My Englander 24-JC is presently installed in a masonry fireplace by the "direct dump" method. That is, flue gasses come out of the top of the stove and go directly up the chimney without any metal stove pipe; the only thing that seals off the chimney from the interior is fiberglass packed between the back of the cover plate and the front of the fireplace. The chimney is external, and lined with clay fireplace tiles or tubes which seem to be in good shape. The insert works OK now, except it's impossible to open the door without quite a bit of smoke getting into the room - and occasionally it back puffs with significant amount of smoke and noise.
I've heard this is a sub-standard installation method, so I'm considering adding some stove pipe. Why? I'm not sure - safety(?) improved draft(?)
1. Do I need to go all the way to the top of my chimney with the stove pipe, or is part way enough? How much is enough?
2. Is single wall OK, or should I use double wall? Regular steel, or stainless?
My situation is greatly complicated by some kind of heat exchange system - there are several large diameter metal pipes blocking the throat of the fireplace, which will have to be cut out with a saw or torch before any stove pipe can pass through. So, it's going to be a major project ...
3. ... is it worth the effort, or should I live with it, as is?
4. I'm a "Do It Yerselfer" - light electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automotive, etc. - but I'm wondering if this something I should leave to the pros?
5. I guess after more than 10 years of use, I should replace the ceramic catalytic combustor, too?
Thanks,
-gw
I've heard this is a sub-standard installation method, so I'm considering adding some stove pipe. Why? I'm not sure - safety(?) improved draft(?)
1. Do I need to go all the way to the top of my chimney with the stove pipe, or is part way enough? How much is enough?
2. Is single wall OK, or should I use double wall? Regular steel, or stainless?
My situation is greatly complicated by some kind of heat exchange system - there are several large diameter metal pipes blocking the throat of the fireplace, which will have to be cut out with a saw or torch before any stove pipe can pass through. So, it's going to be a major project ...
3. ... is it worth the effort, or should I live with it, as is?
4. I'm a "Do It Yerselfer" - light electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automotive, etc. - but I'm wondering if this something I should leave to the pros?
5. I guess after more than 10 years of use, I should replace the ceramic catalytic combustor, too?
Thanks,
-gw