Pipe size

[olson6]

We are undecided on exactly which stove to buy, and wonder if we can proceed to put in an 8" stovepipe, and would that be OK to use if we settle on a stove with a 6" flu? We are going up two stories in the middle of the house in a straight shot.

Appreciate any knowledgeable input!

 

[PaulRicklefs]

You are always better to size the vent system appropriately to the appliance. Although an 8" vent will work with a 6" adapted flue, you may be unhappy with lack of draft. You do have an advantage of two stories but it will do you no good if your vent is too big.

Vent systems actually create much more draft velocity as the size gets smaller. To a point. If the vent is too small for the appliance you will get inefficient firings and lower performance in general. My recommendation is to find the right appliance and size the entire system continually to the recommended size.

 

[olson6]

Thanks for the quick reply! We are trying to decide what size stove to get. Our home is around 1700 sq ft., on two floors (not counting the basement which we don't heat). We are most interested in top loading cast iron stoves, and are thinking of VC Intrepid II, Resolute Acclaim, or Encore. The Encore has a screen option, but can only be used with an 8" chimney. We want to heat the place, but not cook ourselves out! The stove will be in a front room, near the stairwell to upstairs, but not central to the whole home.