How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner Outdoor wood burners are commonly called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with an elongated smokestack. They heat water, or a combination of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your 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 a significant amount of smoke. Energy Efficiency Since the beginning of time, wood has been used to heat homes. With the fluctuating cost of fossil fuels wood heat is an attractive alternative for many. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs). There are several factors that impact the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of these is the quality of the wood used. It is essential to select only firewood that has been dried and seasoned. dried for at least six month; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollutants. Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency (or percentage) of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to advertise the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, but it's important to also look at the delivered efficiency. This is a measure of how much heat produced by the wood gets to your home. It is also important to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season in order to reduce the amount smoke generated by the stove and avoid clogging. Unlike indoor stoves that are installed in your office or home, an OWB can be installed anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units to provide warmth throughout your home. Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a highly efficient way to heat your home, and it can help you save money on your energy bills. Be sure to select a high-efficiency model and follow the correct maintenance procedures to make the most of it. And don't forget that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean should be burned in an OWB to prevent it from creating pollution and causing damage to your home. Environmentally Friendly Wood is a more environmentally sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees will develop and replace the ones burned for warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide, however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels. A wood furnace can be used to heat homes, garages, sheds and other buildings. These units are also very economical as they remove the need for costly utility bills. They can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub as well as provide a tranquil space to relax during the winter months. A lot of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them 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 viable alternative to wood furnaces. They extract thermal energy from the ground or air, which allows them to heat buildings and reduce their need for oil, propane or natural gas. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as environmentally friendly, but they require a steady supply of raw materials in order to function effectively. However, wood-burning heaters are still popular with a few people due to its low cost and green credentials. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is far better than most other heating options. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and environmentally friendly models. Safety If not properly maintained and installed, a wood burning stove can pose a major danger to fire. Smoke from a fire could contain toxins, carbon monoxide and fine particles that could cause health problems, including asthma and reduced lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. For these reasons, it is crucial to employ an expert to install your wood burner. A professional should also inspect your chimney or stovepipe for wood burning on a regular schedule. They will ensure that your OWB is working safely and is in compliance with local safety regulations, which can keep fires from forming in your home or any other buildings on your property. When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to select dry, seasoned logs. To decrease the chance of fire, ensure that the area around the logs free of debris or combustible materials, such as plastic or paper. Never burn garbage, trash or treated lumber, as these can release a number of harmful pollutants into the air. Wood smoke is harmful to everyone, but it is particularly harmful to children, teenagers and older adults as well as those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also advised that pregnant women and new mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it could negatively affect the unborn baby. Using an OWB may also cause annoyance to your neighbors. Depending on the weather and the wind, smoke from a fireplace can be blown through windows that are not closed. It can also irritate the eyes and noses. Close any doors or windows that are near the stove and keep pets away from the stove. Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your house is also a great idea. Test them regularly. It is also recommended to make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can help restore your smoke-damaged home or business back to its pre-fire state. Maintenance Wood burning furnaces (also called outdoor wood heaters or OWBs) are great for heating up and creating a cozy, warm ambience in your home. Like any appliance you use regularly it needs some attention to ensure that it runs smoothly. You'll get the most out of your outdoor wood stove when you maintain it regularly. The basic cleaning needs of your wood stove include cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe regularly. Make sure you turn off the electricity and the fire before you begin cleaning. You should also gather your supplies prior to beginning cleaning. small wood burning stoves include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a toothbrush and an incredibly small shovel as well as a ash-filled metal container instead of a bucket. When you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue must be cleaned frequently to ensure an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps stop the accumulation of a substance that could damage the inner layer of the steel water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort to clean. You'll need to clean the ash tank of your wood burner each week. It is recommended to empty the ash into a steel container for ash instead of throwing it into a garbage container that is filled with trash, plastics and other items that could ignite and explode when you place the hot ashes inside them. Smoke from your wood burner could need to be controlled on a regular basis according to the kind of wood used, the amount of heat is being drawn in and atmospheric conditions. If you are concerned about smoke you should consider getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This is a job that can be a challenge for DIYers and is likely to be a task which is best done by professionals to avoid any health issues caused by inhaling lots of wood smoke.
small wood burning stoves
