13 Things About Outdoor Wood Burner You May Never Have Known
How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner Outdoor wood burners, sometimes called wood boilers, appear like small sheds with the appearance of a small smoke stack. They heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home. When outdoor wood boilers approved by the EPA are utilized with dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. However, they still generate an enormous amount of smoke. Energy Efficiency Since centuries, wood heat was used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a reasonable option for many people. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. As a rule, models that use wood gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs). The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is affected by a variety of factors. One of the factors is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also produces more efficiently and emits less pollution. The rate of combustion in the boiler is another aspect. This is the percentage of heat converted by the stove into useful heat. It is typical for manufacturers to tout the efficiency of their combustion OWBs, but it's important to look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much heat generated by the wood reaches your home. It is also crucial to properly operate the OWB to maximize its efficiency. This means cleaning it and ensuring that the vent is maintained regularly. The flue must also be cleaned weekly during the heating season to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and prevent obstruction. Unlike indoor stoves that are installed directly within your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and 200 feet away from your house. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is then circulated through a system of heat exchange units that provide warmth throughout your home. Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB can be an extremely efficient method of heating your home and save money on energy bills. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, choose one that is efficient and properly maintained. 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. Environmentally Friendly Wood is an environmentally friendly 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 burned for warmth. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it burns however, it is absorbed by other plants and trees and then transform the carbon dioxide back into oxygen for us to breathe. Wood burning produces no other environmental pollutants, unlike fossil fuels. A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes sheds, and other buildings. These units are very cost-effective as they eliminate the need to pay expensive utility bills. They can also be used to heat hot tubs or pools as well as provide a tranquil space to relax in the winter months. These heaters are EPAand CSA-approved, 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. An alternative to a wood furnace is an electric heat pump, that extracts heat from the ground or air and allows it to heat buildings and lessen the need for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves, and are also more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials to perform their job. Nevertheless, wood-burning heating is still popular with a few people due to its low cost and green credentials. Many of the best models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is much superior to other heating alternatives. Speak with an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco green models. Safety If it is not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove could pose a serious fire hazard. Smoke from a fire could contain carbon monoxide, toxins and fine particles that may cause health issues, such as asthma and a reduced lung function. Smoke can also contaminate furniture, carpeting and clothing. This is why it is important to hire a professional to install your wood burner. It is also a good idea to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney, stovepipe or wood-burning appliance on a regular basis. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is operating safely and that it meets local safety standards, which can keep fires from forming within your home or other structures on your property. When burning wood in an OWB it is crucial to use only dry and seasoned logs. To minimize the risk of fire, keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials, like paper or plastic. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or trash as they can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. While wood smoke is able to harm anyone, it is especially dangerous for children, teenagers, older adults and people who suffer from respiratory illnesses or heart conditions. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid smoking cigarettes as it can negatively impact the unborn baby. Using an OWB can also be a source of trouble for neighbors. Depending on the weather conditions and wind, smoke from a fireplace can be blown through windows that are not closed. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. It is recommended to close any windows or doors that are near the stove, and to keep pets away from the fire. It is also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every room of your home and test them frequently. It is also recommended to make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at very least once a month. For help with smoke and restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to their pre-fire state. Maintenance Wood burning furnaces, also known as outdoor wood burners, or OWBs are great to heat your home using renewable energy sources and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. Like any appliance you use regularly it needs some attention to keep it running smoothly. Being on wood stoves near me of your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum use from it. Regularly cleaning the exterior flue, interior, and pipe is a must. Be sure to turn off the electricity and the fire prior to beginning cleaning. Before you begin cleaning, gather all the materials you need. These should include newspaper to cover the floor in your home along with safety gloves, and a brush. Each time you burn wood in your outdoor wood burner, it creates creosote residue that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that the airflow is optimal through the combustion system and to stop the accumulation of a substance that corrodes the inner layers of steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can reduce the time and effort needed to clean. You'll have to clean the ash container of your wood burner every week. It is recommended to empty the ash into a metal Ash container rather than dumping it into a regular garbage container that is filled with trash, plastics and other items that could ignite and explode if you put the hot ashes inside the containers. Depending on the type and amount of heat being generated by your wood burner, as well as the conditions in the air it is possible to control smoke on a regular schedule. If you are concerned about smoke, you will want to look into getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This can be a difficult task for a DIYer. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health issues that may arise from inhaling a lot wood smoke.