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

[geek]

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.

 

[trogers]

I was told the same thing by a few dealers, including my Harmon dealer. I had my Accentra installed without it and ended up installing it a month later because the flame was lazy. My house is about 3 years old and failry tight...maybe too tight, so the the stove wasn't getting enough air. After installing the OAK the stove came to life. I would recommend installing the OAK right from the start, you can't go wrong with it.

Good luck.

 

[rona]

The real easy way to understand this is to realize that the air you blow out the exhaust has to come from someplace. Why would you want to use the (hot) air from inside your house to burn in the stove? When you suck the hot air from inside the house into the stove it blows it back outside through the exhaust. This in turn creates a vacuum in the house which is equalized by sucking cold outside air into the house. It just makes common sense to install outside air intake.

 

[imacman]

The real easy way to understand this is to realize that the air you blow out the exhaust has to come from someplace. Why would you want to use the (hot) air from inside your house to burn in the stove? When you suck the hot air from inside the house into the stove it blows it back outside through the exhaust. This in turn creates a vacuum in the house which is equalized by sucking cold outside air into the house. It just makes common sense to install outside air intake.

Couldn't have said it better myself rona. I think an OAK is a no brainer, IMO.

 

[geek]

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???

.

 

[www_godzilla]

I don't feel like getting technical...too lazy tonight. BUT Installing an OAK is the only way to go. No brainer !!

 

[jtp10181]

We have only installed a few. Get complaints of cold air leaking in, condensation. One we actually removed because the cold was too bothersome and the stove also worked a lot better once it was off of there. We don't offer it as an option but if the customer requests it, we will do it.

 

[THE ROOSTER]

I have the outside air kit on my Accentra, my dealer recommended it Guess some dealers don't want to take the time to drill the hole... Just my $.02 worth...

 

[geek]

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?

..

 

[THE ROOSTER]

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?

..

If you go this way, I would test it the first cool night this fall, because the last thing you want to do is try and install this when it's COLD outside... Nothing worse than having a stove that doesn't function correctly, when you need it...

 

[Xena]

I didn't have any lazy flame problems without an OAK but I
did have a cold draft running at floor level due to the stove
pulling the air from inside. After adding the OAK the floor
level draft was gone.

 

[alexdrozd]

Afterglow dealer in Ct has been in business for years too. He did not recommend it for my Quad either. Used my Quad all season and there was no lazy flame. House is 14 years old. Did not feel any cold drafts. Ran great!

 

[OldDedHed]

There was a pretty long discussion about this subject on the corn burning forum.

http://forum.iburncorn.com/viewtopic.php?t=10719

 

[b121]

(broken link removed to http://www.woodheat.org/outdoorair/outdoorair.htm)

Here are some more discussions on outside air.

 

[dac122]

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.

 

[geek]

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.

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......"

..

 

[MainePellethead]

I get that too Zeta.....thats why I am contemplating an OAK for that very reason. Flame is great on mine and get alot of heat....just the floor draft....and my house is not an old house.

I didn't have any lazy flame problems without an OAK but I
did have a cold draft running at floor level due to the stove
pulling the air from inside. After adding the OAK the floor
level draft was gone.

 

[BrotherBart]

Something to consider is that if you are going to get the installation inspected the inspector is probably going to point to the requirement in the manual and say "Do it.".

 

[tinkabranc]

I have a basement install without the OAK, my stove runs just fine
without it so never bothered. I admit I had considered hooking one
up last year after reading so many opinions about it, but then decided
to leave it be. My home is only about 15 yrs old and insulated very well.

 

[trbinrat]

I put one in for my Enviro Maxx after I started the stove the first time it pulled air down the oil burners flue! So I think you should no where your air is coming from before you decide not to get one.