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How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner Outdoor wood burners, also called wood boilers, look like small sheds that have an elongated smoke stack. They heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water which is then circulated around your home. When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are made of dry wood, they can be an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. However, they still produce substantial amounts of smoke. Energy Efficiency Wood heat has been a popular choice for heating homes for centuries. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels, it is an affordable alternative for many. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. As a rule models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces. The efficiency of energy used by an OWB is influenced by a variety of factors. One is the quality of the firewood that is used. It is important to choose only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood ejects more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns better and produces less pollutants. Another aspect is the boiler's combustion efficiency (or percentage) of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. It is typical for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their OWBs, but it's crucial to also look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood gets to your home. It is also essential to operate the OWB correctly to maximize its effectiveness. This means cleaning it and maintaining the flue vent on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned on a weekly basis during the heating season to prevent blockages and to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner. In contrast to indoor stoves, which are installed within your office or home, an OWB can be set up anywhere between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The hot water that is heated in the OWB is then pumped through pipes that are insulated before it is delivered to your home. The hot water is then distributed throughout your home through an appliance that makes use of heat exchangers. Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, an OWB is a very efficient way to heat your home, and it can save you money on your energy bills. Just make sure that you select a high-efficiency unit and follow the proper maintenance guidelines to make the most of it. Be wood burning stove small to burn dry, seasoned wood in an OWB. This will keep the wood from destroying your home and polluting the air. Environmentally Friendly Wood is a green alternative to burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane and oil. It is a renewable resource which means that new trees are able to develop and replace the ones burned for warmth. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide, but this is reabsorbed and converted back into oxygen by other plants. As opposed to fossil fuels burning of wood doesn't generate any other environmental pollution. A wood furnace can be used to heat garages, homes, sheds and other buildings. They are also economical as they remove the need for costly utility bills. They can also be used to warm hot tubs or pools, providing a relaxing space to relax in the winter months. These heaters are EPAapproved and CSA-certified, 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. A substitute for a wood furnace is an electric heat pump which draws heat from the ground or air and allows it to heat buildings and reduce the need for natural gas, propane or oil. These heat pumps are more sustainable than traditional wood stoves and they are more efficient. However, they require a constant supply of raw materials in order to operate. However, wood-burning heating is still popular with some people because of its low price and environmental friendliness. A majority of the top models have an efficiency of 85% rating, which is superior to other heating options. Consult with a professional in outdoor wood burning to learn about the most efficient and eco green models. Safety If not properly installed and maintained the wood burning stove could pose a serious fire hazard. The smoke from fires can contain toxins, fine particles, and carbon monoxide, which could cause asthma and respiratory problems. Smoke can also cause a hazard to carpets furniture, clothing and furniture. Because of this, it is crucial to employ a professional to install your wood burner. It is recommended to have a professional conduct an inspection of your chimney or stovepipe and wood-burning appliance on a regular basis. These professionals can ensure your OWB meets local safety standards and is operating safely. This can help prevent fires in your home or other structures on your property. When burning wood in an OWB it is essential to select dry and seasoned logs. To reduce the risk of fire, you should keep the area around the logs free of debris or combustible material, such as paper or plastic. Do not burn treated wood, garbage or trash as they can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Wood smoke is dangerous to everyone, but it is particularly dangerous to children, teenagers and older adults as well as those who suffer from respiratory or heart conditions. It is also recommended that newly born and expectant mothers beware of exposure to wood smoke because it could adversely affect their babies. Utilizing an OWB may also cause trouble to your neighbors. Smoke from a fire can travel through windows that are open according to the weather or wind. It can also cause irritation to noses and eyes. Close all doors and windows close to the stove, and keep pets away from the stove. It's also a good idea to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in each bedroom of your home and test them frequently. You should also have a family escape plan in place and test it at least once per year. If you need help with smoke or restoration services after a fire, contact your local PuroClean office. We can restore smoke-damaged homes or businesses to their pre-fire condition. Maintenance Wood burning furnaces, also referred to as outdoor wood burners or OWBs are great to heat your home using renewable energy sources and creating a warm, cozy environment. However, like any appliance you use regularly, they require some maintenance to ensure they run smoothly. Maintaining the maintenance of your outdoor wood stove will ensure that you get the best use from it. The most basic requirements for cleaning your wood stove are cleaning the interior, exterior and flue pipe on a regular basis. Before you start any cleaning, be sure that the fire has been completely out of the way and that all electrical power to the wood stove is shut off. You should also make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin cleaning. These should include newspaper (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. Each time you burn wood on your outdoor wood stove, creosote will be produced. This residue should be cleaned frequently to ensure optimal air flow in the combustion system. It also helps keep from the accumulation of a substance which can damage the inner layer of the steel in the water jacket. Creosote Removal Products like Creosote buster sticks can help reduce the time and effort needed for cleaning. You will also need to clean the ash container on your wood burner on a weekly basis. It is best to empty the ash into a steel ash container instead of dumping it into a garbage container that is filled with plastics, trash, and other items that could ignite and explode if you place the hot ashes in the containers. Smoke from your wood burner could require a controlled airflow on a regular basis depending on the type of wood you use, the amount of heat is being drawn and the weather conditions. If you notice smoke you might want to have the flue pipe of your wood stove cleaned on a regular basis. This can be a difficult task for a DIYer. It is best to leave it to professionals to avoid health problems that could result from smoking a lot of wood smoke.