Using an outdoor wood burning boiler is a great way to save money on heating your home. The disadvantage, however, is the cost of maintaining it. In this article, we’ll discuss some practical methods for maximizing the efficiency of your outdoor wood burner and how you can avoid troublesome maintenance issues.
Why are you burning wood?
There are many reasons to burn wood as a source of heat in your home, but the most important reason is that it’s one of the most efficient ways to produce heat. In fact, burning wood produces up to 98% more heat than using electricity or gas.
The biggest benefits of burning wood are that it’s renewable and sustainable. Burning wood releases green energy into the atmosphere which helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, burning wood produces few emissions, including carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.
If you want to be sure your boiler is getting the most out of its fuel, follow these tips:
1. Keep Your Fire Clean and Well Regulated: A clean and well-regulated fire will give your boiler the best chance of burning efficiently. Make sure your fire is fed only fresh pieces of wood and keep an eye on the size and shape of the pieces you are using so they can easily ignite.
2. Use The Right Size Pieces of Wood: Choosing the right size pieces of wood will also help your boiler burn more efficiently. Make sure that each piece is small enough to ignite easily but large enough to produce heat quickly. Avoid using too small or too large a piece of wood; this will waste energy and increase your burner’s overall consumption.
3. Inspect Your Boiler Regularly: Once a month, inspect your boiler for any signs of wear or damage and replace any parts that need to be replaced. This will help keep your outdoor wood boiler running efficiently and reduce the amount of energy you need to use to heat your home.
How to Keep your Wood Burning Boiler Warm and Healthy
If you have an outdoor wood burning boiler, it is important to maintain and increase its efficiency. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
1. Check the chimney: The first step in maintaining your wood burning boiler is checking the chimney. Make sure there is no debris blocking the flue and that the draft is correct. If there are any problems, get them fixed as soon as possible.
2. Clean the burner: Once a month, clean the burner with a stiff brush and soapy water. Make sure to remove all traces of ash and grease buildup.
3. Adjust the firebox: If the boiler is not using enough fuel to reach proper heat levels, adjust the firebox accordingly by adding more kindling or charcoal.
4. Maintain temperatures: Keep ambient temperatures around your boiler below 60 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months and above 75 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months for best results.
What you need to know before purchasing an outdoor boiler
If you are in the market for an outdoor wood burning boiler, there are a few things you need to know before making your purchase.
The first consideration is the size of your boiler. Most boilers can be used for heating up swimming pools, spas and other areas that require a moderate amount of heat. However, some boilers are specifically designed for larger areas such as decks or patios. Make sure to read the product details carefully to determine which size is best for your needs.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing an outdoor wood burning boiler is the type of fuel that it uses. There are three main types of fuels used with outdoor boilers: natural gas, propane and wood pellets. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Natural gas is the most expensive option but it has the longest burn time, giving you the most energy per unit of fuel used. Propane is cheaper than natural gas but its flame isn’t as strong, so it may not be as effective when it comes to heating large areas quickly. Wood pellets are the least expensive option but they also have the shortest burn time, so they may not be ideal if you want continuous heat coverage throughout your area.
There are several other factors you should consider when purchasing an outdoor wood burning boiler, including installation instructions, warranty information and how easy it is to access maintenance and repair parts. Do your research before making a purchase so that you understand all of the options available to you.
How To Maintain Your Outdoor Boiler
If you own an outdoor wood burning boiler, then keeping it in good working order is crucial to its success. Here are some tips to help you keep your boiler running smoothly:
1. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule: Cleaning your boiler regularly will help maintain its efficiency and ensure that the fire is always burning cleanly. To clean your boiler, use a degreasing cleaner and water mixture, or a commercial boiler cleaning product. Be sure to rinse off all the debris before putting the boiler back into use.
2. Keep an eye on ash buildup: Ash buildup can be a sign that your boiler needs attention. If ash build up is frequent, try using a grate or slats to allow more air flow through the firebox. Additionally, if your boiler uses natural gas, make sure that you check for leaks and adjust them as necessary.
3. Check for overheating: Overheating can damage your boiler and cause it to fail prematurely. If you notice any signs of overheating, such as smoke or flames coming from the exhaust pipe, immediately stop using the burner and call a professional.
Conclusion
Maintaining and increasing efficiency on your outdoor wood burning boiler can be a challenge. However, with the right tips and tricks, you can make it easier and keep your boiler running at its best. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind when maintaining an outdoor wood burning boiler, as well as some of the easiest ways to increase its efficiency. Hopefully, by following these tips you will be able to enjoy years of trouble-free use from your beloved outdoor wood burning boiler!
