Outdoor Wood Furnace Owner Manual

The Outdoor Wood Furnace is a high-efficiency heating system designed for residential and commercial use. This furnace provides reliable heat through wood combustion with advanced thermal technology, automatic draft control, water jacket construction, and safety features including pressure relief valves and temperature monitoring. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Heating System 7. Operation and Fuel Loading 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Steel water jacket, combustion chamber, automatic draft control, temperature gauge, pressure relief valve, ash cleanout door, and heat exchanger.

Feature	Description
Steel water jacket	Surrounds firebox for maximum heat transfer
Automatic draft control	Regulates air flow for optimal combustion
Temperature gauge	Monitors water temperature in system
Pressure relief valve	Prevents over-pressure conditions
Ash cleanout door	Provides access for ash removal
Heat exchanger	Transfers heat to circulating water
Insulated cabinet	Reduces heat loss and improves efficiency
Water connections	Inlet and outlet ports for heating system
Chimney system	Vents combustion gases safely outdoors
Firebox door	Secure access for wood loading

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place furnace on level concrete pad with proper clearance.

Foundation preparation: Pour level concrete pad minimum 4 inches thick.
Position furnace: Place unit with minimum 10-foot clearance from structures.
Connect water lines: Use insulated pipes to connect to heating system.
Install chimney: Assemble and secure chimney according to local codes.
Electrical connection: Connect to 120V AC power source.

WARNING! Furnace is extremely heavy; use proper lifting equipment. Ensure all connections are watertight and secure.

First-Time Setup

Complete installation checks before initial firing.

Fill system with water: Open fill valve and bleed air from system.
Check pressure: Ensure system pressure is 12-15 PSI.
Test controls: Verify draft control and temperature gauge operation.
Initial firing: Load small amount of dry wood and light carefully.
Monitor operation: Watch for proper draft and temperature rise.

CAUTION! Never operate with low water level. Always maintain proper system pressure.

Specifications

Heating Capacity: Up to 2500 sq. ft.
Water Capacity: 50 gallons
Firebox Size: 24" x 18" x 24"
Maximum Temperature: 180°F operating temperature
Fuel Type: Seasoned hardwoods only
Chimney: 6-inch diameter, double-wall insulated
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 450 pounds empty
Efficiency Rating: 85% thermal efficiency

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front panel. Temperature gauge, draft control dial, pressure gauge.

Operating Controls: Draft control (LOW-MED-HIGH), temperature monitoring, pressure gauge, water fill valve.

Temperature Settings: Ideal operating range 140-180°F. Draft Control: Adjust for wood type and weather conditions. Pressure Monitoring: Maintain 12-15 PSI system pressure. Water Level: Check weekly; add water as needed through fill valve.

Connecting to Heating System

Connect to existing forced air furnace, radiant floor, or baseboard heating systems.

Turn off main power to heating system.
Install heat exchanger or plate heat exchanger.
Connect supply and return lines with insulated pipes.
Install circulator pump and check valve.
Fill system and bleed air from all high points.

Tip: Use antifreeze in systems that may be exposed to freezing temperatures.

Operation and Fuel Loading

Use only seasoned hardwoods for optimal performance.

Loading wood: Open firebox door, load wood evenly.
Starting fire: Use kindling and paper; avoid accelerants.
Adjust draft: Set draft control based on heat demand.
Monitor temperature: Maintain 140-180°F operating range.
Reloading: Add wood when temperature drops below 140°F.
Ash removal: Clean ashes when ash level reaches fire grate.

WARNING! Never use gasoline or flammable liquids to start fire. Wear protective gloves when handling hot surfaces.

Safety Features

Pressure Relief Valve: Automatically releases pressure above 30 PSI. High Limit Switch: Shuts down system if temperature exceeds 200°F. Low Water Cutoff: Prevents operation if water level is too low.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Weekly: Check water level and pressure. Monthly: Clean firebox and remove ashes. Annually: Inspect chimney, clean heat exchanger, check all safety devices.

CAUTION! Allow furnace to cool completely before cleaning. Always wear protective equipment.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Meets emission standards for outdoor wood furnaces. UL Listed: Certified for safety standards. Local codes may apply; check with local building department. For support, visit www.woodfurnace.com or contact 1-800-555-HEAT.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No heat output	Low water/air in system	Check water level; bleed air from system; verify circulator operation.
Poor draft	Chimney blockage	Inspect and clean chimney; check draft control setting.
Water leakage	Loose connections	Tighten all connections; check for cracked fittings.
Excessive smoke	Wet wood/poor draft	Use only seasoned wood; adjust draft control; clean chimney.
High pressure	Overheating/expansion	Check pressure relief valve; reduce fire intensity.

Emergency Shutdown: Close draft control fully and douse fire if necessary.

Service: 1-800-555-HEAT; www.woodfurnace.com