Installing a pellet stove can be an efficient and cost-effective way to add supplemental heat to your home. These modern heating appliances burn compressed wood pellets, providing a renewable and environmentally friendly heating option. While professional installation is recommended, some DIYers with moderate carpentry skills may be able to tackle the project themselves. In this article, we’ll explore the process of installing a pellet stove, including important considerations and step-by-step instructions. In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey also demonstrates the installation process.
How Pellet Stoves Work
Pellet stoves operate by automatically feeding wood pellets from a hopper into a burn pot. The pellets are ignited, and a fan circulates the heated air throughout the room. The stove’s thermostat controls the rate at which pellets are fed into the burn pot, maintaining a consistent temperature.
Benefits of Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves offer numerous benefits for homeowners, including:
- High-efficiency heating equates to cost savings
- Convenient fuel storage
- Automatic operation
- Reduced fire risk compared to traditional wood stoves
- Environmentally friendly: uses recycled fuel and has low emissions
Preparing for Pellet Stove Installation
Before installing a pellet stove, you’ll first need to prepare your home and gather the necessary materials.
Choosing the Right Location
Select a location for your pellet stove that allows for proper ventilation and heat distribution. Consider the following factors:
- Proximity to combustible materials: Is there anything nearby that can catch fire easily?
- Access to electrical outlets: Will it be easy to plug in?
- Heat distribution throughout the living space: Will it heat only one room, or will it provide heat to nearby rooms?
- Available space and clearance: Do you have enough room to place it and vent outside?
- Easy access for maintenance: Will you be able to reach any area of the stove for maintenance and repairs?
Gathering Materials and Tools
To install a pellet stove, you’ll also need the following tools and materials on hand:
- Drill with long 3/8-inch bit
- Fireproof floor pad
- Level
- Pellet stove
- Pellet vent pipe
- Reciprocating saw
- Screwdriver
- Silicone caulk
- Tape measure
- Wall thimble
Pellet Stove Installation
While installing a pellet stove can be completed by skilled DIYers, it’s important to follow manufacturer instructions and local building codes carefully. Make sure to familiarize yourself with both before beginning the installation.
1. Set the Base
Begin by placing a fireproof floor pad in the chosen location. This pad protects the floor from heat and provides a stable base for the stove. Ensure the pad is level and meets the manufacturer’s size requirements.
2. Position the Stove
Place the pellet stove on the floor pad, maintaining proper clearances from combustible surfaces. Trethewey notes that many pellet stoves require only three inches of clearance, significantly less than traditional wood stoves. However, always refer to the specific recommendations for your stove model.
3. Vent the Stove
Proper venting is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of your pellet stove. Follow these steps to install the vent:
- Temporarily attach the vent pipe to the stove, then bore a ⅜-inch pilot hole through the exterior house wall. Align the hole with the edge of the vent pipe.
- Trace the vent pipe outline onto the wall, then remove the pipe from the stove.
- Use large dividers to mark the diameter of the interior wall thimble onto the wall.
- Place the divider in the middle of the vent-pipe outline, then scribe a circle onto the wall.
- Cut along the large outer circle with a reciprocating saw.
- Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to cut a matching hole through the exterior house wall.
- Hold the exterior wall thimble in place and mark where it contacts the house siding.
- Use a reciprocating saw to cut slots into the siding at each mark.
- Wrap fireproof insulation around the pipe that passes through the thimble.
- Press the exterior wall thimble against the wall, making sure it fits into the slots cut in the siding. Screw the thimble to the siding.
- Attach the elbow and screen to the end of the vent pipe.
4. Install the Fresh Air Intake
Most pellet stoves require a separate fresh air intake for combustion.
- Bore a 2½-inch hole through the exterior house wall for the fresh-air intake vent. Be sure to locate the hole at least 12 inches away from the exhaust vent pipe.
- Drill a matching 2½-inch hole through the interior wall.
- Feed a 2-inch-diameter flexible aluminum intake vent through the exterior hole and into the room.
- Screw the mounting flange on the flexible vent to the siding.
- Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the 2-inch vent where it passes through the interior wall.
- Slide the mounting plate flush against the wall, then secure it with four screws.
- Use high-heat silicone caulk to seal all connections to the vent pipe. Connect the exhaust pipe to the rear of the stove.
- Connect the intake vent to the rear of the stove. Tighten the hose-clamp connection using a nut driver.
- Attach an elbow to the end of the exhaust vent, then connect it to the interior wall thimble. Screw the elbow to the vent pipe.
- Plug in the stove’s power cord, fill the stove’s hopper with wood pellets and check then the stove’s operation.
Electrical Connections
Pellet stoves require electricity to operate fans and controls. Ensure that you have a properly grounded electrical outlet nearby. If necessary, have a licensed electrician install a new outlet for the stove.
Ensuring Proper Seals and Insulation
Sealing and insulating parts of the stove and vent system is crucial for efficiency and safety. Make sure to:
- Apply silicone caulk to all pipe joints and exterior seals
- Ensure the thimble fits tightly to prevent drafts
- Check that all connections are secure
Pellet Stove: Safety Considerations
Following these safety guidelines ensures that your stove operates efficiently and minimizes risks to your home and family.
Clearances and Ventilation
Maintain proper clearances between the stove and combustible materials. Ensure that the vent pipe is installed according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes. Proper clearance helps in avoiding accidental fires and ensures optimal airflow and ventilation.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and near sleeping areas. While pellet stoves are generally very safe, these detectors provide an extra layer of protection against potential carbon monoxide leaks. Safety measures like these should never be overlooked.
Regular Maintenance
Perform regular maintenance on your pellet stove to ensure safe and efficient operation. Maintenance routines help in prolonging the life of the stove and prevent unexpected breakdowns:
- Clean the burn pot and ash pan regularly
- Have the stove professionally serviced at least once a year
- Inspect and clean the vent pipe annually
- Replace any worn-out parts as needed
Operating Your Pellet Stove
Once installed, operating your pellet stove is relatively simple. Understanding how to use and maintain your stove enhances its efficiency.
Loading Pellets
Fill the hopper with high-quality wood pellets. Pellets are typically available in 40-pound bags and are made from compressed sawdust and wood byproducts. Handling these pellets is straightforward and clean, contributing to the overall convenience of using a pellet stove.
Setting the Thermostat
Most pellet stoves feature a built-in thermostat. Set your desired temperature, and the stove will automatically adjust its heat output to maintain that temperature. This functionality makes it easy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without constant manual adjustments.
Monitoring Performance
Keep an eye on your stove’s performance. If you notice any unusual noises, smells, or a decrease in heating efficiency, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance. Regular monitoring allows you to catch issues early before they develop into significant problems.
Enhancing Efficiency
Pellet stoves are typically energy-efficient appliances. According to Energy.gov, pellet stoves are the cleanest solid fuel and produce little pollution. Still, there are a few additional steps you can take to enhance the efficiency of your pellet stove, such as:
- Use only high-quality, low-ash pellets to reduce residue buildup
- Regularly check and clean filters and vents to ensure proper airflow
- Adjust the feed rate according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal performance
