What's the real story about the outside air intake, a must or not?

Englanger states they require the outside air intake to be installed in their stoves.
Visiting a couple local dealers with a friend (he's looking for a pellet stove) every single one said that this is NOT mandatory and not required at all, even with newer houses that are air tight. One even said that Englanger stoves require this due to the way their stoves are made with the heat exchange and the "bottom feed" (I hope I got this right....).

3 dealers that sell Quadra Fire, Harman, Lenox, Avalon, etc. They all agreed that outside air intake is not installed at all when they install one of their pellet stoves.

I have another friend in IN who called me today, he ordered an Englanger 25-PDVC online at Home Depot, got his stove yesterday.
In his basement remodeling he had someone made a 3" hole in the foundation in preparation for his stove (in ground basement).
Now he's asking me what's up with the 2nd connection in the back, I explained that's the air intake and that is mandatory by Englander; he was "flaming" and angry b/c he didn't do much reading and now he's having a hard time finding someone to install the stove. So, he's really worry that he may need to cut another hole to feed the outside air intake for his Englanger.

So, you the experts can enlighten me a little on this subject.

soooooo, I'm still surprised how these dealers won't install it, couple of them have been in business for a long time, I actually spoke to the owner of Dean's Stoves and Spas in Southington and affirmed they do not need the OAI, he's been dealing with stoves for a very long time....

I trust you guys with your feedback, but why these very reputable places then contradict with what makes sense???

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so I see a mix review and it sounds like the stove should be installed without it and see what happens and that one of the best indications would be a lazy flame if the OAK is not installed, if so then get it installed?

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dac122 said:

This is a controversial issues. But before you take our word for it, be sure to check with your local codes office as they may have an overriding opinion. Also, dealers sometimes have their own subjective opinions so check with the manufacturer directly.

And for my $.02 humble opinion this is a moot discussion as it is all outdoor air. It's really up to you as to when, where and how you want that air coming in.

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I know is up to the owner BUT being a simple homeowner I listen to the experts, and I think the dealers are/should be experts in the matter and make the call whether the OAK is needed or not.
In recent visits to 3 different dealers (they sell different stoves from Harman, Quad, Avalon, etc) stated they do NOT install the OAK and that this is NOT needed. A homeowner would think they should at least say that the OAK may be needed or not depending on what they "see" at the installation time, but again they all said "it is NOT needed, period......"

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