As with any burning of alternative fuels as a heat source, an outdoor boiler will not run itself!
Outdoor hot water furnaces require owner operations which include:
Following proper maintenance procedures as outlined in the owner's manual.

Daily Operation For Wood (Conventional, EPA) & Wood / Coal Boilers Include:
1) ideally stoking the outdoor boiler twice a day for a more efficient burn, with less smoke.
Burning time is dependant on how the outdoor furnace was sized for the heating demand, how
much and the quality of the wood that is loaded into the boiler and the current heating demand.

2) adjusting the combustion fan for any changes in the fuel for optimal fuel combustion.

3) check the outdoor boiler operating temperature & heat transfer fluid level.

Weekly Operation For Wood Outdoor Boilers Include:
1) removal of ashes & cleaning the unit as necessary.

Semi-anuall Operation For Wood Outdoor Boilers Include:
1) servicing combustion fan(s) & dampers.
2) checking boiler piping and connections to underground piping for leaks.

Anuall Shut Down For Wood Outdoor Boilers Include:
1) complete removal of ashes & cleaning the unit.
2) shut valves off at boiler to underground piping.
3) ensuring the chimney cap is in place so no mosture can enter the the boiler.
4) one manufacturer recomends the spraying of a coat of oil on the interior of the combustion
chamber and heat exchanger of the interior of the boiler to protect against corrosion.