How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner

Outdoor wood burners, sometimes called wood boilers, appear like small sheds that have the appearance of a small smoke stack. They are heated by water, or a mix of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout the house.

When combined with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still generate substantial amounts of smoke.

Energy Efficiency

Wood heat has been a popular choice to heat homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is an affordable option for many people. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same effectiveness. As a rule models that employ wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).

There are many elements that affect the energy efficiency of an OWB. One is the quality of the firewood used. It is important to select only firewood that has been dried and kept seasoned for at minimum six months, and ideally for a full year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet green wood. It also burns cleaner and produces less pollutants.

The boiler's combustion rate is another aspect. This is the proportion of heat converted by the stove into usable heat. It is common for manufacturers to promote the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, but it's crucial to also look at the delivered efficiency. This is a measure of how much of the available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.

It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to avoid obstruction and to reduce the amount of smoke released by the burner.

In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 to 200 feet from your home. The heated water in the OWB is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then distributed through a system of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is an extremely efficient method of heating your home, and it can reduce your energy bills. Make sure you choose a high-efficiency unit and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to get the most out of it. And don't forget that only dry, seasoned firewood is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from harming the environment and your home.

Environmentally Friendly

Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees will grow and replace those burning for warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide, but it is then absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels.

Wood furnaces can be utilized for heating garages, homes sheds, and other structures. They are also economical as they remove the need for costly energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool that are ideal for relaxing in the wintertime. Many 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.

A substitute for a wood burning stoves furnace is an electric heat pump, that extracts heat from the ground or air which allows it to heat buildings and decrease the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves and are also more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to function.

Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand with some people due to their low price and eco-friendly. Many of the best wood burning backpacking stove models have an 85% efficiency rating, which is far higher than the majority of other heating options. Those who are concerned about the environment should talk to a specialist in outdoor wood burning to learn about the best wood burning stove in the world models, which are both efficient and eco-friendly.

Safety

If not properly installed and maintained, a wood stove for shed-burning stove can pose a major fire hazard. Smoke from fires could contain toxins, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets as well as furniture and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage a professional to install your wood burner.

It is also a good idea to have a professional perform an inspection of your chimney, wood-burning appliance and stovepipe regularly. They will ensure that your OWB is operating safely and that it is compliant with the local safety regulations. This will help to stop fires from happening within your home or other buildings on your property.

When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to select dry, seasoned logs. Also, keep the area around the logs clear of combustible and debris such as plastic or paper, in order to reduce fire hazards. Do not burn trash, garbage or treated lumber as they can release a number of harmful pollutants into the air.

Wood smoke poses danger to anyone, but it's particularly harmful to children, teenagers and older adults and those who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that all new pregnant mothers avoid exposure to wood burners garden smoke because it could adversely affect their babies.

Utilizing an OWB could also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fire can blow through windows that are not closed according to the weather or wind. It can also irritate the eyes and noses. Close any doors or windows that are close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.

Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. You should also develop a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum once per month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can restore your smoke-damaged home or business back 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 renewable energy sources and creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, like any appliance you use regularly they require some care to ensure they run smoothly.

You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove if maintain it regularly. Regularly cleaning the exterior flue, interior, and pipe is essential. Before you begin any cleaning, make sure that the fire has been completely gone and all electrical power to the wood stove is turned off. It is also important to prepare your tools before you start cleaning. These include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a brush, and an incredibly small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.

Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps keep from the accumulation of a substance which can corrode the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Using a creosote removal tool like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can help reduce the amount of time and effort needed to clean the process.

You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is better 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 if you place the ashes that are hot in them.

Smoke from your wood stove may need to be controlled regularly, depending on the type of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If you are concerned about smoke it is recommended to look into having the flue pipe of your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This is a task that can be difficult for the do-it-yourselfer and is likely to be a task which is best wood burner left to the professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling a lot of smoke from your wood stove.