WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WE ASK ABOUT THE INSTALLATION OF A PELLET STOVE
Although they are now quite common products, when it comes to pellet stoves, questions regarding the chimney and installation are still plentiful. In this article, we have selected the most frequent ones that have been asked over the years.
The answers provided below have been elaborated based on the current regulations in force in Italy, which is UNI 10683:2012, titled "Heat generators powered by wood or other solid fuels. Verification, installation, control, and maintenance."
1. CAN THE FLUE OF A PELLET STOVE HAVE HORIZONTAL SECTIONS?
When discussing chimney systems, it's essential to remember that the term "chimney" should be reserved for the insulated pipe that exits the roof and extends vertically to the chimney stack, while the section starting from the stove is referred to as the "flue pipe" or "smoke connector," which can have an irregular path. The combination of the chimney and the flue pipe is called the "flue system."
So, the question would be: can the flue pipe of a pellet stove have horizontal sections?
The answer is: yes, but with limitations.
The flue pipe should always have a slight slope (a minimum of 3° is recommended). However, the semi-horizontal section should not exceed 4 meters.
2. CAN I ATTACH THE PIPE OF A PELLET STOVE TO AN EXISTING CHIMNEY?
Yes, but.
It often happens, especially during renovations, to find a masonry chimney and want to reuse it for the new pellet stove. First of all, it will need to be checked with the appropriate tools. If the chimney technician's inspection is positive, the stove can be easily connected to the old chimney and the fumes can be vented through it.
If, however, the chimney turns out to be blocked or unusable, there may still be a solution to use it. For example, a pipe can be passed through the old chimney, thus saving the expense of having to build a new one from scratch.
3. HOW MUCH DOES THE CHIMNEY COST FOR A PELLET STOVE?
It depends.
The cost varies greatly because it depends on one hand on the type and materials used to build the chimney itself, and on the other hand on the installation situation and necessary work. We recommend contacting the installer to get a precise idea of the costs.
4. CAN I CONNECT THE PELLET STOVE TO THE BOILER'S FLUE? CAN I CONNECT TWO PELLET STOVES TO THE SAME FLUE?
No.
Regulations expressly prohibit collective chimneys and the conveyance of other appliances inside the flue pipe/chimney. Each appliance must have its own chimney connected to the chimney stack.
What are the risks if you connect the flue outlets of multiple appliances in the same chimney? First of all, in case of inspection, fines are imposed because such an installation is illegal.
Technically, know that if the appliances are lit one by one, separately, nothing may happen. However, if they are operated simultaneously, the draft immediately decreases, risking dangerous smoke backflow into the house.
5. CAN I INSTALL A PELLET STOVE WITHOUT A FLUE?
No.
Beware of those who propose a pellet stove without connection to the chimney, with smoke disposal limited to a hole in the wall. This type of installation is non-compliant and harmful to health, the environment, and the proper functioning of the product itself.
When you see a photo of a beautiful stove like this one (it's the MCZ Club), which appears to be without a chimney, don't forget that the smoke outlet may also be at the back of the product. The chimney in this case has been built outside the house, a more discreet solution, but still functional.
