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 provide heat to water, or a mixture of antifreeze and water, which is then circulated throughout your house.
When EPA-approved outdoor wood boilers are used with dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still generate plenty of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels, wood heat is an attractive alternative for many. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard models outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by several factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six month; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the atmosphere than green, wet wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution.
The rate of combustion in the boiler is another factor. This is the amount of heat that is converted by the stove into useful heat. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' combustion efficiency however it is crucial to determine the delivered efficiency as well. This is a measure of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.
Finally, it is important to properly operate the OWB to maximize its efficiency. This means cleaning it and maintaining the vent for the flue regularly. The flue should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season in order to reduce the amount of smoke produced by the stove and avoid obstruction.
In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed directly within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet away from your home. The hot water that is heated in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is distributed via a network of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home and save you money on your energy bills. To get the most value from your OWB, select one that is energy efficient and maintain it properly. Be sure to burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will prevent the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees can grow and replace those burned for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants, which then convert it back into oxygen to allow us to breathe. In contrast to fossil fuels, burning of wood does not create any other environmental pollutants.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. These units are very cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay expensive utility bills. They can be used to heat hot tubs and pools as well as provide a tranquil place to relax in winter. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, making them 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.
Electric heat pumps are a viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract heat from the air or ground which allows them to heat buildings and reduce the need for propane, oil, or natural gas. These heat pumps are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves, and are also more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials in order to function.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand for some because of their low price and eco-friendly. A majority of the most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85% which is more than many other heating alternatives. Those who are concerned about the impact on the environment must consult a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out about the best models that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove could pose a serious risk of fire. The smoke from fires can contain toxins, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which could cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also contaminate carpets, furniture and clothing. For these reasons, it is crucial to employ a professional to install your wood burner.
A professional should also check your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood regularly. These professionals can ensure your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help prevent fires from your home or other buildings on your property.
It is essential to make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. Also, ensure that the area around the logs free of debris and combustible materials, such as plastic or paper, in order to minimize the danger of fire. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as they could release a variety of harmful pollutants into the air.
Although wood smoke is able to harm everyone, it is especially dangerous for children, teenagers, older adults and people with respiratory diseases or heart issues. It is also recommended that all new pregnant mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke because it could negatively affect their babies.
Using an OWB can also be a nuisance to your neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can travel through windows that are open according to the weather or wind. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. It is a good idea to shut any windows or doors near the stove and to keep pets from the fire.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in every bedroom of your home is a great idea. Make sure to test them regularly. It is also recommended to have a family escape plan in place and practice it at least once a year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can help restore your smoke-damaged property or business to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are ideal to heat your home using a renewable energy source and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. Like all appliances that you regularly use, it requires some maintenance to ensure it is running smoothly.
You will benefit the most from your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it regularly. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire is completely out of the way and that all electrical power to the wood stove is off. You will also want to prepare your tools prior to beginning cleaning. These should include newspaper (to cover the floor of your home) safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel, as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Each time you use 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 also to stop the accumulation of a substance which corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort required to clean.
It is also necessary to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a regular basis. wood burners near me is recommended to empty the ash into a metal container for ash instead of throwing it into a garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash and other materials that could ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes in them.
Smoke from your wood burner could require to be controlled on a regular basis, according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn and the conditions of the air. If smoke is a problem you might want to make sure that the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned regularly. This is a challenging task for anyone who wants to do it themselves. It is best left to experts to avoid health issues that may arise from smoking a lot of smoke from wood.