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In today’s energy conscious society, new heating systems are being introduced. One such system is an outdoor woodfired boiler. The unit is a freestanding wood burning device that resembles a tool shed with a smoke stack. It is located outside and separate from the space being heated. The system can heat a home, domestic water supply, a barn, greenhouse, swimming pool and or a hot tub.

The alternative, however, may not be appropriate for a residential neighborhood, prompting Fairfield City Council to begin action that will prohibit the structures within the City.

The primary problem is that the height of the boiler’s chimney is lower than that of a typical home. This, along with the dense smoke produced from poor combustion, does not allow the smoke to be adequately dispersed. The low level smoke not only creates a nuisance to nearby property owners, but it also creates the potential for health problems.

Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that these types of boilers emit a significant amount of harmful pollutants that can cause both short-term and long-term health effects such as coughing, difficult or painful breathing, eye and nose irritation, increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disease.