Do Pellet Stoves Need A Chimney?

If you've been thinking about installing a stove or a fireplace, there can be one big problem. Having to install a chimney to vent your fireplace correctly can be enough to deter anyone. As a result, maybe you're considering a pellet stove instead. Do pellet stoves still need a chimney? We've checked with fireplace specialists for all you need to know.
Pellet stoves do not need a chimney. They require a way to vent the exhaust from the stove outdoors - but this can be done directly out of a nearby wall. If you already have a chimney, you can still use it. It's possible to hook your pellet stove up to vent through a chimney, but it isn't necessary.
Keep reading, and we'll explain the right way to vent your pellet stove. We'll cover the most important things to keep in mind when deciding how to vent your stove exhaust. Then we'll cover the risks of pellet stove fires and chimney fires, whether you need to install a cold air intake, and whether or not you can use a pellet stove to heat your entire house.
Up close photo of wooden pellets, Do Pellet Stoves Need A Chimney?

Do Pellet Stoves Need A Chimney?

Pellet stoves, unlike a traditional wood stove, do not need a chimney. If you already have a chimney, you can hook your pellet stove up to vent out of an existing chimney.

But it's not necessary to install a chimney to use a pellet stove. You can vent directly out of a nearby wall if you prefer. In fact, horizontal venting is the cheapest and easiest way to remove the exhaust from your stove.

There are several factors to consider before installing horizontal ventilation. To be successful, keep the following in mind:

  • Most local regulations require stoves to exhaust a certain number of feet from nearby windows and doors. Check your local building regulations to ensure that you comply with any requirements - before you spend money installing ventilation.
  • Think about where the exhaust will be going outside. Does it interfere with a path or walkway? For example, you can't let your exhaust fumes vent directly onto a sidewalk (and into the face of passersby!) If it comes out onto a walkway of any kind, the exhaust must usually be at least 7 feet above the ground for this reason. Again, check local building regulations to be certain.
  • The exhaust vent must be at least 3 feet above any kind of air intake or air inlet pipe. This is done to prevent contaminated air from recirculating.
  •  No matter how you vent the stove - always use a wall protector plate to protect the wall from discoloration. Also, make sure the vent extends at least 6 inches from the wall's exterior.

A rendered image of a residential pellet stove

Can Pellet Stoves Cause Chimney Fires?

Pellet stove fires are relatively uncommon compared to many other heating sources. But, while rare, they do still happen. One of the least likely scenarios is a chimney fire, but again, nothing is impossible.

The most frequent cause of a pellet stove-related fire is improperly disposing of hot ashes. Ash from the stove must be collected and left in a safe, air-tight metal container for at least 24 hours. This gives it time to cool down - thoroughly - before you dispose of it. If you don't wait, you might think the ash is cool - only to realize too late there must have still been a few hot embers left.

Another cause of fires is when combustible material gathers too close to the exhaust vent. Make sure the vent always remains clear. Never pile potentially flammable objects such as leaves near the vent.

Pellet stoves burn relatively cleanly and don't leave behind much creosote. As a result, they don't need to be cleaned as frequently as wood stoves. But they do still need to be cleaned. While chimney fires are relatively uncommon, they can still occur if you don't perform regular cleanings or routine maintenance.

Is A Cold Air Intake Necessary For A Pellet Stove?

A cold air intake may not be necessary for your pellet stove. Always check your manufacturer's recommendations. However, even if it's not necessary to install a cold air intake, it's recommended.

A cold air intake feeds uninterrupted air to your appliance from outside of the home. This is a necessity for proper combustion. It ensures even burning because it helps to maintain the correct balance of air and fuel.

A cold air intake may also be required according to your local building regulations. Make sure to research the expectations in your area and follow all local regulations.

Even if your stove doesn't vent air from outside, many models specify that the room the pellet stove is located in must have an external air wall vent. It does not need to be installed directly to the stove, but it is still required to be located nearby. Again, always read your manufacturer's instructions carefully.

A brown brick wall with a small vent

Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From A Pellet Stove?

Pellet stoves have a lower risk of carbon monoxide poisoning than other heat sources like wood-burning stoves. However, any stove that burns combustible fuel creates some carbon monoxide. This means that there's still some risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

For this reason, you should follow the same basic safety rules that you would for any fireplace or stove. Perform regular cleaning and maintenance on your pellet stove. And always have a carbon monoxide detector installed nearby to alert you to any problems. High levels of carbon monoxide can be very dangerous and hard to detect on your own.

Click here to see this carbon monoxide alarm on Amazon.

Can A Pellet Stove Heat A House?

A pellet stove is capable of heating a whole house, as long as you install a stove with adequate heat output. Many people think of the freestanding models when they think of pellet stoves. These have a blower fan to heat the room they are installed in - but rarely would be able to heat more than a room or two.

The only time a "space heating" pellet stove might work in the entire home is if the home is rather small, the stove has a high heat output, and the floorplan is significantly open so that nothing will interfere with the circulation of the warm air.

However, it's not impossible to heat an entire house with a pellet stove, as long as you pick the right one. There are options for larger areas, though they may not look like the smaller models you're probably familiar with. Discuss your heating needs with a reputable dealer, and they can point you in the right direction.

As a general rule, it takes a stove that can produce about 60,000 BTUs to heat a 2,000 square foot home, according to Energy.gov. Pellet stoves are very efficient compared to many other heat sources, like wood fireplaces. Very little heat produced goes to waste. As a result, their heating abilities range from 8,000- 90,000 BTUs per hour. Almost anyone can find a pellet heater capable of heating their home, as long as you do your research.

A central heating system dispensing wooden pellets

Is A Pellet Stove Worth It?

Whether or not a pellet stove is worth it will depend primarily on what you expect from it as a user. But let's cover some of the most important points, and then you'll be able to confidently decide whether a pellet stove is worth it for you.

  • Pellet stoves are an affordable way to supplement other heat. For example, if you live in an area where fall or spring tends to be chilly, a pellet stove might be a great way to lessen your heating bill. Think of how often it's not quite cold enough to bother heating the whole house - but heating the most commonly used room is necessary for comfort. Rather than turning on a central heating system for the house, you can just run your pellet stove.
  • It's very easy to use. If you're someone who hates dealing with matches, kindling and stacking logs, then a pellet stove is an incredibly convenient alternative. You can have the cozy warmth of a fire without the hassle.
  • Since they don't require a chimney, they can be much cheaper to install than many other options.
  • They classify as carbon-neutral. The low levels of carbon released during combustion are equal to the amount of carbon absorbed by the tree while growing. If environmental concerns are a priority for you, this is a big bonus when comparing them to many other kinds of fireplaces.
  • They produce little emissions, which makes them less of a pollutant than traditional wood fireplaces and wood or coal stoves.

In Closing

Pellet stoves are growing in popularity because they provide a relatively efficient source of clean heat. They convert most of their fuel into heat with little energy waste, are carbon-neutral, and produce little emissions. They're also easy to install, as they don't require a chimney. Like any stove or fireplace, pellet stoves still require regular maintenance and cleaning.

Pellet stoves can be dangerous when not properly cared for. They also create low levels of carbon monoxide and require proper safety equipment like a carbon monoxide alarm. Still, they're more efficient and easier to care for than wood-burning stoves, and they provide warmth to their immediate surroundings.

If you enjoyed this article, try:

How Much Electricity Does A Pellet Stove Use?

Do Vented Gas Fireplaces Need A Chimney? [Or how else to vent them]

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