Currently I have a woodstove that we are using for heat, it is an insert for the fireplace. I am considering buying a pellet stove and removing the woodstove to be able to better regulate the heat, less mess, etc. That being said, I am wondering what I would need to do, what kind of process, it will be to put a pellet stove in it's place. I have heard so many different things, and have read so many "guides" that I am completely confused. Will I be able to use my current chimney for the pellet stove? Is installing a pellet stove a DIY'er type of job? I appreciate the help and information, we are really hoping to get this project going by the end of the month.
Changing the woodstove for a pellet stove
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I'd keep the woodstove right where she's at. Find a nitch and install a freestanding pellet/multifuel stove. Burn the wood eater when you have the time and use the pellet/multifueler to back it up. Plus if you loose power you'll still have some form of heat.
I don't use mine often, But I'm glad its there. The October storm where we lost power for 5 days we would have froze. But the stand by wood eater got us through and we even used it to cook on. Got to have a back up plan IMHO!
I don't use mine often, But I'm glad its there. The October storm where we lost power for 5 days we would have froze. But the stand by wood eater got us through and we even used it to cook on. Got to have a back up plan IMHO!
homemomx4 said:
I'm sure you will get this question, so I'll get things started. What type of fireplace? I assume masonry? How tall is the chimney, and any other information about your current set up?
Here is a typical manual that shows installs for pellet stoves, so you can get an idea of what it takes for an install.
(broken link removed to http://hearthnhome.com/downloads/installManuals/Accentra_Insert.pdf)
If you are handy installs are not that difficult, but check with your home owners insurance company, and local code officials before you dive in.
Take a look at the clearance distances, and compare them to your install. I think it shouldn't be any problem for you, but it better to know what is required just in case.
Others will chime in I'm sure, but this will get things going for you.
Good luck, and glad to help.
I see Jay is here to help as well, so if you decide to take his advice here is a free standing stove manual (click on a pdf manual).
http://enviro.com/fireplace-products/pellet/freestanding-fireplace.html#m55
1D
If you don't have the space to install a freestanding unit as suggested you could go with either an insert of, if you have the clearances, a free-standing on the hearth. With either one you are probably going to have to get at least some sections of pellet vent--the minimum would be to get you above the chamber and into the stack. I'd suggest getting flex liner and taking it to the top of your chimney, You also will have to get a plate to seal around the pellet vent where it goes through your damper. The other thing yu will have to consider iw whether to pull outside air or not. That will depend on you stove and how tight your house is.
St_Earl
Minister of Fire
i need folks to tell me if this is generally true.
but won't you usually have to use more pipe to use the chimney as opposed to just going through the wall?
costs add up quickly the more pipe you add.
plus you'll want easy access to the pipe for cleaning.
i wish i had full clearance between my windows and didn't have to run the pipe up a foot above them.
that means i have to be on a ladder outside to use my linteater.
i could have gone out then up. and had the cleanout tee outside. but i do prefer the up then out logic of being able to use the same hole with a different stove if it ever comes to that.
i'm just glad i don't have to get on my roof to clean the flue.
having a metal roof kind of precludes that activity anyway.
and i would love to have a wood stove back up.
if you already have one, i'd have to agree w/ j-takeman. keep it if you can.
but won't you usually have to use more pipe to use the chimney as opposed to just going through the wall?
costs add up quickly the more pipe you add.
plus you'll want easy access to the pipe for cleaning.
i wish i had full clearance between my windows and didn't have to run the pipe up a foot above them.
that means i have to be on a ladder outside to use my linteater.
i could have gone out then up. and had the cleanout tee outside. but i do prefer the up then out logic of being able to use the same hole with a different stove if it ever comes to that.
i'm just glad i don't have to get on my roof to clean the flue.
having a metal roof kind of precludes that activity anyway.
and i would love to have a wood stove back up.
if you already have one, i'd have to agree w/ j-takeman. keep it if you can.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions so far. My woodstove is a BetterN' Bens model that does not have a vertical stovepipe, it has the fireplace insert attached at the back and the smoke through that and up through the regular house chimney (brick). The fireplace itself is brick. So I am not sure what I would need to do about chimney pipe for the pellet stove. One source was making me think that I would have to run stove pipe up the current chimney or have it professionally lined (?).
As much as I would like to keep both the woodstove and just add the pellet stove, there is no practical spot to put it. I was originally thinking of doing that, since I have family with a freestanding pellet stove that would be perfect, but I just don't have a spot for it.
As much as I would like to keep both the woodstove and just add the pellet stove, there is no practical spot to put it. I was originally thinking of doing that, since I have family with a freestanding pellet stove that would be perfect, but I just don't have a spot for it.
St_Earl
Minister of Fire
homemomx4 said:
ha. i was wondering if you might be in maine.
here's the contact info for the guy who did my install.
he's licensed and insured.
i thought he did a great job.
he was subbing out for mcveety's in bangor where i bought my stove.
dan byram
207 659 2676
new england hearth service.
installation -service -rebuilds
pellet-gas-wood
i think knowing what i know now, i would probably do a freestanding install myself.
but i have no idea what all a chimney job entails.
[email protected]
he may be able to advise even if you just need help for a diy install.
There have been some inserts that I have seen here that are built into an outside wall that has been extended out enough to accommodate the bulk of the unit with only the part that would extend out of the fireplace extending into the living space. It's more work but it let's you put one where you couldn't put a freestanding unit.
I have done 5 stoves, all inserts and they are a piece of cake. Live in a small city, don't like to or have the place to cut wood, spend the summer boating.
Exhaust pipe wise, a 5'-6' piece is all you need UNLESS you want an OAK (Outside Air Kit), mine has it the others elected not to do it and they are as happy with their stove's as I am mine.
Exhaust pipe wise, a 5'-6' piece is all you need UNLESS you want an OAK (Outside Air Kit), mine has it the others elected not to do it and they are as happy with their stove's as I am mine.
j-takeman said:
I'd second this... Especially if you have woodlands on your property or you have access to some cheap/free wood. I have jack squat on my property, so I use and love my pellet stove.
Look into sticking one somewhere if you can.
On second thought if you have to pay for wood, I'd probably just get rid of it. Pellets can be easier stored than wood too.
Combine j-takeman's keep the wood insert suggestion with DBCOOPER's suggestion about a a bump out to install an insert into.
The goal with this is to provide a backup source of heat when the power is out provided your insert doesn't need power.
The goal with this is to provide a backup source of heat when the power is out provided your insert doesn't need power.
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