Are Waterless Outdoor Wood Furnaces Really the Best Option?
If you are seeking an outdoor wood furnace, one of the methods you can come across is the so-called "no-water" system. Some people think that having less water means less maintenance, fewer leaks, and better performance but is it really true?
At first glance, a water-free outdoor furnace might sound like a great idea. No water means no freezing, no leaks, no maintenance, right?
Well, maybe not.
In reality, water is quite an essential medium for effectively transferring heat, and its absence from the picture might actually cause even more inefficiencies and uneven heating with more fuel consumption. Thus, let's see why a properly designed water-based outdoor wood heater is superior to "no-water" systems and how one could end up costing one's comfort, efficiency, and money through an incorrect choice among these options.
How Does an Outdoor Wood Furnace Work?
Now, before we move on to system comparisons, let me give you a brief explanation of the workings of an outdoor wood furnace.
- High temperatures are generated within the firebox while wood is burning.
- The heat is being transferred to water in the furnace reservoir.
- The very hot water is then circulated through underground insulated pipes into the home or building.
- The warmth is distributed via radiators, in-floor heating, or forced air.
This system is called hydronic, meaning water-based, and it is one of the very best methods of heat transfer over long distances, as explained by Hunt Heat. But what would happen if you took the water out of the picture? Let's see.
What Happens If You Remove Water from the System?
An outdoor furnace without water (this is also known as a forced-air wood furnace) eliminates the water heating system and instead utilizes a blower to push hot air directly into ducts.
At first, this approach seems simple; however, here's what really happens when you go waterless:
Less Effective Transfer of Heat: Water has high thermal conduction, storage, and transfer properties, while air loses heat rapidly and does not store energy effectively as does water.
Different Heat Distribution: A forced-air system will have hot and cold spots, as it relies on blowers and vents for distribution within your home; whereas a water-based system would provide a heat that is even and consistent.
Increased Wood Required: Full air does not do an efficient job of storing heat as water does, therefore a forced-air system consumes more wood to achieve the same degree of warmness to someone's home, costing you lots of time and money.
No Radiant Floor Heating: You will have to settle for a water-based system if warm floors are your idea of heaven in winter because in-floor heating - one of the most effective means of keeping a house warm - is impossible with a no-water furnace.
Why Water is the Best Heat Transfer Medium
Water Retains Heat Longer
Heat once absorbed by water will be transmitted to air only slowly.
Water Transfers Heat More Efficiently
Water is a better heat transfer medium than air.
More Evenly Distributed Heating
While a blower may work at one area in heating the air, water and a forced circulating system are good in giving a better distribution of heat throughout the house.
Lower Cost for Fuel
A water-based system minimizes heat loss and, therefore, requires less wood for a whole heating season, thereby saving you tax dollars.
More Options for Heating
Whether it be radiator systems, baseboards, or in-floor heating, water-based systems are compatible, while forced-air systems go only to ductwork.
Then again, if water inefficient outdoor furnaces are clearly more efficient, why do some seek a "no water" alternative? Let's debunk the myths.
Common Myths About "No Water" Outdoor Furnaces
Myth #1: A Water-Free System Requires Less Maintenance
In fact, an outdoor wood-burning furnace with proper maintenance can be relatively maintenance-free. Sure, they will require some topping up and treatment of the water level for corrosion prevention, but compared to the extra fuel and wear-and-tear of a forced-air system, it is not very much.
Myth #2: A No-Water Furnace Eliminates Freezing Issues
The reality is that freezing is only an issue for poorly insulated systems. Properly designed hydraulic heaters lay underground insulated pipes, thus eliminating the freezing issue.
Myth #3: Water Systems Are Prone to Leaks
Reality: There are leaks where the materials used are of mediocre quality or were not properly installed. Quality materials used in high-end outdoor boilers, such as those in OutdoorBoiler.com, include thick steel, rust inhibiting agents, and quality workmanship to ensure no leaks.
Myth #4: Forced-Air Systems Provide Faster Heat
Reality: Forced-air systems heat rapidly, whereas they cool very soon. A water-based system will keep the temperature in constant steadiness and results in much less cycling, less amount of wood and much greater efficiency.
The Best Solution: A Properly Designed Water-Based Outdoor Boiler
Taking into account that the most efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective heat could be provided by the water outdoor furnace if it had been designed well and made with materials of high quality, the extent of its ability to accomplish that will now certainly depend on such furnishing.
What to Look For in an Outdoor Wood Furnace:
Very Thick Steel Construction: Prevents rusting and improves longevity
Proper Water Treatment: Corrosion protection
Optimal Heat Transfer: Save fuel and ensure stable heating
Insulated Underground Pipes: No freezing issues
Long-Term Cost Efficiency: Reduced fuel requirement and uniform heating
OutdoorBoiler.com is your destination for high-quality water-based outdoor furnaces designed with efficiency, reliability, and long-term savings in mind.
Why a "No Water" Outdoor Wood Furnace is NOT the Best Choice
Furnaces and boilers come with specific advantages, and the best option among them depends on your heating requirements, climate, and home design.
- If you want something to heat quickly, with lower installation costs, and piping already in situ, then a furnace may be the way to go.
- On the other hand, if you want something energy-efficient with even heat distribution and a longer life span, then a boiler is considered a better investment.
There are only a few considerations worth thinking about while taking a decision, whether to choose a furnace or a boiler, such as availability of fuel, maintenance expenses, and the insulation of the house. While the furnace gives warmth instantly, the boiler gives warm heat slightly better than a furnace without drafts and increased energy efficiency.
If you are considering outdoor wood heating options, use a boiler since outdoor boilers use water to store and transfer heat for longer distances relative to other outdoor wood heating options. That's why most people use outdoor wood boilers for whole-home heating, garages, barns, and even hot water supply.
Still not clear about which system is better suited for your needs? Go to OutdoorBoiler.com for professional advice and first-rate heating solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often do you have to fill outdoor wood boiler?
It is due to the fact that outdoor boiler owners should give their ovens food twice in a day and above this number when there is such cold weather because the outdoor wood boiler will need more firewood. The rest includes maintenance and repairs.
2. Is it worth getting an outdoor wood boiler?
In the debate between outdoor wood furnaces and any other wood heating method, outdoor wood furnaces seem to be more efficient and less harmful to the environment and followers of outdoor wood-furnace heating argue that it is a cleaner, safer, and more efficient heating system that helps everybody, not just its operator.
3. How long does an outdoor wood furnace last?
A boiler installed outdoors will hardly exceed the age of 20 years. Outdoor wood boilers are also put through rigorous and harsh weather conditions, as they are placed outdoors.
4. How can I make my wood furnace more efficient?
Overfilling the firebox of a wood-burning stove is an important taboo; this makes sure the necessary air circulation is present, which is important for an even and efficient burn. Halfway filled is a good rule of thumb; this gives the wood enough oxygen for proper burning.
5. Which wood is best for heating?
High Heat Hickory: Known for creating very high temperatures, hickory has that signature hickory smell and makes it so popular for smoking meat; it's definitely one of the best woods for burning. Maple: Just like oak, it creates a steady flame with a consistent, solid heat level. You could easily associate the subtly sweet smell of it with maple syrup.
