Installing Pellet Stove Insert w/o Fireplace

[Mojo]

Hi Guys,

I've been a long time reader and never had real occasion to post. I've just finished up a 1500 sq ft shop. As we go into the winter, I'm looking to get heat into the place. I've got a line on a good used pellet stove. However, it's a stove insert (intended to be installed into a fireplace). Aside from the asthetic differences between an insert and a stand alone unit, is there any reason an insert wouldn't work as a stand alone if put up on a solid, secure, fireproof base? I know that it's likely not acceptable per building code, but that aside, any issues?

Thanks,

T.

 

[krooser]

I heat my house with a pellet stove... what a great invention.

Mine's free standing but I would think an insert unit would work fine as long as you be sure to follow mfg's recommedations on clearances to combustibles, etc.

You can vent right out the wall without a problem, too. I used the pellet stove vent pipe that uses outside air for combustion... works great!

I frequent one of the popular pellet stove boards at www.hearth.com .
Warning... some of these guys are afraid of their own shadow so don't expect them to be eager to help with a non-standard install!

 

[nonhog]

I heated a shop years back with a pellet stove and it was o.k.
they work great in a house where they heat a room at a time but this one took forever to heat a 24x30 shop with 10' walls . It was only good after 3 or 4 hours . Food for thought .

 

[MAD]

Hi Guys,

I've been a long time reader and never had real occasion to post. I've just finished up a 1500 sq ft shop. As we go into the winter, I'm looking to get heat into the place. I've got a line on a good used pellet stove. However, it's a stove insert (intended to be installed into a fireplace). Aside from the asthetic differences between an insert and a stand alone unit, is there any reason an insert wouldn't work as a stand alone if put up on a solid, secure, fireproof base? I know that it's likely not acceptable per building code, but that aside, any issues?

Thanks,

T.

Some manufacturers make a kit for their pellet inserts to allow them to be installed in a regular wall. I think these are called a "zero clearance kit" or something similar.

 

[skinanbones]

If the building isn't insured and you can't get a zero-clearance kit for your insert I would just used PL vent ( pellet vent ) and go up five feet and take it through the wall. If your insuring the building and your insurance company want it inspected, the insert will have to be in a full fireplace to be legal.
I know stoves are hard to come by right now as i sell pellet products, and i don't see anything wrong with an insert by itself, it just that it's only way it was certifed by the manufacter was with a stone or brick fireplace around it.
The only issue with a insert is you don't normally get a ash pan system with them so you may have to use your shop vac every couple day to clean out the insides, but other then that an insert and freestanding stove are mechanically the same

 

[clueless]

frind of mine bought a fireplace insert for coal,and converted it to a freestanding stove for the basement.works like a champ!we used well casing to convert from the oval outlet to the stove pipe.works great so far.

 

[NRChopshop]

Just how safe is a pellet stove? I bought a house in July and within the last few weeks have had to start using the electric baseboard heaters, however it does have a 2 year old Pellet stove in the basement which the previous owner swore by. I've never used one and am curious as to just how efficient it is?

 

[Junkman]

efficient and safe are two different issues. I have a pellet stove and it is very safe, but my home owners insurance was canceled since I wasn't at home and the stove would be running. The next insurance company didn't have a problem with that. I find that it is efficient using 1 bag of pellets a day, but since pellet prices have skyrocketed, it is on par with oil. $3.00 a gallon vs. $6.00 for a bag of pellets. Oil is less work..