5 Laws To Help The Outdoor Wood Burner Industry
How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner
Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with an elongated smokestack. They heat water, or a mix of antifreeze and water which is then circulated throughout your home.
When used with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they can be an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce substantial amounts of smoke.
Energy Efficiency
Since centuries, wood heat has been used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is an affordable option for many people. However not all wood boilers are to be equally efficient. As a general rule models that employ contemporary wood burning stoves gasification technology are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces (OWBs).
There are several elements that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of these is the quality of the firewood that is used. 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 atmosphere than wet, green firewood. It also burns better and emits less pollution.
Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency (or percentage) of heat energy converted into usable heat by the stove. Many manufacturers boast about their OWBs' efficiency in combustion however, it is vital to check the efficiency of the product delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat from the wood reaches the home.
It is also essential to operate the OWB in a way that maximizes its efficiency. This means keeping it clean and ensuring that the vent is maintained regularly. The flue should be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to avoid obstruction and to reduce the amount of smoke produced by the burner.
In contrast to indoor stoves that are installed directly in your home, an OWB is set up between 100 and Outdoor wood Stove 200 feet from your home. The heated water is then piped through insulated pipes into your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your house through a system that uses heat exchangers.
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient method of heating your home, and it can save you money on your energy bills. Make sure you select a high-efficiency model and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to make the most of it. Make sure to only burn dry well-seasoned wood in an OWB. This will stop the firewood from destroying your home and polluting the air.
Environmentally Friendly
Wood is a more environmentally friendly option to burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline and oil. It is a renewable resource, which means that new trees are able to develop and replace the ones burning for warmth. Wood emits carbon dioxide when it is burned however, it is absorbed by other trees and plants, which then convert it back into oxygen for us to breathe. The combustion of wood creates no other environmental pollutants unlike fossil fuels.
Wood furnaces can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other structures. They are economical as they do away with the need to pay high utility bills. These heaters can be used to heat hot tubs and pools, which are great for relaxing in winter. A lot of these heaters are EPA and CSA approved which makes them a green choice 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 air or ground, allowing it to warm buildings and lessen the requirement for propane, natural gas or oil. These heat pumps are more efficient than traditional wood stoves, and are regarded as eco-friendly, however they require a continuous supply of raw materials to work effectively.
Wood-burning heaters remain popular for some due to their low cost and environmental stewardship. A majority of the top models come with an 85% efficiency rating, which is far higher than the majority of other heating options. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to find out about the most efficient and eco sustainable models.
Safety
A wood-burning stove, when not maintained and installed properly, can be a fire hazard. Smoke from fires can contain toxic substances, fine particles and carbon monoxide, which can cause asthma and respiratory issues. Smoke can also be harmful to carpets, furniture and clothing. It is therefore essential to hire professionals to install your wood stove.
It is also a good idea to have a professional do an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe and wood-burning appliance regularly. These professionals can ensure that your OWB is working safely and is in compliance with the local safety regulations. This can prevent fires from occurring in your home or other structures on your property.
It is essential to make use of dry, seasoned logs when burning wood in an OWB. To minimize the risk of fire, keep the area surrounding the logs clear of any debris or combustible materials such as plastic or paper. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or trash because they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Although wood smoke is able to harm anyone however, it is particularly dangerous for children, teenagers older adults, and those suffering from respiratory or heart problems. It is also recommended that pregnant women and newly-wed mothers avoid exposure to wood smoke since it could negatively affect their unborn child.
Utilizing an OWB could also cause annoyance to neighbors. Smoke from a fireplace can travel through windows that are open depending on the weather or the wind. It can also irritate noses and eyes. It is recommended to close any windows or doors near the stove and to keep pets away from the fire.
Installing carbon dioxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom of your home is a great idea. Check them frequently. Also, you should have a family escape plan in place and test it at least once a year. Contact your local PuroClean branch for assistance with smoke and blaze restoration services. We can help restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to their pre-fire condition.
Maintenance
Wood burning furnaces (also known as outdoor wood heaters, or OWBs) are excellent for heating up and creating a cozy, warm atmosphere in your home. However, like any appliance you use regularly, they require some maintenance to ensure they run smoothly.
Maintaining your outdoor wood stove maintenance will ensure that you get the maximum use out of it. Regularly cleaning your wood stove's exterior, interior, and flue pipe is a must. Before you do any cleaning, be sure that the fire has been completely gone and all electricity to the wood stove is off. It is also important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin cleaning - these should include newspapers (to cover the floor of your house) safety gloves, a toothbrush and a small shovel as along with a metal ash container instead of a bucket.
Every time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote gets produced. This residue should be cleaned regularly to maintain an optimal air flow through the combustion system. It also helps stop the build-up of a substance which can cause corrosion to the inner layers of the steel water jacket. Creosote Removal Products such as Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed for cleaning.
You'll have to clean the ash tank of your wood burner every week. It is more efficient to empty the ash in metal containers rather than the regular trash can which is usually filled with trash, plastics and other substances. These could spark or explode if the ashes are hot when placed into the can.
Based on the type of fuel and amount of heat drawn from your wood burning stoves burner, as well as the atmospheric conditions it is possible to manage smoke on a regular schedule. If you are concerned about smoke 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 left to professionals to avoid health issues caused by inhaling a lot smoke from the wood stove.