Finding the best way to heat your house is a challenging task, and you don’t want to lose out on efficiency due to your choices. Here is a pros and cons guide for each type of wood burning boiler to help you decide what would work best for your specific needs and preferences.
What is an outdoor wood boiler?
An outdoor wood boiler is an amazing piece of equipment that can be used to heat your home or office. The biggest benefit of using a wood boiler is that it is incredibly efficient. Here are several reasons why using an outdoor wood boiler is a great choice:
- The efficiencies of wood boilers are unparalleled. They typically use up to 90% less energy than heating with electrical heating, which means they are a great choice for environmentally friendly homeowners or businesses.
- Wood boilers are very reliable and easy to maintain. Simply sweep the floor and change the coal as needed – there’s really nothing more you need to do!
- Because wood boilers operate at a lower temperature than other heating sources, they are an excellent choice for people with respiratory issues or people with children who are afraid of high heat settings.
If you’re looking for an efficient and reliable way to heat your home or office, then an outdoor wood boiler is the perfect option!
Benefits of an outdoor wood boiler
The benefits of using an outdoor wood boiler are numerous. They include:
- Increased Efficiency – With a properly designed and installed outdoor wood boiler, you can expect to achieve increased efficiency when compared to using other heating methods.
- Reduced Energy Costs – An outdoor wood boiler can help you save money on your energy bills by heating your home without the need for expensive gas or oil installations.
- Increased Warmth – An outdoor wood boiler can create deep warmth in your home, perfect for chilly winter days or even chilly summer evenings.
- Protects Your Home from Weather Damage – An outdoor wood boiler can help your home withstand harsh weather conditions, such as snow and rain.
Safety and legality
Outdoor wood boiler work efficiency depends on the safety measures that are taken and the legality of burning wood.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified burned wood as a “solid waste” which means that it must be disposed of in the same manner as other types of solid waste such as garbage. Burning wood in an outdoor boiler creates air pollution, including particulate matter, CO2, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires operators of outdoor wood boilers to obtain a burner permit from the DEP, follow certain safety guidelines, and comply with all state and local ordinances governing pollution control.
Preparing to Install a Wood Stove
If you’re thinking of installing a wood stove, it’s important to be aware of the work efficiency ratings you’ll need to factor in when choosing the right one for your home. Here’s what you need to know:
The amount of BTUs (British thermal units) a wood stove can produce is based on its size, construction and the type of fuel used.
fuelled by biomass is considered the most efficient option for heating homes. An outdoor wood boiler rated at 600 BTUs will produce about the same heat as a natural gas furnace that produces 1,000 BTUs.
When sizing an outdoor wood stove for your home, consider portability and ease of use. A small, lightweight stove will be easier to transport than a larger unit. Stoves with automatic igniters and adjustable air vents are also easier to operate than models that require outside fuel supplies.
How to operate a wood stove after installation
After you have installed your wood stove, it is important to operate it properly in order to achieve the best possible results. There are a few things that you need to know in order to get started. Here are a few tips on how to operate your stove:
- Make sure that the piezo igniter is working properly by pressing the igniter button and observing the blue flame. If the flame does not appear, it may be necessary to replace the piezo igniter.
- Once the flame has been lit, open the draft door slightly so that heat can enter the stove through the chimney. Close the draft door once heat begins to flow into the stove.
- Wait until all of the hot air has been drawn out of the firebox before starting a new load of wood. This will ensure that your stove is burning at its most efficient level.
- Always keep an eye on your wood stove’s temperature gauge in order to make sure that it is staying within safe limits. If your temperature climbs too high, open a door or window to let in fresh air, or lower the fire rating of your stove using one of these tips:
Final Thought
If you have a wood boiler that you use in your outdoor environment, you likely know that it can be difficult to keep the fire burning consistently. This is especially true during harsh winter months when the temperature drops below freezing. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to optimize the efficiency of your boiler and improve its performance in cold weather.
