Winter can be a difficult time, even more so with today’s energy prices. Learning how to install a pellet stove will help you cope sustainably.
Considering the levels that are reaching the energy prices and the climate impact that is assuming its massive use, especially when it comes to heating systems, it is perfectly understandable to look for alternatives. In this situation, biomass is one of the most sustainable and efficient fuels, so it is always a good time to learn how to install pellet stoves.
If you already have a heating system at home, you probably do not need it, although the truth is that more and more people are turning to this type of energy to cope with the winter. Learning how to install pellet stoves is not complicated, so if you are thinking about taking the step, here we are to help you and explain how to do it.
How to install pellet stoves
When it comes to understanding how to install pellet stoves, you should consider certain aspects starting from the planning of the process. Before making the purchase, it is important that you think about where you will install it, how to evacuate the smoke and what will be the oxygen input, which is essential.
On the other hand, once you have planned the installation, the choice of materials becomes very important, as well as certain factors in the installation, such as the assembly of the ducts or the necessary protections. Here are some recommendations on how to install pellet stoves taking into account all these issues.
Always use approved materials for this purpose.
Any installation that can minimally affect the safety of your home requires careful attention to materials. In this sense, the approval of all the components used is essential, especially when we refer to the ducts, as they must withstand high temperatures, as well as the rest of the pellet stove.
In addition, it is also essential that the joints between parts are watertight and that there is insulation in the exterior assemblies, otherwise condensation may appear at low temperatures when the smoke cools down.
Where should you install a pellet stove?
And, when it comes to avoiding risks, the location is an essential question about how to install pellet stoves. Generally, manufacturers clearly indicate the distances to be maintained in the placement in order to avoid possible fires due to overheating in furniture, walls or curtains. However, the minimum recommended space is one meter at the front and half a meter at the sides.
Avoids smoke evacuation through the facade
The smoke evacuation must be clean and unidirectional. If with the use of a pellet stove there is a minimal leakage of smoke into your home, it means that there has been an error in the installation. Beyond the laws of each locality, which strictly prohibit it, we must never evacuate smoke through the facade, as it would return to the interior.
In addition, internal and external obstacles for the exit of the smoke are totally inadvisable. It is a question of launching the flue in a direct, vertical way and without elbows as far as possible – in no case use more than three -, and watch that in the exterior there is no obstacle at less than 10 meters from the chimney, which must protrude about 50 centimeters from the highest point on the roof.
Don’t forget the oxygen inlet
The oxygen intake that allows the combustion of pellets inside the stove is as important as the evacuation. The most advisable, for efficiency and safety, is that the compartment is airtight and gets the air from the outside through another duct, although there are models that take oxygen from inside the house, in which case it is necessary an adequate ventilation.
Protects the chimney overhang
We must not forget the external materials in the installation of pellet stoves. Although they are less visible and we handle them to a lesser extent, they are just as important as the internal components. Thus, safety is once again the most important factor in the operation of these heating systems.
With just one element, the chimney cap, you will eliminate two very common weather-related risks: if it rains, water will not enter the chimney and, more importantly, if it is windy, the smoke will not go into the house through the ducts.
Take advantage of a masonry chimney to install your pellet stove
Finally, within our list of tips on how to install pellet stoves, we also offer a suggestion that will greatly facilitate the process and offer better results at all levels, both practical and aesthetic: if you have the possibility to take advantage of a previous installation, do not hesitate to do so.
What do we mean? If your home has a metal, concrete or masonry chimney -the best option-, you can use it to place the pellet stove inside and take advantage of the evacuation ducts. Of course, when its diameter is greater than 18 centimeters you must install the stove’s own pipes, but the route and perforations are already done!
Advantages of knowing how to install pellet stoves
If you know how to install pellet stoves, the first advantage is obvious: you can save on labor by performing this task with your own hands. But beware, the savings do not end there, as it is one of the most economical heating systems on the market. If to this we add that you will take care of the environment with it, the benefit is obvious.
On the other hand, one of the most common reluctance when installing any heating system that uses fire is safety: with the pellet stove you will not have this problem, as it is a safe system.
It also wins integers to evacuate all fumes completely, which means that it is healthier than other alternatives. Finally, the durability of the evacuation system and the installation itself is another great advantage of knowing how to install pellet stoves.
