How To Build A Forced Air Outdoor Wood Furnace

How to Build a Forced Air Outdoor Wood Furnace

An outdoor wood furnace can be a great way to save money on your heating bills while also enjoying the benefits of a wood-burning fire. If you're thinking about building your own outdoor wood furnace, here are a few things you'll need to know.

1. Choose the Right Location

The first step is to choose the right location for your outdoor wood furnace. The furnace should be placed in a well-ventilated area, away from any flammable materials. You'll also need to make sure that the furnace is accessible for cleaning and maintenance.

2. Gather Your Materials

Once you've chosen a location, you'll need to gather your materials. You'll need:

A burn chamber
A heat exchanger
A blower
A chimney
Ducts
Firebricks
Mortar
Insulation

3. Build the Burn Chamber

The burn chamber is the heart of the outdoor wood furnace. It's where the wood is burned and the heat is generated. The burn chamber should be made of heavy-duty metal, such as steel or cast iron. It should also be lined with firebricks to protect it from the heat.

4. Install the Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring the heat from the burn chamber to the air that is blown through the furnace. The heat exchanger should be made of copper or aluminum. It should also be large enough to provide adequate heat transfer.

5. Install the Blower

The blower is responsible for circulating the air through the furnace. The blower should be powerful enough to move the air through the heat exchanger and into the ducts.

6. Install the Chimney

The chimney is responsible for venting the exhaust gases from the furnace. The chimney should be made of metal or masonry. It should also be tall enough to provide adequate draft.

7. Install the Ducts

The ducts are responsible for distributing the heated air throughout your home. The ducts should be made of metal or flexible tubing. They should also be insulated to prevent heat loss.

8. Insulate the Furnace

Insulating the furnace will help to prevent heat loss and improve the efficiency of the furnace. The insulation should be made of fiberglass or cellulose. It should also be thick enough to provide adequate insulation.

9. Test the Furnace

Once the furnace is complete, it's important to test it to make sure that it's working properly. Start by lighting a small fire in the burn chamber. Once the fire is burning, turn on the blower and check to make sure that the air is being circulated through the furnace and into the ducts. If the furnace is working properly, you should start to feel warm air coming out of the ducts within a few minutes.

10. Enjoy the Warmth of Your Outdoor Wood Furnace

Congratulations! You've now built your own outdoor wood furnace. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your wood-burning fire while saving money on your heating bills.