Pacific Western Outdoor Wood Furnace Manual

The Pacific Western Outdoor Wood Furnace is a high-efficiency heating system designed for residential and commercial use, featuring durable steel construction, advanced combustion technology, thermal storage capacity, automatic draft control, water-to-air heat exchanger, and compatibility with existing HVAC systems. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heavy-duty steel firebox, Thermal storage tank, Draft control system, Heat exchanger, Water circulation pump, Temperature gauges, Ash removal system.

Feature	Description
Firebox Construction	1/4" thick steel for durability and heat retention
Thermal Storage	500-gallon capacity for extended heat output
Draft Control	Automatic adjustment for optimal combustion
Heat Exchanger	Stainless steel water-to-air transfer system
Circulation Pump	1/2 HP for efficient water movement
Temperature Display	Digital readout for water temperature monitoring
Ash Cleanout	Front-access door for easy maintenance
Safety Relief Valve	Pressure release for system protection
Chimney System	Insulated stainless steel flue
Water Connections	1-1/4" NPT for supply and return lines

Installation Guidelines

Select proper location and prepare foundation. Follow local codes and regulations.

Site Preparation: Level concrete pad minimum 6" thick, 3' clearance from combustible materials.
Plumbing Connections: Install supply and return lines with proper insulation.
Electrical Connection: Connect to 120V AC power source with GFCI protection.
Chimney Installation: Assemble insulated chimney sections per manufacturer instructions.
Water Fill: Fill system with treated water and check for leaks.

WARNING! Furnace operates at high temperatures; maintain clearances. Professional installation recommended.

First-Time Setup

Complete installation verification and initial system startup.

System Check: Verify all connections, water level, and electrical supply.
Initial Firing: Load small amount of dry wood and light carefully.
Temperature Setting: Set operating temperature between 160°F-180°F.
Circulation Test: Confirm pump operation and water flow.
Safety Test: Verify pressure relief valve and high-limit controls.

CAUTION! Never operate with empty water jacket. Always maintain proper water level.

Technical Specifications

Heating Capacity: Up to 4,000 sq. ft.
Firebox Size: 30" W x 24" D x 36" H
Water Capacity: 500 gallons thermal storage
Maximum Output: 150,000 BTU/hr
Efficiency: 85% combustion efficiency
Fuel Type: Seasoned hardwoods recommended
Chimney Requirement: 8" insulated stainless steel
Electrical: 120V AC, 15 amp circuit
Water Pressure: 12-25 PSI operating range
Warranty: 20-year limited on firebox

Controls and Operation

Main control panel located on front of unit. Includes temperature display, pump controls, and draft adjustment.

Control Panel: POWER switch, TEMPERATURE SET, PUMP MANUAL/AUTO, DRAFT CONTROL, ALARM RESET.

Temperature Settings: Operating range 140°F-200°F, recommended 160°F-180°F. Draft Control: Automatic adjustment based on temperature, manual override available. Pump Operation: Automatic cycling based on temperature differential, manual mode for testing. Safety Monitoring: High-temperature cutoff, low-water protection, pressure relief.

System Connections

Plumbing: Supply and return water lines. Electrical: Power supply and pump connections.

Water Connections: 1-1/4" NPT ports for supply (top) and return (bottom).
Expansion Tank: Required for closed-loop systems.
Air Elimination: Install automatic air vents at high points.
Electrical: Connect to dedicated 15-amp circuit with weatherproof enclosure.
Thermostat: Compatible with standard 24V HVAC thermostats.

Tip: Use antifreeze in systems subject to freezing temperatures.

Fuel Loading and Combustion

Optimal performance requires proper fuel selection and loading techniques.

Fuel Selection: Seasoned hardwoods with 20% moisture content maximum.
Loading Procedure: Open door slowly, arrange wood for air circulation.
Lighting: Use kindling and paper for initial ignition.
Air Control: Adjust draft for clean, efficient combustion.
Refueling: Wait until fire is established before adding more wood.
Burn Times: 8-12 hours depending on wood type and outdoor temperature.
Ash Removal: Remove ashes when 2-3 inches accumulate in firebox.

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

Safety Features

High-temperature cutoff: Automatic shutdown at 200°F. Low-water protection: System shutdown if water level drops. Pressure relief valve: 30 PSI release. Chimney spark arrestor: Prevents ember escape.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Check water temperature and pressure gauges.
Weekly: Remove ashes from firebox and clean glass door.
Monthly: Inspect and clean heat exchanger surfaces.
Seasonally: Clean chimney and flue passages.
Annually: Complete system inspection and water treatment.

CAUTION! Allow unit to cool completely before performing maintenance. Always disconnect power before servicing.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Meets emission standards for outdoor wood furnaces. UL Listed: Components certified to safety standards. Local Codes: Installation must comply with municipal building and fire codes. Manufacturer: Pacific Western Heating Systems. For technical support, visit www.pacificwesternheating.com or contact 1-800-555-HEAT.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No heat output	Pump failure/low water	Check pump operation; verify water level; inspect for air locks
Poor combustion	Wet wood/draft issue	Use seasoned wood; clean chimney; adjust draft control
Water temperature low	Thermostat setting/insulation	Adjust temperature setting; check pipe insulation
Excessive smoke	Air restriction/damp wood	Clean firebox; ensure dry fuel; check draft operation
Pressure relief valve leaking	Overpressure/defective valve	Check expansion tank; replace valve if necessary
Pump not running	Power loss/controller issue	Verify electrical connection; check controller settings

Reset Procedure: Power off for 30 seconds, then restart.

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