https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/products/ashley-hearth-2500-sq-ft-wood-burning-stove 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 are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home. When outdoor wood boilers approved by the EPA are utilized with dry wood, they are an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel heating. They still produce a lot of smoke. Energy Efficiency Since the beginning of time, wood has been used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating fossil fuel prices, it is a cost-effective alternative for many. Not all wood boilers have the same efficiency. In general models that make use of wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces. There are many factors that impact the efficiency of energy used by an OWB. One of them is the quality and quantity of the firewood. It is essential to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months, and ideally for a full year. Dry firewood is more efficient at releasing heat into the air than green, wet wood. It also burns more efficiently and produces less pollutants. Another factor is the boiler's efficiency in combustion, which is the percentage of heat energy converted into heat by the stove. It is standard for manufacturers to promote the efficiency of their OWBs, but it's important to look at the efficiency that is delivered. This is a measure of how much heat produced by the wood gets to your home. It is also important to operate the OWB properly to maximize its effectiveness. This includes cleaning and maintaining the vent on a regular basis. The flue should be cleaned every week during the heating season to reduce the amount smoke produced by the stove and to prevent clogging. In contrast to stoves for indoor use that are installed directly in your home or office