Replacing VC with Enerzone Solution 3.5 help....

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mforce

New Member
Feb 25, 2025
8
Cincinnati, Ohio
So, I am planning to swap out the VC Defiant with the new Enerzone 3.5. My question is does the 8" pipe that is there currently hanging that is screwed together stay in place once I remove the VC stove from under the pipe? The pipe has a straight drop of about 13' to current stove. I have not done a swap out before but I have watched an install a few times online! :) I would like to think the pipe will stay in place but others have way more experience doing a stove swap. Any thoughts? I am anxious to get this project completed and the Enerzone out of the front living room floor. I am removing the lower hearth and insetting a tile base into the hardwood so its flush and not a toe stubber anymore!

[Hearth.com] Replacing VC with Enerzone Solution 3.5 help....
 
The Enerzone 3.5 is an easy-breathing stove that will work well on a shorter flue system. It has a 6" flue collar. The 8" pipe is going to move a high volume of air for a strong draft. Definitely plan on a key damper to reduce draft.

The new stove also has closer clearance requirements so the offset probably will not be necessary. Consider putting a short telescoping section to replace it. That will make installation easier.

PS: is that single-walled stove pipe? If so, it has a clearance requirement of at least 18".
 
The Enerzone 3.5 is an easy-breathing stove that will work well on a shorter flue system. It has a 6" flue collar. The 8" pipe is going to move a high volume of air for a strong draft. Definitely plan on a key damper to reduce draft. Currently have a damper in place but have not used it much at all and I will leave it in place.

The new stove also has closer clearance requirements so the offset probably will not be necessary. Consider putting a short telescoping section to replace it. That will make installation easier. Will the current pipe be able to hang independent of the new stove while I do the swap?

PS: is that single-walled stove pipe? If so, it has a clearance requirement of at least 18". Current pipe is single wall but I thought about going to a 6" dbl wall but it is pricey. I am 8" dbl wall going through the ceiling.
 
It's good that the stove pipe is double-wall and that it has a damper installed. I suspect the damper will get a lot more use with the new stove.
 
It's good that the stove pipe is double-wall and that it has a damper installed. I suspect the damper will get a lot more use with the new stove.
Only the top section is double wall the rest of the pipe is single wall. Once I unhook the stove and move it out of the way will the pipe be able to stay in place hanging while I get the new stove installed or do I need to remove the whole pipe to keep it from sliding down without being connected to the new stove?
 
I'd verify the piping coming down is all mechanically connected together with screws (it should be). Taking the stove away and it not being supported (the hanging pipe) might be an adventure waiting to happen... Is the pipe clean? Probably would be a good idea to consider replacing the connector piping to 6" double wall. Remember it will work better, will last thereafter and is a better install. Yes it is expensive, but man that's a lot of connector piping. Good luck with it, BTW, beautiful home too! Take care.
 
I'd verify the piping coming down is all mechanically connected together with screws (it should be). Taking the stove away and it not being supported (the hanging pipe) might be an adventure waiting to happen... Is the pipe clean? Probably would be a good idea to consider replacing the connector piping to 6" double wall. Remember it will work better, will last thereafter and is a better install. Yes it is expensive, but man that's a lot of connector piping. Good luck with it, BTW, beautiful home too! Take care.
Thank you for the compliment. I have been working on it getting things finished up. Yes the pipe has mechanical fasteners.. "Screwed together each section". DO you think the pipe would still stay together being mechanically fastened together. The wife wants new dbl wall 6" pipe to push the stove closer to the wall to free up floor space but ouch it is pricey instead of keeping the current 8" pipe.
 
If fastened together with screws, I'm thinking it would hold itself up. I heard the words "the wife wants though" . Best to replace the pipe. Stay warm, stay happy.