How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, also called wood boilers, appear like small sheds with an elongated smoke stack. They heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated through your home.

When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce a significant amount of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Wood heat is a common choice for heating homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is a cost-effective choice for a lot of people. Not all wood boilers have the same effectiveness. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard models outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is important to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six months at the very least for a full year. Dry firewood ejects more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution.

Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. Many manufacturers advertise their OWBs' combustion efficiency however, it is vital to determine the delivered efficiency as well. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.

It is also essential to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent regularly. The flue vent should be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season in order to minimize the amount of smoke generated by the stove and prevent obstruction.

In contrast to woodburning stoves for indoor use that 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 pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your house through a system that utilizes 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 unit and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most out of it. Make sure to only burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the firewood from damaging your home and polluting the air.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource, meaning that new trees will grow to replace those that were burned for warmth. When wood is burnt, it releases carbon dioxide, however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. Wood burning produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.

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. They can also be used to heat hot tubs and pools and provide a place to unwind in winter. A majority 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 an alternative to fireplaces wood burning stoves furnaces. They draw 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 constant supply of raw materials to function efficiently.

Wood-burning heaters are still popular with some people due to their low cost and eco-friendly. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is higher than many other heating alternatives. People who are concerned about the impact on the environment must speak with a specialist in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most effective models available, which are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Safety

If it is not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove can be a significant fire hazard. Smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause asthma and respiratory issues. In addition, smoke can be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Because of this, it is essential to engage a professional to install your double sided wood burner 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. These professionals can ensure your OWB is in compliance with the local safety standards and is operating in a safe way. This can help prevent fires from your home, or in other buildings on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to only use dry, seasoned logs. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible material, 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.

While wood smoke has the potential to harm everyone, it is especially dangerous for teenagers, children older adults, and those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and new mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could adversely affect their unborn child.

Using an OWB could also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can travel through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or the wind. It can also cause irritation to the nose and eyes. Close all doors and windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from the stove.

It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in each bedroom of your home, and to test them regularly. It is also recommended to have an escape plan for your family in place and test it at least once a year. For assistance with smoke and fire restoration services, outdoor wood burner contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.

Maintenance

Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are ideal for heating your home using renewable energy sources and creating a warm cozy environment. Like all appliances you use regularly, it requires some maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly.

Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most enjoyment from it. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Be sure to turn off the electricity and the fire before you begin cleaning. It is also important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies prior to beginning cleaning. These should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home), safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel, as along with a metal ash container instead of a bucket.

Each time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it releases creosote residue, which must be cleaned regularly 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 cut down the time and effort required to clean.

You will also need to clean out the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. It is more efficient to empty the ash into an aluminum container rather than a regular trash can, which is typically filled with trash, plastics and other items. These could spark or explode if the hot ashes are placed into the can.

Smoke from your wood burner could require a controlled airflow regularly, according to the type of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn in and atmospheric conditions. If you are concerned about smoke you should look into having 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 wood burning backpacking stove left to professionals to avoid health problems caused by breathing in a lot of smoke from the wood stove.