We're already closing in on our transitional season, and you haven't prepared for your OutdoorBoiler maintenance?
Set your eyes here and let me teach you about our Spring Shutdown Maintenance.
It may not feel like spring yet in many parts of the U.S., but warm weather is here or just around the corner. Sunshine, blooming flowers, and signs of life returning outdoors all signal that spring is in full swing.
For many of us, that also means it is time to shut down our Outdoor Wood Boiler for the season. Fortunately, this is a simple process that can be completed in a short amount of time.
We recommend reading over this checklist one last time just to make sure you have everything taken care of.
Use this checklist to properly shut down your outdoor wood boiler for the warmer months and protect your system from corrosion, buildup, and unnecessary wear.
Outdoor Wood Boiler Spring Shutdown Checklist.
I MISSED THESE STEPS ONCE, AND I LOST THOUSANDS FROM MY SAVINGS! TRY NOT TO REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKE.
1.) First, watch this video HERE for a quick refresher of the "Summer Shutdown" process.
2.) Be sure to follow all safety warnings! (Don't you just hate it when you open an owner's manual for instructions and have to read five pages of safety warnings before you actually get to the REAL INSTRUCTIONS?! We hate that too! But we honestly don't want anyone to get hurt. Lawsuits? Well, our customers are very smart when it comes to safety. Just keep in mind to stay cautious!
3.) Put in TWO Creosote Remover Sticks in the firebox THREE DAYS before shutting down your furnace. Creosote Remover Sticks are SUPER EASY because they require no measuring and will simply dry up harmful creosote in your outdoor furnace. Click HERE for more information and to order online.
4.) Allow the fire to completely burn down. You may wish to preserve your dry coals for Fall Startup. The reason many people do this is that if you start your furnace in the fall with a load of dry coals (instead of firewood), you will have far less condensation/moisture/creosote in your furnace. Remember that even well-seasoned wood contains at least 20% moisture, and that will always complicate starting up a cold furnace, especially a GX model.
To save your dry coals, load your furnace with a large load of wood, and allow it to burn the moisture out of the wood - this will require several hours, depending upon how fast you are using the heat.
Then simply shut off the fan switch and smother the fire for a few days to completely stop all burning. Then remove those coals and place them on dry ground, or in a metal container until the final steps below are completed.
5.) Remove all the ashes and lightly scrape the firebox. Be sure that all ashes are removed. Dry ashes are harmless, but if left in your outdoor wood stove over the spring or summer, these dry ashes will absorb moisture and create an acidic paste that will eat through your steel firebox.
6.) Clean the water filter. If you do not have a water filter, click HERE to read the article "Why Should I Have A Filter For My Outdoor Wood Boiler?"
7.) Is your boiler due for its periodic COMPLETE WATER FLUSH? If you have not FLUSHED your boiler water in the last four years, you must do this now. Other circumstances also require a complete flush, such as using unauthorized treatment chemicals in your boiler - click on this link HERE to read "When Should I FLUSH My Outdoor Boiler?". We highly recommend following this procedure to ensure the longest life expectancy of your boiler.
DO YOU DRIVE YOUR TRUCK WITHOUT OIL? DON’T MAKE THE SAME COSTLY MISTAKE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR BOILER!
9.) Send a water sample to OutdoorBoiler.com Lab for your FREE water test so you can have confidence knowing that your investment is protected! Instructions for submitting a water sample to the OutdoorBoiler.com Lab are found HERE.
10.) Make sure to REMOVE the chimney cap and clean out the chimney! This is very important and often overlooked - remove the chimney cap, clean the inside of the chimney with a wire brush, then vacuum out the entire area with a shop vac.
Some customers complain that the chimney is difficult to remove. This is to be expected if you fail to complete this important step every year. You must get the chimney cap off, even if it gets destroyed in the process. Click HERE to read "Why Would I Need To Replace My Chimney Cap?" and access the coupon for a new replacement.
Also, clean the deflector plate using the D-Plate Brush. Push the wooden handle down the chimney from above and push it towards the front until it stops.
Then open the front door, reach up and grab the handle and pull the D-Plate brush through. Do this several times. Click HERE for more info on the D-Plate Brush.
Afterward, from the front of the furnace, pull the pull rod to its stop, then turn it clockwise until you can pull it past the stop. Pull it towards you all the way until it scrapes off the entire deflector plate. For more info on Pull Rod Best Practices, click HERE.
WE WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR OUTDOOR WOOD BOILER! YOU ARE PART OF OUR 5%.
13.) Check the Owner's Manual for full details. Click HERE to view your Owner's Manual.
If you don't plan to shut down your furnace through the summer as a way of heating a pool or your hot water, it is still necessary to perform this annual maintenance.
Proper spring maintenance for your outdoor wood boiler helps you save money now, extend the life of your system, and stay ready for winter. You’ve taken the right step to protect your investment and keep reliable heat ready when it matters most.
Call our office Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 231-861-8200
For more information, click HERE to visit our online store.
