Wood Boilers

Used from the dark ages, wood is still an economic alternative energy. Without doubt, this is why millions of American households still use it as a heat source. If the snapshot of the ancestral chimney fire persists, the use of wood has been modernized. Based on logging or industrial fuel, wood boilers heat our homes while also respecting the environment. Here is a short introduction to wood boilers.

Operation

Connected to central heating and sometimes hot water tanks, wood boilers provide efficient heating. Wood feeds the boiler furnace that produces hot gases during combustion. The latter then pass through a heat exchanger, where they transfer their heat to a network of tubes through water. This hot water is then channeled into the domestic circuit and produces the heat needed for heating.

Different models

Wood boilers differ in their circulation, that is to say, the combustion mode and manner in which air is admitted into the home. It may be natural or forced through a turbine, hence the term of turbo boilers. In addition to that, pellet boilers are fully automated just like Burnham Oil Fired Boilers Le Series which is an oil boiler.

The natural draft

Moderately effective, this type of boiler is based on three combustion technologies.

1. Rising fuel models, where the logs ignite simultaneously causing combustion of poor quality and almost impossible to control. If the purchase price is low, unfortunately this is due to their poor performance.
2. Horizontal burning boilers are based on the drying of logs and burning phase being separated, allowing wood to burn in several thin layers. More air inlets are better controlled. These improvements reduce the level of unburned wood, thereby increasing the performance of these boilers.
3. Reverse combustion boilers provide a good return. With their support grid over which the logs are consumed and the separation of air inlets, such boilers are the most productive within their range.

A new model, the turbo boiler is not less effective. Equipped with a blower (turbine), it incorporates the concept of reverse combustion boilers by automating the entry of combustion air or flue gas outlet. This way, its performance is largely improved.

Pellet boilers

Fully automated, these boilers are fueled by wood pellets. The fuel in the form of pellets or chips is stored in a silo, from where it is sent in the home by a worm. Food, fuel and fume extraction are done automatically.

Fully independent and even programmable, this type of boilers reach a very high yield as compared to fuel boilers, namely of 90%. Also more restrictive in use than a gas boiler, a pellet boiler uses totally renewable energy. Natural wood pellets are bought in bags of 15 kilos or larger and are easy to store. Less humid and more compressed than the logs, they have a much higher calorific value.

Specifically, 2 kilos of pellets provide the same energy as a liter of oil, which is far from negligible when one considers the rising cost of fossil fuels. The major disadvantage of these boilers is that it is difficult to obtain granules, the availability of which varies depending on the region. One should also be vigilant when buying low-end models, which may require a weekly restart of the system, which implies a cooling of the housing and this is not very pleasant during periods of extreme cold.

The yield of wood boilers

Wood

The selection and storage of wood is essential when using a wood boiler.

Stained or recovery wood (boards, old furniture...) should certainly not be used as fuel. Usually treated with chemicals, this type of wood produces toxic fumes when burned. Burning wet wood is also strongly discouraged for environmental, economic and practical reasons. The so-called "green" wood releases pollutants when burned and provides two times less energy than dry wood. It also deteriorates the boiler more quickly.Prices for wood boilers are lower than oil boilers prices and are more Earth friendly.

It is important to keep the wood in good conditions for it to be dry. It is therefore advisable to store it outdoors but in a sheltered area or under a trap.

The green flame label and tax reduction

This label on burning wood, economical and efficient equipment and low emissions has been created by governments and heating professionals. All facilities certified by this label must meet the criteria of the green flame charter, which is concerned about respecting the environment. These devices, the performance of which must be above 65% receive a tax credit of 50% from the installation cost.

If wood boilers have many advantages, both economically and ecologically, they also require regular attention and therefore a space for fuel storage. This type of boiler is recommended for people who dispose of space, time and especially energy.