Improper installation of wood stove inserts can result in a house fire and cause greater pollution. If a stove isn’t installed properly, it can also affect the draft of the stove (i.e., ability to draw combustion air and expel
exhaust).

Proper draft is critical to reducing pollution and maintaining high efficiency.

Before having your wood stove installed, be sure to check with local authorities regarding building codes and permits, and notify your fire insurance company.

The following tips discuss the importance of proper installation.

What You Should DO to ensure proper installation of your wood stove inserts:

• DO have your wood stove inserts professionally installed by a certified installer.

A certified installer can determine the proper
draft for your stove, make sure all the seals are tight,
and ensure that your stove is installed with all safety
measures in mind.

• DO consult a certified installer about the need for a flue liner in your masonry chimney.

Lining the chimney can help maintain proper draft
and prevent icing, which can block your chimney.

• DO use the manufacturer’s recommended flue diameter.

An improperly sized flue will not provide the
draft needed to operate the stove. Also, smoke may leak
into your house through the air inlets without proper
draft.

• DO make certain that all seals connecting the stove to the flue, and within the flue, are as tight as possible.

Tight seals will prevent smoke from leaking into
your house and contribute to good draft.