How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They look like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smokestack. They heat water, or a combination of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your home.
When outdoor wood boilers approved by the EPA are used with dry wood, they can be an environmentally friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They still produce plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for centuries. With fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is a cost-effective alternative for many. Not all wood stove burners (click this site) boilers have the same effectiveness. In general, models that utilize wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces.
The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by several factors. One is the quality of the firewood used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the atmosphere than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollutants.
Another factor is the boiler’s combustion efficiency which is the percentage of heat energy converted into useful heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs’ combustion efficiency, but it is important to determine the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measure of how much heat from the wood is delivered to your home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB properly 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 weekly basis during the heating season to avoid blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.
Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly in your office or home, small woodburners (images.google.Cg) an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your home. The heated water in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, an OWB is an extremely efficient method of heating your home and help you save money on your energy bills. Just make sure that you select a high-efficiency model and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most out of it. Don’t forget that only dry, seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to avoid creating pollution and causing damage to your home.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a greener and more sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable source, meaning that new trees will be planted to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when burned, but this is reabsorbed by other plants and trees, which then convert the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of cheap wood burner stoves does not produce any other environmental pollution.
Wood furnaces can be used for heating garages, homes sheds and other structures. They are also economical, since they eliminate the need for expensive utility bills. These heaters can be used wood burning stoves to heat hot tubs or pool that are ideal for relaxing in winter months. These heaters are EPA- and CSA-approved which makes 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.
An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump, which extracts thermal energy from the ground or air, allowing it to warm buildings and decrease the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves and are seen as green, but they require a constant supply of raw materials to function properly.
However, wood-burning heaters are still a favorite among some because of its low cost and green credentials. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85 percent which is higher than other heating options. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and eco green models.
Safety
A wood burning stove, when not maintained and installed properly, can create a significant fire risk. Smoke from a fire could contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that could cause health issues, such as asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also check your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning on a regular schedule. These professionals can ensure your OWB meets the local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. This will help to prevent fires in your home or other structures on your property.
It is essential to use dry, seasoned wood when burning wood in an OWB. To minimize the risk of fire, keep the area surrounding the logs free of debris or combustible materials such as plastic or paper. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber as they can release a number 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 suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also advised that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it can negatively impact their unborn child.
Using an OWB may also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can be blown through windows that are open depending on the weather or wind. It can also cause irritation to noses and eyes. Close any doors or windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from the stove.
It’s recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your house, and to test them regularly. It is also recommended to create a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. If you need help with smoke or restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged houses or businesses to pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating your home and creating a warm, cozy ambience within your home. Like any appliance you use regularly it will require some maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly.
You will benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove if you maintain it on a regular basis. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove are cleaning the exterior, interior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire has been completely gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is off. You will also want to prepare your tools before you begin cleaning – these include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home), safety gloves, a brush, and an incredibly small wood burning stoves shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it produces creosote residue, which must be cleaned regularly to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system as well as to prevent the buildup of a substance that corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Using a creosote remover such as Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort needed for the cleaning process.
You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is recommended to empty the ash into a metal ash container instead of dumping it in a regular garbage bin that is stuffed with trash, plastics and other items that can ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes inside them.
Based on the type and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the atmospheric conditions it is possible to manage smoke on a regular basis. If smoke is a concern you should think about getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a challenging task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best small wood burning stoves left to experts to avoid health issues that could result from inhaling a lot smoke from wood.