Last year we installed a 5.5" flexible stainless steel liner in our exterior clay tile lined chimney. While the hearth opening is large, surprisingly, the 5.5" liner just fit. A 6" diameter pipe would have required extensive and permanent modifications that we were unwilling to make. Both appliances would be vertically vented with only one forty-five degree dogleg through the damper area. The chimney is twenty feet high.
This year we have an opportunity to purchase either a used Hearthstone Phoenix (60,000 btus) or a Regency Classic large insert (75,000 btus). Both of these are factory equipped with 6" flues. Many contemporary stoves I've seen utilizes a 6" outlet regardless of output rating or firebox size. Because of legal considerations, I am reasonably sure that no manufacturer is going to endorse using even a slightly smaller pipe. However I am curious just what the practical consequences of doing so might be.
Just off the top of my head, I suspect that if all else is reasonable, this minor reduction in pipe size would not have a dramatic effect on function or safety. While I know that there are other extraneous considerations such as being in compliance with insurance mandates, etc., I am really only interested in gaining some understanding of the likely practical and functional results of such an installation.
Thanks to anyone who might respond.
This year we have an opportunity to purchase either a used Hearthstone Phoenix (60,000 btus) or a Regency Classic large insert (75,000 btus). Both of these are factory equipped with 6" flues. Many contemporary stoves I've seen utilizes a 6" outlet regardless of output rating or firebox size. Because of legal considerations, I am reasonably sure that no manufacturer is going to endorse using even a slightly smaller pipe. However I am curious just what the practical consequences of doing so might be.
Just off the top of my head, I suspect that if all else is reasonable, this minor reduction in pipe size would not have a dramatic effect on function or safety. While I know that there are other extraneous considerations such as being in compliance with insurance mandates, etc., I am really only interested in gaining some understanding of the likely practical and functional results of such an installation.
Thanks to anyone who might respond.