https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/categories/wood-burning-stoves How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner Outdoor wood burners are typically called wood boilers. They look like small sheds with a short smokestack. They are heated by water, or a combination of water and antifreeze, which is then circulated throughout the house. When outdoor wood boilers that are EPA-approved are made of dry wood, they are an eco-friendly alternative to heating with fossil fuels. They still produce lots of smoke. Energy Efficiency Wood heat has been a popular option to heat homes for centuries. With the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels, wood heat is a viable option for many. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. In general models that use wood gasification are more efficient than standard outdoor wood furnaces. There are many elements that affect the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One is the quality of the wood used. It is crucial to select only firewood that has been seasoned and dried for at least six months and ideally, for the entire year. Dry firewood releases more of its heat into the air than wet, green wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollution. The boiler's rate of combustion is a further aspect. This is the amount of heat converted by the stove to useful heat. It is typical for manufacturers to tout the combustion efficiency of their OWBs, however it is important to also look at the efficiency of the product. The latter is a measure of how much heat generated by the wood gets to your home. In the end, it is essential to operate the OWB to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning it and maintaining the vent frequently. The flue must be cleaned every week during the heating season to reduce the amount of smoke generated by the stove and prevent obstruction. Contrary to stoves that are indoor that are located within your home, an OWB is set up between 90 and 200 feet from your home. The water tha