How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner<br /><br /><br /><br />Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with a short smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home.<br /><br />When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers they offer an eco-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce substantial amounts of smoke.<br /><br />Energy Efficiency<br /><br />Wood heat has been a popular option for heating homes for a long time. With fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is an affordable choice for a lot of people. Wood boilers are not all built with the same effectiveness. In general models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces.<br /><br />The energy efficiency of an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of firewood. It is crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least 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.<br /><br />Another aspect is the boiler's efficiency in combustion (or percentage) of heat energy converted into useful heat by the stove. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however it is crucial to determine the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much of the available heat from the wood reaches the home.<br /><br />It is also important to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue vent should be cleaned at least once a week during the heating season to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and to prevent obstruction.<br /><br />Contrary to stoves that are indoor that are located within your home, an OWB is installed between 100 and 200 feet from your home. The heated water in the OWB is then run through pipes that are insulated to get to your home. The hot water is then distributed via a network of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.<br /><br />Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is an extremely efficient method of heating your home and can save you money on your energy bills. To get the most from your unit, choose one that is efficient and maintain it in a proper manner. And don't forget that only dry wood that is seasoned and clean is recommended to be burned in an OWB to prevent it from harming the environment and your home.<br /><br />Environmentally Friendly<br /><br />Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane and oil. It is a source of renewable energy, meaning that new trees will sprout to replace those that were used to heat. When wood is burned, it emits carbon dioxide, however, it is absorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood does not generate any other environmental pollutants.<br /><br />Wood furnaces can be used for heating homes, garages sheds, and other structures. They are extremely economical as they do away with the need to pay high utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs or pool which are perfect to relax in winter months. A majority of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them a green option for home heating.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which extracts thermal energy from the ground or air which allows it to heat buildings and lessen the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves and they're more efficient. However they require a continuous supply of raw materials to perform their job.<br /><br />Wood-burning heaters remain popular for some due to their low price and environmental stewardship. Many of the best models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is superior to other heating alternatives. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and eco green models.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />A wood burning stove when not maintained and installed properly, could pose a serious fire risk. Smoke from a fire can contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that can cause health problems, including asthma and diminished lung function. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Because of this, it is crucial to employ an expert to install your wood burner.<br /><br />It is recommended to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe and wood-burning appliance regularly. They can make sure that your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating in a safe manner. This can help prevent fires from happening in your home or any other structures on your property.<br /><br />When burning wood in an OWB, it is important to select dry well-seasoned logs. To reduce the risk of fire, you should ensure that the area around the logs clear of any debris or combustible material, like paper or plastic. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the air.<br /><br />Although wood smoke is able to harm everyone but it is especially harmful for children, teenagers, older adults and people who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart conditions. It is also recommended that all new pregnant mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke as it may adversely affect their babies.<br /><br />Utilizing an OWB could also cause trouble to your neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and wind smoke from a fireplace can fly through windows. It can also irritate the nose and eyes. It is a good idea to shut all windows and doors near the stove, and to keep pets away from the fire.<br /><br />Installing smoke and carbon dioxide alarms in each bedroom of your house is also a great idea. Make sure to test them regularly. It is also recommended to create a family evacuation plan and practice it at the minimum every month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for help with blaze and smoke restoration services. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to pre-fire condition.<br /><br />Maintenance<br /><br />Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are great for heating your home using an energy source that is renewable and creating a warm and cozy environment. Like all appliances that you use frequently it needs some attention to ensure that it runs smoothly.<br /><br />Being on top of the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most use out of it. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, inside, and pipe is a must. Be sure to turn off the power and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, collect all the items you require. This includes newspapers to cover the floor of your home along with safety gloves and a toothbrush.<br /><br />Every time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it produces creosote that must be cleaned regularly to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system as well as to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the steel's inner layers in the water jacket. Using a creosote removal tool like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire will help reduce the amount of time and effort needed to clean the process.<br /><br />You should also clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is more efficient to empty the ash in an aluminum container rather than the standard trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other substances. <a href="https://k12.instructure.com/eportfolios/921016/home/a-garden-wood-burner-success-story-youll-never-believe">wood burning stoves</a> could spark or explode if the ashes are hot when placed into the can.<br /><br />Based on the type and amount of heat being drawn from your wood burner, as well as the atmospheric conditions, you may need to control smoke on a regular schedule. If you are concerned about smoke you should look into having the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned regularly as well. This can be a difficult task for a do-it yourselfer. It is best to leave it to experts to avoid health issues that could result from inhaling a lot smoke from the wood stove.<br /><br />