Outdoor Furnace: Prepare For Summer Shutdown

Outdoor Furnace: Prepare For Summer Shutdown

Prepare For Summer Shutdown: 

Make Sure You Have Everything On This Checklist! 

The Ultimate Summer Shutdown Checklist Part 1 of 10

It's nearly summer! Warmer weather is on its way, even if it doesn't feel like it now. So now is the time to start planning your summer shutdown checklist!

For those of us who heat our homes with an outdoor wood furnace, preparing for the end of the heating season is more complicated than just pressing a button or flipping a switch.

Although shutting down your outdoor wood stove for the season may seem easy, doing so correctly is critical for a variety of reasons, including increasing the life of your Outdoor Boiler. It's also a good opportunity to clean, examine, and make any necessary system changes or repairs before the harsh winter arrives.

Here is a simple checklist of items you will need to prepare your furnace to be off for the summer months:

1. Shovel / Rake/ Hoe (or whatever tools you use to clean the firebox)

2. Shop Vac

3. Wire Brush for tube cleaning (GX Only - GX10 HERE and GX15/30 HERE)

4. Flexible Rod tube cleaning tool (GX Series Only - available HERE)

5. Cleaning Brush D-Plate (HE/GH Series Only - available HERE)

6. Liquid Armor Water Treatment (Available HERE)

7. Metal container for ashes

8. Door Seal Replacement Parts (if needed - Available HERE)

9. Door Seal Replacement Instructions (Found HERE)

10. Flat Head Screwdriver (if needed to remove old door seal)

11. Make sure your Chimney Cap is in place (If not, available HERE)

12. Wire brush for cleaning inside of chimney.

Make sure that you have read our article

"The Ultimate Outdoor Wood Boiler Summer Shutdown Checklist!"

Up next Part 2 of 10 - "Tools That Simplify Cleaning Your Outdoor Wood Boiler"

For more information contact us or visit OutdoorBoiler.com to browse for more outdoor wood boiler parts!

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 Outdoor Wood Burner 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 Outdoor Boiler 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 boiler chemical (water treatment corrosion inhibitor) coats the inside of the wood burning 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. Then send your water sample to OutdoorBoiler Lab.

  • 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 the Door Rope Gasket of My Outdoor Wood Stove?

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?

Outdoor Wood Burning Boilers use a non-pressurized system, this means that the existing heating 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.