Wood Stove Clearance Assistance

[indymoose]

Hello:

I recently purchased a home with a small 1940's fireplace. I would like to install an EPA wood stove for supplementary heat in winter and for "emergencies" as our power goes out a couple of times a year for a few days at a time.

I think I will have to install an insert instead because of clearance problems. I have read seemingly countless posts here about wood stove clearances, both inside and outside fireplaces, but wanted to confirm that my options are limited to inserts. I cannot seem to find a stove that would work. The fireplace dimensions are below.

If I find a stove, is installation a realistic DIY project? Chimney companies seem to only install products they carry. I would limit my work to installing the stove itself and would hire a chimney company to make all necessary repairs and preparations, such as installing a liner and top hat connector/register plate and making all necessary repairs. I would hire someone to inspect my installation.

For what it's worth, here are the reasons I wanted to install a stove instead of an insert:

1. I am not happy with the look of available inserts, particularly since my options are limited to what chimney companies carry. I see a lot of "victorian" fireplaces from the U.K. that are tiled with a wood stove installed and prefer the look.
2. The benefits of an insert would seem to be outweighed by the fact that power is required for a blower. If the power goes out, I lose this benefit. I also do not want the sound of a blower. That being said, the fireplace is well-situated on an interior wall near the bedrooms. Does this mean that heat would radiate efficiently without a blower?
3. Inserts seem to be more expensive.
4. I mentioned that our power goes out frequently. We have an electric range for cooking. I would like a wood stove that would allow us to heat water and even cook very basic meals. This is not absolutely necessary, but would be nice to have.

 

[jjam]

Hello:

I recently purchased a home with a small 1940's fireplace. I would like to install an EPA wood stove for supplementary heat in winter and for "emergencies" as our power goes out a couple of times a year for a few days at a time.

I think I will have to install an insert instead because of clearance problems. I have read seemingly countless posts here about wood stove clearances, both inside and outside fireplaces, but wanted to confirm that my options are limited to inserts. I cannot seem to find a stove that would work. The fireplace dimensions are below.

If I find a stove, is installation a realistic DIY project? Chimney companies seem to only install products they carry. I would limit my work to installing the stove itself and would hire a chimney company to make all necessary repairs and preparations, such as installing a liner and top hat connector/register plate and making all necessary repairs. I would hire someone to inspect my installation.

For what it's worth, here are the reasons I wanted to install a stove instead of an insert:

1. I am not happy with the look of available inserts, particularly since my options are limited to what chimney companies carry. I see a lot of "victorian" fireplaces from the U.K. that are tiled with a wood stove installed and prefer the look.
2. The benefits of an insert would seem to be outweighed by the fact that power is required for a blower. If the power goes out, I lose this benefit. I also do not want the sound of a blower. That being said, the fireplace is well-situated on an interior wall near the bedrooms. Does this mean that heat would radiate efficiently without a blower?
3. Inserts seem to be more expensive.
4. I mentioned that our power goes out frequently. We have an electric range for cooking. I would like a wood stove that would allow us to heat water and even cook very basic meals. This is not absolutely necessary, but would be nice to have.

View attachment 326247

you can look at Vermont castings . they have stoves that rear vent

 

[indymoose]

you can look at Vermont castings . they have stoves that rear vent

Thanks jjam. The biggest clearance issue seems to be the height. Does a rear vented wood stove reduce height clearance requirements? Or is it unlikely that I could find a stove that would fit within the hearth and would need to buy a stove that sits out on the hearth extension?

 

[jjam]

Thanks jjam. The biggest clearance issue seems to be the height. Does a rear vented wood stove reduce height clearance requirements? Or is it unlikely that I could find a stove that would fit within the hearth and would need to buy a stove that sits out on the hearth extension?

no stove will fit with this mantel it's just to low, the mantel can be replaced with a non combustible mantel then you fine ,,like Dracme or others

 

[begreen]

Thanks jjam. The biggest clearance issue seems to be the height. Does a rear vented wood stove reduce height clearance requirements? Or is it unlikely that I could find a stove that would fit within the hearth and would need to buy a stove that sits out on the hearth extension?

Some stoves have a short leg option to reduce the rear-vent flue collar height. Jotul has this option for several of their stoves.

 

[indymoose]

Some stoves have a short leg option to reduce the rear-vent flue collar height. Jotul has this option for several of their stoves.

Thanks begreen, the local fireplace company that I have been talking to pointed me to Jotul as well!

 

[mellow]

Take a look at the Woodstock Fireview, that would also give you a rear vent with side loading for your narrow hearth.

Fireview Soapstone Wood Stove

SOAPSTONE AND CAST IRON—A BEAUTIFUL PAIR The Fireview wood stove is styled after the famous soapstone wood stoves made in Francestown, New Hampshire during the 1860’s. The ornamental ironwork on the Fireview wood stove reflects the classic architectural style of the mid-nineteenth ce

www.woodstove.com

 

[indymoose]

Take a look at the Woodstock Fireview, that would also give you a rear vent with side loading for your narrow hearth.

Fireview Soapstone Wood Stove

SOAPSTONE AND CAST IRON—A BEAUTIFUL PAIR The Fireview wood stove is styled after the famous soapstone wood stoves made in Francestown, New Hampshire during the 1860’s. The ornamental ironwork on the Fireview wood stove reflects the classic architectural style of the mid-nineteenth ce

www.woodstove.com

Thanks Mellow. I should've mentioned this in my original post, but my situation is further complicated by the fact that you have to walk in front of the fireplace to get to and from the entry way of the home and the bedrooms. So I really need something that fits inside the hearth itself, which is fairly shallow at 21".

As @jjam mentioned, I think the biggest issue is the height clearance between the stove and the bottom trim of the mantle. Luckily, I found a local fireplace company that is willing to help me confirm clearances and to install something that I order so long as it is in good condition. Hopefully I can install a heat shield or find a stove that is short enough or shallow enough to get enough clearance.

 

[indymoose]

Hopefully the answer to this question isn't too obvious, but if I get a stove that will fit within the fireplace and does not stick out, do I need to worry about height clearances?

 

[begreen]

Hopefully the answer to this question isn't too obvious, but if I get a stove that will fit within the fireplace and does not stick out, do I need to worry about height clearances?

Yes, to the mantel if it is combustible but some stoves spec that out differently that ceiling height if the stove was tested for fireplace use.

 

[bholler]

Thanks Mellow. I should've mentioned this in my original post, but my situation is further complicated by the fact that you have to walk in front of the fireplace to get to and from the entry way of the home and the bedrooms. So I really need something that fits inside the hearth itself, which is fairly shallow at 21".

As @jjam mentioned, I think the biggest issue is the height clearance between the stove and the bottom trim of the mantle. Luckily, I found a local fireplace company that is willing to help me confirm clearances and to install something that I order so long as it is in good condition. Hopefully I can install a heat shield or find a stove that is short enough or shallow enough to get enough clearance.

If it's going completely inside the fireplace get an insert it will work far better