https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/products/us-stove-sr57e-rancher-cast-iron-heater How to Properly Install and Maintain an Outdoor Wood Burner Outdoor wood burners are often called wood boilers. They resemble small sheds with a short smokestack. They are used to heat water or a mixture of antifreeze and water that is then circulated throughout your home. When used in conjunction with dry wood and EPA-approved outdoor boilers, they offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil heating. However, they do produce substantial amounts of smoke. Energy Efficiency Since the beginning of time, wood heat was used to heat homes. Today, with fluctuating prices for fossil fuels it is an affordable choice for a lot of people. There aren't all wood boilers that have the same efficiency. In general models that use wood gasification are more efficient than traditional outdoor wood furnaces. The energy efficiency of an OWB is affected by several factors. One of these is the quality of the firewood used. It is crucial to choose only firewood that has been dried and seasoned for at least six months, and ideally for a year. Dry firewood releases more heat into the atmosphere than wet, green firewood. It also burns more efficiently and creates less pollution. Another element is the boiler's combustion efficiency (or percentage) of heat energy converted into useful heat by the stove. It is common for manufacturers to advertise the efficiency of their OWBs, however it is important to look at the efficiency that is delivered. The latter is a measurement of how much available heat that is generated by the wood gets to the home. It is also crucial to operate the OWB properly to maximize its effectiveness. This means keeping it clean and ensuring that the vent is maintained regularly. The flue must be cleaned on a regular basis during the heating season to prevent clogging and reduce the amount of smoke generated by the burner. Unlike indoor stoves that are installed in your office