Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They look like small sheds that have a short smokestack. They are heated by water, or a combination of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout your home.
When combined 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
Since the beginning of time, wood heat has been used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a reasonable alternative for many. However, not all wood boilers are created with the same efficiency. As a general rule models that utilize wood gasification technology are much more efficient than standard model outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are a variety of factors that impact the energy efficiency of an OWB. One factor is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six month; ideally for an entire year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the atmosphere than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollutants.
The boiler's combustion rate is a further factor. This is the percentage of heat that is converted by the stove into usable heat. Many manufacturers promote their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however, it is vital to check the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.
Finally, it is important to ensure that you are operating the OWB to maximize its efficiency. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue vent should also be cleaned weekly during the heating season in order to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the stove and avoid the clogging.
In contrast to indoor stoves, which sit directly in your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and 200 feet from your house. The heated water is piped through insulated pipes to your home. The hot water is distributed through a system of heat exchange units to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Despite the disadvantages listed above, an OWB can be a highly efficient way to heat your home and save money on energy costs. Just make sure that you select a high-efficiency model and follow the correct maintenance procedures to get the most benefit of it. Make sure to only burn dry and seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable source which means that new trees will sprout to replace the ones that were burned for warmth. When wood is burned it emits carbon dioxide, but it is then absorbed and transformed back into oxygen by other plants. Wood burning produces no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be utilized to heat garages, homes, sheds and other structures. These units are also very economical as they remove the need for expensive energy bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools that are ideal to relax in wintertime. 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, which extracts thermal energy 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 eco-friendly than traditional wood stoves, and are also more efficient. However they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to perform their job.
Wood-burning heaters are still in high demand with some people because of their low price and eco-friendly. The top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is much superior to other heating alternatives. Talk to an expert in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco sustainable models.
Safety
If it is not properly installed and maintained, a wood-burning stove can be a significant danger to fire. Smoke from fires could contain contaminants, fine particles, and carbon monoxide that can cause respiratory problems and asthma. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
A professional should also examine your chimney or stovepipe that burns wood on a regular schedule. These professionals can ensure your OWB is in compliance with local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help avoid fires from your home or any other buildings on your property.
It is crucial to only use dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. To minimize the risk of fire, you should ensure that the area around the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials like paper or plastic. Never burn treated wood, garbage or rubbish because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Wood smoke poses danger to anyone, but it's particularly harmful to teenagers, children and older adults and those who suffer from respiratory 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.
Using an OWB could also be a nuisance for neighbors. Smoke from a fire may travel through windows that are not closed depending on the weather or winds. It can also cause irritation to nose and eyes. Close all doors and windows that are close to the stove, and keep pets away from it.
It's recommended to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every room of your home, and to test them frequently. Also, you should make a family evacuation strategy and practice it at minimum once per month. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can 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 your home and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere inside your home. However, like any appliance you regularly use they need some attention to ensure that they are running smoothly.
Being on top of the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the most enjoyment from it. Cleaning your wood stove's exterior flue, inside, and pipe is a must. Before you start any cleaning, ensure that the fire is gone and all electricity connected to the wood stove is shut off. large wood burning stove will also want to prepare your tools before you start cleaning - these include newspapers (to cover the floor of your home), safety gloves, a brush and a small shovel as well as a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote is produced. This residue should be cleaned frequently to ensure optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps to prevent the build-up of a chemical that can cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Using a creosote removal product like Creosote Buster sticks in your fire can reduce the amount of time and effort required for the cleaning process.
It is also necessary to clear the ash tank on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is best to empty the ash into a metal container for ash instead of throwing it into a garbage bin that is stuffed with plastics, trash and other items that could ignite and explode when you put the hot ashes in the containers.
Smoke from your wood burner could need to be controlled on a regular basis, dependent on the type of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn in and atmospheric conditions. If smoke is a problem it is recommended to consider getting the flue pipe on your wood stove professionally cleaned on a regular basis as well. This isn't an easy task for a DIYer. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health issues that could result from inhaling a lot smoke from the wood stove.
