When it comes to burning wood, the conversation should begin and end with “do I have the right wood-burning stove?” But if you don’t have a chimney to begin with, you’re probably wondering if any sort of stove is even possible?
Before we dig in, let’s get into the main benefits of having a wood stove in your home.
Benefits of a Wood Stove
First, it’s important to understand the benefits of a wood stove. The primary advantage of having a wood burning stove is the use of logs, which emit less noxious fumes than other fuel sources. Because stoves are more open than most fireplaces, there is commonly better venting. Wood burning stoves are more EPA friendly.
Ventilation can be hampered if there is a combustible wall in the fireplace. A hot fire can quickly accumulate creosote in the flue area.
Even if you have an existing fireplace, a fire stove might be the better option. A wood fire is environmentally friendly and safe to use.
Getting soot accumulation or flue gases in your open fireplace can lead to all kinds of problems for your home including causing smoke damage to floors and other parts of the building.
Getting a Wood Stove Without a Chimney
It is possible to have a woodstove without a chimney, but you will likely need to install a twin wall flue system that bends through the ceilings.
Wood Stove Installation
Hiring a wood stove installer will help you get the work done fast and professionally. They can help you install everything from a freestanding stove to a twin wall flue system.
The secret to installing a wood burner without a chimney is a dual wall flue system. Simply said, it is a network of interconnected stainless steel pipes that can transport stove fumes outdoors. They are made up of a stainless steel pipe that has been covered in substantial insulation and is surrounded by a second outer tube. This keeps the temperature within the flue warm enough for the gasses to flow through the stove pipe and exit.
Where to Place a Wood Stove in Your Home
One of the most essential considerations is where to place a new wood stove in your home. One of the factors to examine is the availability of space. The most essential item, however, is that your stove is situated securely away from anything combustible, such as flammable floors, furniture, or walls. This safeguard ensures that a stray spark does not cause harm to your home. For example, you don’t want your stove to be too close to any potentially flammable furniture.
What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Stove
When choosing a wood stove, consider the size of the room and the size of the stove. The room will become hot if your stove is too large. If the stove is too tiny, you’ll find yourself crowded over it, unable to enjoy the rest of the room.
The placement of your wood stove is critical. It is preferable to place the stove in a well-insulated room, which rules out the basement, which is generally a less-insulated section of the property. Install your stove in a room on your main level.
Wood stoves operate best in the center of a room because heat radiates outwards from the stove.
Situate Your Wood Burner Without a Chimney
When it comes to fitting or situating your wood burner, it’s always wise to hire skilled labor. They will require the necessary components including a heat shield, a vent pipe, hearth, and any inserts. All components need to meet the National Fire Protection Association standards.
Professionals will also ensure that your flooring meets building codes and is not hazardous should there be an open fire getting out of control, causing sparks.
A professional installer can also help you lower the materials cost, saving you time and money.
Considerations for Twin-Wall Flue Pipe System
Your twin-wall flue pipe system may require certain regulations to fit and function properly.
The length of your system should not have an excess of four bends, and none of them should exceed a 45-degree angle, except for the connection to the stove.
Make sure that your stove pipe is safely away from hazardous materials that could cause combustion.
What is a Flue Liner and Why is it Important?
A flue liner is a flexible stainless steel tube that goes up the interior of your chimney, transporting gasses up instead of directly into it.
Although it is not a legal necessity to install a flue liner for a woodburning stove, most stove installers would recommend it since it may be difficult to assess the quality and potential performance of the chimney simply by looking at it. Certain testing can be performed, but most installers will not sign off on a work unless a liner has been placed since they are responsible. If you self-install and choose not to lining the chimney, you must convince the building inspector who signs off on the project that the chimney is acceptable and up to standard.
Wood burning stoves can still be fitted with an air vent to allow proper ventilation.
Wood Burning Stove Without a Chimney
Installing a wood burning stove without a chimney is actually possible, and it’s a great option for families looking to have safe, wood-burning fires. Regardless of the square feet of your home, a wood burning stove is likely possible. You can also place a wood burning stove outside of the building.
The key with any stove or fireplace is to keep it clean. For more information, see Do I Need to Clean an Unused Fireplace?
