Another OWB Question

[wannabeonetoo]

Here's a question for OWB operators  :P
I have an OWB (an Empire Deluxe model),it has a good sized water reservoir of about 250gal.
I've had no problems what-so-ever with any part of the unit or system,it's ran each of the 4 last heating seasons ok , what do you  guys think about changing the water ??
I've never even had to add any to top it up  ???
I have in-floor heating so I can see the water still looks clear ( the tubing is exposed going into the manifold and is semi-transparent).
It is a stainless model so I presume no rust should be present to discolour the water.
I add the "chemicals" that are recomended each season (maybe not in a scientific manner, but I still add them  :-[).
Do you think I need to worry about changing the water (too late for this season ;))?
now what do you think about the smoke produced and the environment ??
Is the concern about these stoves all about the "particulate matter" in the smoke ??
If so ;does the particulate not just fall to the ground when the stove is operated out in the "boonies" like mine ,and I'm sure most everyone elses are ??
Or is there something more sinister coming out of our stoves 
Hope y'all will chime in here  ;D
Steve

[Tom Sawyer]

Can't help you with your water question, but as far as pollution, the particulate is only an issue in areas with lots of people that are breathing it.  Out in the boonies it shouldn't be a problem and in fact wood heat is one of the least polluting ways to heat. 

Tom

[OneWithWood]

No need to change the water if it meets specs, and is rust or contaminant free.

[thecfarm]

There's a lot of "talk" about how much each brand puts out for particles.A course the one doing the selling,theirs are better than the others.  : I have a Heatmor and I know mine puts out more than other brands,but my OWB is a very simple design,no computer skills needed to run it and no search on the Internet to figure out how to run it.Maybe we should regulate forest fires too.  : Mine does have 2 blowers in it to get the fire going when it's cycling.That pushes particles and heat up the chimney.Supposedly mine and others burn at a high temperature and burn off any bad gasses.Sounds good to me.I am not worried about it.I've seen my old cook stove smoke more than the Heatmor at times.

[wannabeonetoo]

Sounds good guys....thanks.
  Keep it coming  ;D
Steve