How Quickly Will FREEZE Damage Destroy Your Outdoor Boiler
How quickly will freeze damage destroy your outdoor wood boiler? Many wonder about this important question.
The answer is this: Very Quickly - in some cases less than 24 hours! Naturally, this depends on the outdoor temperature, wind, insulation, and many other factors. But if you have a catastrophic failure over the weekend, you may not be able to prevent freeze damage by the time you get replacement parts.
Regardless of the age of your outdoor wood burning boiler. BE PREPARED with a spare blower fan, circulating pump, high limit switch, and solenoid.
Click HERE to order the Emergency Preparedness Kit!
In many cases, it is also advisable to have a spare Aquastat Controller on hand, particularly for GX Series Furnace owners.
Remember, all outdoor wood furnaces are designed to outlast their electronic components. Boiler pumps, fans, solenoids, and high limit switches will all fail during the 20-40 year life of an outdoor wood stove (perhaps a few times!).
An investment in the Emergency Preparedness Kit will prevent a major disaster for your outdoor wood burner that could cost you thousands of dollars to fix. Remember that these replacement parts will be needed eventually anyway, so SAVE YOURSELF from high-cost freeze damage!
For more outdoor wood boiler parts visit our online store!
When you have a catastrophic failure, will you be ready?
Operating Furnace FAQs:
- Am I burning too much wood?
You may be. Is the wood properly seasoned? Have you cleared the firebox? High wood consumption can be caused by a number of factors.
- Can I leave my furnace over the weekend?
You may have someone "feed" your furnace for you or you may lower the thermostat temperature.
- Should I turn my thermostat down at night?
No, the lower the water temperature will cause the use of more wood to recover.
- What are the critical items to operate and maintain my furnace efficiently?
1. Keep water full
2. Manage ash
3. Use water treatment
4. Use seasoned wood
5. Keep fire in the middle of the firebox
6. Clean tubes regularly
Maintenance FAQs
- Why is water treatment important?
The chemical (water treatment) coats the inside of the furnace to reduce the effects of corrosion on the metal. Click HERE to order our Liquid Armor Water Treatment and other outdoor wood furnace parts.
- How often do I need to Inspect my Chimney/Flue
Inspect chimney and flue monthly and clean as needed. Clean chimney and flue annually. Perform cleaning and maintenance only when no fire is present in the firebox and ashes are cooled completely.
- How Can I Change Door Rope Gasket?
The rope will settle in the first few months of use. Before you change the rope gasket try adjusting your door. This is easiest with two people, one to push the door against the chute and the other to adjust the bolts. Keep your door snug but not so tight that it is difficult to operate.
- Why is ash management important?
If the ash becomes wet it is corrosive to the metal of the furnace. If the level of ash is too thick in the water box it does not allow for efficient heat transfer to the water in the water jacket of the furnace. The temperature of the water in the jacket is used to heat your house.
Troubleshooting
- Why am I not getting hot water?
Check that the hot water system is connected properly. Check if the heat exchanger is partially or totally clogged.
- Why does my furnace continue to burn when it is not operating?
Check the door seal, door adjustment, and solenoid.
- I can't find a leak in my furnace. Why am I losing water?
Wood burning furnaces use a non-pressurized system, this means that the system is exposed to the air. Since the water in the system can and will be warmer than the air, there will be evaporation of the water in the system. The water must be checked and adjusted at least once a month, sometimes more.
Be the HERO to your family and Be Prepared so you can keep your family warm and toasty while saving from your heating bills and avoiding the expense of costly repairs for your outdoor boiler!
