Pellet Stove Installation

Pellet Stove Installation Tips

The biggest decision you need to make after purchasing a pellet stove is whether to install it yourself or have it professionally installed. If you are pretty handy, you may want to save yourself a few hundred dollars and do it yourself.

But if you are unsure about your abilities, I'd highly recommend allowing the company you purchased the stove from to install it for you. This may set you back anywhere from $200 -$400, but you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your pellet stove was installed correctly and is working properly.

If you bought the stove online, you can do a quick check of the stores in your hometown that sell pellet stoves, and I'm sure you won't have a problem finding someone that will install it for you. Or you can always try locating a professional handyman that is experienced with installing pellet stoves.

But if you decide to go it alone, the first and most important rule of pellet stove installation is to meticulously follow the manufacturers instructions.

If you purchased a freestanding pellet stove, you'll need to make sure the stove is centrally located to ensure the heat is more evenly distributed throughout the spaces you want heated. Pay close attention to the manufacturers guidelines regarding the placement of the unit.

The stove may need to be set a certain distance away from the walls for the stove to work with maximum efficiency.

If the pellet stove is being installed in an older house, you'll need to make sure the floor is able to withstand the weight of the stove and the hopper when it is completely full with pellets. The largest hoppers hold up to 85 pounds of pellets.

Another important guideline is that pellets stoves should never be direct vented. In almost all cases, direct venting will result in exterior area damage in the areas where the stove is vented. Venting a pellet stove straight up through to the roof is always the safest bet.

Providing ventilation for a pellet stove is fortunately a relatively simple process. Pellet stoves are vented with Class L chimneys, which have galvanized aluminum exteriors and stainless steel interiors.

It is also possible to use existing masonry to install the ventilation for a new pellet stove provided a PL vent or approved chimney liner is used.

The installation guidelines will also guide you on using the right size diameter vent to use with your new pellet stove.

Double check to make sure the vent is not placed near windows, doors, or walkways where people can potentially or accidentally contact.

The floor where the pellet stove is going to be placed is also going to need protection. The manufacturer will again guide you in this part of the installation. They will guide on what flooring types are necessary and let you know the minimum floor size that needs to be protected. The flooring will also need protection against damage from hot embers and burning.

You need to make certain there is a volt outlet for electrical power. Also, closely read the manufacturers guidelines in regard to ground, voltage, and polarity requirements.

Pellet stove installation can turn into a thorny process, so if your run into problem it’s best to contact a service professional.