It’s no secret that outdoor furnaces are a cost-effective source of heating energy. Owners who cut their own wood, or can obtain free wood as fuel, can entirely eliminate their heating bills. Over a 10-year period, a homeowner or business may save $10,000 to $50,000 or more on heating costs. In the last post, we discussed some of the most essential outdoor furnace maintenance steps in detail. Heatmor parts are designed to last for years with proper maintenance, but there are several other important maintenance processes that must be performed in a timely manner in order to make sure your system continues to work safely and properly. Here’s part two of our homeowner’s guide to outdoor furnace maintenance, where we’ll get more into detail about important ways to take care of your outdoor wood burning furnace.
Ash Rotation
For outdoor furnaces that receive heavy use, ash rotation should be done on a weekly basis. Start by removing the ashes when the furnace gets low on wood. If the furnace you choose isn’t equipped with a system including an ash auger, you can simply use a shovel in order to move ashes from the firebox’s front and then use a rake to pull them from the furnace’s rear to make a new bed of hot coals.
Keep in mind that ashes are ideal for gardening, but in any case, they must be disposed of properly in order to prevent forest fires. Experts recommend placing the ashes in a metal container equipped with a tight lid. The container should then be left on the ground, out of the way of any combustible materials, for at least 48 hours.
Off-Season Maintenance
During the off-season, protect your furnace from damage by securely putting the chimney cap in place. The furnace should also be visually inspected to assess for moisture damage potential; it’s necessary to ensure a proper seal so that moisture can’t enter your furnace and cause damage during the off-season. The ash auger, if you have one, should be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled as well to avoid the moisture and ashes from eating away at the metal.
Ultimately, 83% of Americans think having a yard is important and 90% of those with a yard think it is important that it is also well-maintained. Understanding and prioritizing proper maintenance for your outdoor furnace is the key to optimizing its performance and durability. For more information about Heatmor parts, contact Outback Heating of Virginia, Inc.