Solid fuel burning appliances, such as wood and pellet stoves, are rated in BTU output. They are designed to heat a specific size area . Determine how much area you are trying to heat and then look at the unit's BTU maximum output to determine if the unit is appropriate for the area. Make sure that the unit can be installed at the location while meeting the required clearances to combustibles. Try to stay away from windows and doors. Also, if you are planning on installing a wood or pellet stove, you need to keep in mind that the floor covering where the stove will be installed needs to be of a non-combustible material. Wood stoves will require a masonry chimney or "Class A" chimney extending to the roof line. The roof pitch and proximity of nearby walls will determine how high the stack will have to be. National code requires that the chimney must be at least 3 feet tall at the point where it penetrates the roof, and the termination needs to be 2ft higher than any structure within 10ft of the termination. The stove manual will specify all required clearances and venting configurations.
Pellet and Gas stoves can be vented through any outside wall, and venting requirements are typically easier to deal with than wood stoves.
If you are having a professional installer do the work, check licensing and credentials. A building permit is most likely required, so check with your town Building Department.
Just as with any other contractor, you should contact a certified installer to do this type of work. Don't assume that every chimney sweep knows how to install a stove. This is very often not the case. You should contract a Certified Sweep or equivalent professional installer.
You are literally playing with fire. Make sure the job is done right.
*Get an estimate with detailed information regarding the type of install, materials that will be used, etc. Each specific unit has specific requirements for installation. Look at the owner's manual and make sure installation requirements are met.
*For your own protection and safety, modern stoves and fireplace inserts have been tested to operate safely and efficiently, when installed according to manufacturer's instructions . It is always best to go with the venting configuration that the manufacturer recommends. Warranties are often void if unit is not installed correctly. Local an National codes will command required clearances to combustibles. Again, check for the manufacturer listed clearances. This information can be found in the unit's manual and/or on the unit itself. If unit is not listed, you must adhere to your local code requirements. Contact your Town Building Department.
*Stoves/Fireplace Inserts and venting are one system together! One cannot work without the other.
Without the proper venting configuration the appliance may not draft correctly, and products of combustion may not exhaust correctly... creating serious problems.
*Venting materials flue diameter should never be smaller than the appliance flue collar, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. Example: A wood stove with a 6" flue collar should be vented with no less than 6" inner flue diameter, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer.
*Products of combustion move upward. Avoid sharp angles and long horizontal runs in your venting configuration. The best draft configuration is the most vertical configuration. There are exceptions, in most cases this is the best venting configuration.
*Never have more than 90 degrees angles in venting ...30 to 45 degrees is best.
*Make sure venting materials are listed for the type of fuel you are intending to burn! Not all venting and lining materials are the same. Each is manufactured and tested according to the specific fuel and unit they are designed to vent. Materials are not interchangeable. Stick with the same venting manufacturer when putting venting materials together.
*Check with your local tow office for required building code. Pull a permit for work to be done. Most insurance companies will want the installation inspected in order to insure you and your home if something goes wrong down the road...pay the small fee and pull the permit!
Do not assume that it will be easy to install the unit yourself. Stoves can weigh 500 pounds or more. Like any other skilled trade, there are special tools required for stove installation. Most likely you will need help carrying the stove, moving it into position, etc. Chimney/stove professionals have tools and machinery that make the job safer and easier.
We encourage you to shop around for the best value, but be wary of very low estimates. Make sure the right materials and installation are being offered.
If you decide to install your stove, we carry all the right venting materials needed for the job at our store.
If you do not possess the right knowledge to do this kind of work, we highly recommend that you choose an experienced professional to perform the installation. For a list of Certified Sweeps in your area check the C.S.I.A website or NFI.
Most importantly, please keep yourself and your family safe!
