from a fire can fly through windows. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and keep pets away from the stove.
Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your home is an excellent idea. Make sure to test them regularly. You should also have an escape plan for your family in place and do it at least once a year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating and creating a warm, cozy space in your home. Like any appliance you use regularly they need some attention to ensure they run smoothly.
You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it regularly. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove are cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Make sure to shut off the electricity and the fire before you begin cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor of your home along with safety gloves and a toothbrush.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to maintain an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps to stop the build-up of a substance which can cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort to clean.
You'll need to clean the ash container of your wood burner each week. It is more efficient to dispose of the ash in a metal container than in the regular trash can which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other items. They may explode or ignite when the ashes are hot when placed into the can.
Based on the type and amount of heat generated by your wood burner, and the atmospheric conditions, you may need to control smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a concern, 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 challenging task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health problems that could result from breathing in a lot of smoke from the wood stove.