A wood-burning stove is a great way to heat a room without increasing your energy bill. Wood stoves provide a cozy fire from a renewable, inexpensive energy source, making them the perfect choice for the environmentally-conscious family. For the purposes of safety, when installing a stove, be sure to observe local building and installation requirements. However, we've put together a list of instructions to get you started. Remember that the steps in this article are generalized and you should always refer to your specific product's owner's manual when installing.
Wood Stoves are Generally Simple to Install
Because wood-burning stoves don't require an existing chimney or wall framing to install, it makes them an excellent choice for upgrading spaces like a cabin or lodge. You may have to sacrifice some floor space to accommodate them, but the low-maintenance installation is worth the space it takes to have a wood stove in your home. Similar to pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves are an excellent option for adding the ambiance of a wood flame without the trouble of installing an entire fireplace.
Where to Place Your Wood Stove
To make installation easy, designate a location in your house for your stove well in advance of when you plan to buy it. Generally, you'll want the stove on the first floor of your house where you spend most of your time. It is best located where family and guests can enjoy it and where it will provide the best benefit as a heating source. In most cases, a central location is best for a wood stove because this allows the heat to circulate through the entire area. To further maximize the efficiency of your wood stove, try to pick a spot in a room with good insulation so that the heat from the stove is not lost through the walls or windows.
Remember to Observe Your Stove's Clearance When Picking a Suitable Spot.
Wood stoves can get very hot during use. The radiating heat from the stove can pose a potential fire hazard to nearby walls and furniture, so wood stoves generally have a specified clearance - a minimum safe distance between the stove and nearby floors and walls. Your stove clearance can depend on many things such as where you live, whether your home's floors and walls are combustible, and the type and size of wood stove you have. If in doubt about your stove's clearance rating, contact your stove's manufacturer. Also keep in mind that your wood stove will require a chimney, and you should take this into account when choosing a place for your stove.
How to Protect Your Floor and Walls
Non-combustible floor pads are essential for safe wood stove operation, as they ensure that any stray sparks or embers that fall from the stove will only come into contact with the pad, not the floor, reducing the risk of fire. Floor pads are especially crucial for houses with wood or carpeted floors. You will want to lay a non-combustible floor pad in the spot where your stove will be. This non-combustible pad could be made of brick, ceramic tile, concrete or another noncombustible substance.
In addition, you should add a heat shield to protect your walls and reduce the risk of damage or fire. Heat shields are often made of sheet metal, which is relatively simple to lay over existing walls. Check your local building codes to find out whether any special permission is needed to mount the shield as well as any other related clearance requirements.
How to Ventilate a Wood Stove
Like all wood-burning appliances, wood stoves require venting to operate safely. A well-functioning chimney is absolutely crucial for getting the most out of your wood stove, as it will carry smoke and sediment safely outside of your home. The chimney should be well insulated and made of a non-combustible material.
You May Consider Hiring a Professional to Install and Inspect Your Stove.
Installed properly, wood stoves can be a wonderful addition to your home, but when installed improperly, they can be a hassle and even a potential hazard. If you encounter any problems while installing your wood stove or you are unsure of how to proceed safely, seek the help of a professional. The safety of your home and family is well worth the small expense of hiring outside professional help.
Need More Assistance?
Most wood stove installations should be a straightforward process if you remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. However, If you still need help, our product specialists are just a call away! Give us a call Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time to speak with a member of the team, or contact us at any time via our website. While we wonât be able to install your stove for you, we do have knowledgeable professionals who can help get you through any stumbling blocks you may have as you work through your installation.
