How Does An Outdoor Wood Burning Furnace Work

How Does an Outdoor Wood Burning Furnace Work?

Outdoor wood burning furnaces provide an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home and water. These furnaces burn wood to heat a transfer fluid, which is then circulated throughout your home to provide heat. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how an outdoor wood burning furnace works:

1. Wood Combustion

The first step is to load wood into the firebox of the furnace. The wood is ignited and begins to burn, releasing heat and gases. These gases rise through the firebox and into the heat exchanger.

2. Heat Transfer

The heat exchanger is a series of tubes or channels that surrounds the firebox. As the hot gases pass through the heat exchanger, they transfer their heat to the transfer fluid, which is typically water or a water-glycol mixture.

3. Fluid Circulation

Once the transfer fluid has been heated, it is circulated throughout your home through a series of pipes. The heated fluid releases its heat to the air inside your home, providing warmth and comfort.

4. Water Heating

In addition to providing space heat, outdoor wood burning furnaces can also be used to heat water. The heated transfer fluid is passed through a heat exchanger in the water heater, transferring its heat to the water. The heated water is then available for use in showers, sinks, and other appliances.

5. Exhaust and Flue System

The exhaust gases produced by the burning wood are vented through a flue system. The flue is typically made of stainless steel or aluminum and extends vertically from the furnace to the outside of your home. The exhaust gases are released into the atmosphere through the flue.