Outside boilers, also known as outdoor wood boilers, have gained popularity for their efficiency and convenience in heating spaces with wood. These units are placed outside your home or building, providing a central heating system that can effectively warm your interior spaces. In this article, we will discuss the technical details, proper operation, and the advantages of using outside boilers for wood heating.
Technical Details
Boiler Unit: The heart of an outside boiler is the boiler unit itself. It typically consists of a firebox where wood is burned, a water jacket surrounding the firebox, and a heat exchanger. The firebox heats the water in the water jacket, and the hot water is circulated to provide heat to your home or building.
Thermostatic Controls: Most outside boilers come equipped with thermostatic controls to maintain a consistent temperature in your space. These controls allow you to set the desired indoor temperature, and the boiler will modulate the fire to meet the demand.
Pumps and Circulation System: An outside boiler includes a pump and a circulation system to move the heated water from the boiler to your home’s heat distribution system, which can be radiators, underfloor heating, or forced air ducts.
Combustion Air and Exhaust Systems: To ensure efficient combustion, outside boilers are designed with combustion air intake systems that provide the fire with oxygen while maintaining minimal heat loss. Exhaust systems, often including a chimney, vent the combustion byproducts safely away from your property.
Proper Operation
Operating an outside boiler effectively requires careful attention to a few key principles:
Wood Fuel Quality: Use only well-seasoned wood with a moisture content of around 20% or less. Wet or green wood can reduce efficiency and lead to creosote buildup in the chimney.
Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your boiler. This includes ash removal, cleaning the heat exchanger, and ensuring all components are in good condition.
Safety: Always follow safety precautions when operating an outside boiler. These units can produce high-temperature water, so handle with care and ensure your heating system is installed professionally.
Thermostat Settings: Adjust the thermostat settings to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. The thermostatic controls will automatically adjust the fire intensity to meet the demand.
Advantages of Outside Boilers
Energy Efficiency: Outside boilers are highly efficient as they burn wood at high temperatures, ensuring complete combustion and minimal waste.
Lower Energy Costs: Wood is a cost-effective fuel source, often cheaper than traditional fossil fuels.
Reduced Indoor Air Pollution: Since the combustion takes place outside, there’s less risk of indoor air pollution or creosote buildup in your home.
Space-Saving: With the boiler unit located outdoors, you have more space available inside your home, and there’s no need for a dedicated indoor boiler room.
Convenience: The automated thermostat controls make maintaining a comfortable temperature easy.
Conclusion
Outside boilers offer an efficient and convenient way to heat your home or building with wood. Understanding the technical details and proper operation is crucial for maximizing their benefits. When maintained and operated correctly, outside boilers can provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly heating solutions for both technical and non-technical users.