20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Outdoor Wood Burner
How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with the appearance of a small smokestack. They are heated by water, or a mixture of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your home.
When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they can be an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they still produce substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for a long time. With the fluctuating costs of fossil fuels wood heat is an attractive option for many. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. As a rule models that employ wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One of them is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months; ideally, for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the atmosphere than green, wet wood. It also burns cleaner and releases less pollutants.
www.fireplacesandstove.com is a further factor. This is the percentage of heat that is converted by the stove to useful heat. It is standard for manufacturers to promote the efficiency of their OWBs, but it's crucial to consider the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home.
Finally, it is important to ensure that you are operating the OWB to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue vent should be cleaned every week during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and prevent clogging.
Contrary to stoves that are indoor that are installed directly in your home, an OWB is installed between 100 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed throughout your home by a system that uses heat exchangers.
Despite the negatives discussed above, an OWB can be an extremely efficient method of heating your house and save you money on your energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is energy efficient and maintain it in a proper manner. 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 a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable source which means that new trees will be planted to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. When wood is burned it releases carbon dioxide however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. Unlike fossil fuels, the burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollutant.
A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, homes and other structures. These units are also very economical, since they eliminate the need for costly energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools, which are great for relaxing 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 a great alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the air or the ground, which allows them to heat buildings and decrease the need for oil, propane, or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as green, but they require a continuous supply of raw materials to work effectively.
However, wood-burning heaters are still a favorite among some because of its low price and green credentials. The most efficient models have an efficiency rating of 85%, which is better than other heating alternatives. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and environmentally green models.
Safety
If not properly maintained and installed the wood burning stove could pose a serious fire hazard. The smoke from fires can contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. This is why it is essential to engage an expert to install your wood burner.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and is in compliance with local safety regulations, which can help keep fires from forming in your home or other structures on your property.
When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to use only dry well-seasoned logs. You should also ensure that the area around the logs free of debris and combustible materials such as plastic or paper, in order to reduce the danger of fire. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke is dangerous to all, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults and those with heart or respiratory conditions. It is also advised that pregnant women and new mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it can negatively impact their unborn child.
Using an OWB could also cause trouble to your neighbors. Smoke from a fire may travel through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or wind. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. Close any doors or windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.
Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your home is an excellent idea. Test them regularly. Also, you should have a family escape plan in place and practice it at least once per year. For assistance with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can help restore your smoke-damaged property or business to its pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are ideal for heating up and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere within your home. However, like any appliance you regularly use they require some care to ensure that they are running smoothly.
Maintaining your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum use from it. Regularly cleaning the exterior flue, inside, and pipe is essential. Make sure to shut off the electricity and fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home, safety gloves, and a brush.
When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure the proper air flow within the combustion system. It also helps to prevent the accumulation of a substance that could corrode the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort required to clean.
It is also necessary to clean out the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is more efficient to empty the ash into a metal container than in a regular trash can, which is usually filled with plastics, trash and other substances. They may explode or ignite when the hot ashes are placed in the can.
Smoke from your wood burner may need to be controlled on a regular basis, dependent on the kind of wood used, how much heat is being drawn out and the conditions of the air. If smoke is an issue it is recommended to make sure that the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned frequently. This is a task that can be difficult for DIYers and is probably a job that should be left to the professionals to avoid any health problems caused by inhaling lots of wood smoke.