How to setup a wood stove

[lewiswhite]

Hi :
I have a procedural question about installing a wood stove, along with constructing a new home. I recently moved into my new house, I have a two story house. I recently buy a wood stove for myself and Assume I know nothing because that is true! By the way, I've been reading this forum non-stop for the last hour and am super impressed with both the depth of knowledge and friendly behavior here. I plan to stick around!

 

[KneeGrinder]

What is your questions? I assume it will be more than one=

I use wood only to heat my home.

 

[Linctex]

Definitely need to check local codes.

Insurance companies often won't cover house damage with an improper stove install, even if the stove was NOT to blame

 

[Kira]

If you have space around your house I suggest using some of it to ensure your wood is seasoned.

I know a guy who let things go until the last minute and burned wet wood. Besides quadrupling the flew pipe cleanings, the wet smoke became acidic and corrosive. This led to said acids piercing his flew pipe, easily reaching the cinder block exterior work, several chimney fires and finally, replacement of his chimney with stainless segmented pipe from Selkirk, NY.

He has always been a "last minute queen" who has the space to let wood (either cut himself or bought) sit ahead of time and he didn't.

 

[OldSparks]

A nice, straight stainless steel chimney, double-wall insulated will go a long way to make sure you have good draft.

https://woodheat.org/all-about-chimneys.html

There is a yahoo group to discuss woodheating at

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/woodheat

 

[ET16]

I would hire a professional chimney sweep or other professional to install.

 

[Snagglefoot]

- get a copy of the required clearances around the stove and make sure you have enough room to meet them.

- depending on your area, you will probably have to get a building permit to do the installation. It might also require an inspection or two. Mine required two inspections. Once before the chimney was covered up inside the wall/through the attic and one after it was all done. They looked at the spec sheet to make sure the clearances were met.

- in mine they wanted double wall insulated stainless steel when going through the attic and or second floor. The exposed pipe was black steel.

- The top of the stove pipe will probably have to be higher than the peak of the house. Take into account how goofy the pipe will look if it exits a long way from the peak.

- phone your insurance company to let them know what your plans are. They might ask you if this will be a professional installation or do it yourself situation They will want a slightly higher premium. ( not a show stopper).

- I really like my wood stove and use it all winter. It's located in my basement. My furnace has a program in my thermostat to circulate the air for twenty percent of the time , circulating the warm air from the basement back up through the house.

- Do everything to code and maybe consider a professional chimney installation.

- Take some time to consider the decorating in the area behind the stove. I used designer stone. (Artificial stone). You'll get fewer arguments if you take into consideration the thickness of the stone when you plan the clearance even though the stone is non combustible,

- The cost of a proper chimney will be quite a bit, so budget for it, Good luck.

 

[JLawrence08648]

New house? Put an insulated air duct from the outside to the front of the stove. The stove needs air and will use warm air inside of the house for combustion.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Originally Posted by JLawrence08648
New house? Put an insulated air duct from the outside to the front of the stove. The stove needs air and will use warm air inside of the house for combustion.


+1.

If your wood stove is a high efficiency one, it has a duct underneath or behind to pipe in cold air. Well worth the effort.

 

[OldSparks]

Originally Posted by JLawrence08648
New house? Put an insulated air duct from the outside to the front of the stove. The stove needs air and will use warm air inside of the house for combustion.


The link I provide also has information about make up air:

https://woodheat.org/the-outdoor-air-myth-exposed.html

 

[cheech279]

Originally Posted by ET16
I would hire a professional chimney sweep or other professional to install.


+1. This way you know it's done right, and your homeowners insurance company won't be able to stick it to you in the event of a related claim. Also, even on a new home, regular chimney cleanings are wise down the road.

 

[andyd]

If the house isn't built yet , a 2 flue, central masonry chimney is the way to go, Anything else is in-efficient and requires constant attention.to keep safe. My son bought a house with a "legal system" It managed to set the roof on fire, resulting in a total loss. Luckily, he was heavily insured.