Wood Furnace Information
Wood burning furnaces, stoves and fireplaces have been used for thousands of years to heat the home and provide a means of cooking. In the United States, home wood burning technology had very few changes for hundreds of years. During the 1980s, problems related to air pollution brought about swift changes and new technologies for wood burning furnaces. Today's wood furnaces are cleaner and more efficient than their predecessors. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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There are two main types of indoor wood furnaces: catalytic and non-catalytic. With catalytic wood furnaces, a ceramic catalyst is placed inside the firebox and helps to burn up waste gases produced by the wood's combustion. Non-catalytic furnaces combine a system of baffles and air supplies that are designed to burn waste gases. Each of these types of wood furnaces have been designed with new regulations that require manufacturers to meet specific air pollution limits. These regulations are made on the national level by the Environmental Protection Agency and also with some state and local governments. Outdoor wood furnaces are typically a wood-fired water heater contained in a small shed. Because of their high emission levels and increased regulations, outdoor wood furnaces are no longer commonly used.
Considerations
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Wood furnaces come in a variety of sizes. Some smaller wood furnaces are intended to heat only one room and are appropriate for family rooms or small cottages. Small furnaces can also be used to supplement the work of older, less efficient home furnaces. Medium wood furnaces can be used to heat a small home or in a medium-sized, energy efficient homes. Larger wood furnaces can be suitable for larger houses and in very cold climates.
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Installation and Maintenance
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When installing a new wood furnace it is important to read and completely understand the manufacturer's instructions. Building code requirements are needed to determine the correct clearances around the new wood furnace, how to protect combustible flooring and how to properly assemble the furnace and vents. Mistakes made during installation may not be present for some time, and even then only when a home fire breaks out. It is advisable to hire a professional wood furnace installation expert. Regular maintenance and cleaning is also best performed by a professional.
Best Practices
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Once the wood furnace is properly installed there are several guidelines, or best practices, to follow to ensure clean, efficient and safe burning. Wood should be seasoned outside for at least six months prior to burning. Wood moisture meters can be used to measure the moisture content. Less than 20 percent moisture is ideal for firewood. Stack wood neatly and store it outside with a tarp or other protection over the top of the pile. Never burn treated or painted wood, plastics, foam, garbage, plywood, driftwood or rotting wood.
Health and Safety
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Be sure to have a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors placed nearby the wood furnace. Any wood burning smoke can be dangerous as it contains small particles of toxic combustion byproducts. Make sure there is ample ventilation and that furnace's vents are clean and unobstructed. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure any drapes, curtains or other flammable material is a safe distance from the wood furnace.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wood burning stove image by Paula Gent from Fotolia.com
