If you use an outdoor wood boiler, you probably love the fact that it’s much more efficient than other fuel sources, yet allows you to use anywhere from 25% to 70% less wood than other types of wood furnaces. But even though you don’t have to use quite as much of it, outdoor wood furnaces still require a good amount of firewood to adequately heat your interior structure. To ensure that the firewood you use in your outdoor wood burning furnace is safe and effective, there are certain procedures you need to follow.
Drying and Storing
Firewood needs to be completely dry prior to burning. It should be cut about a year before you plan to use it in your outdoor wood boiler. It should be promptly stacked, bark side up, on supports that are at least four inches off the ground. Ideally, there should be a bit of space in between each log. Choose a place with at least some exposure to sunlight and wind. Do not lean your firewood against your home or another structure, as this can present a fire hazard. Cover the top of your wood stack with a tarp to protect it from the elements, but keep the sides open to ensure air circulation.
Burning
Before using firewood in outdoor furnaces, you need to check to make sure it’s completely dry. Wet or green-colored firewood is not safe to burn. Never use fire-starters or other flammable liquids in your outdoor wood boiler. Likewise, you should not supplement your firewood with newspaper, trash, or wood that’s been treated with pesticides. Your furnace is designed to burn wood and nothing else (plus, those fumes would be toxic!). Hard woods like oak and hickory tend to work best, but you can use some softer woods like pine, as well.
Other Safety Tips
Do not leave your furnace unattended overnight or for long periods of time. Do not allow children or pets to congregate around your outdoor furnace unsupervised. Keep flammable materials at least three to five feet away from your furnace. You should let the fire die down naturally, rather than extinguishing with water. And have a fire extinguisher in the vicinity, just in case.
One of the most important components of burning wood safely is to have a high-quality outdoor furnace. For all of your outdoor wood burning needs, Outback Heating of Virginia has you covered. Contact us today for more information.