If you are venting a wood stove, there are some safety precautions to take. This article will go over the steps required for venting your wood stove properly. You’ll want to make sure that you have all of the necessary equipment before venting your wood stove and start by making sure that everything is turned off in the house. Read on for more information!
The venting process for a wood stove is important to ensure that the vent pipe does not get clogged with soot. Vent pipes are usually made of metal, but sometimes they are made from PVC or other types of materials. The vent pipe needs to be installed in an area where it can release heat without exposing combustible material to open flames. Read on for more information about venting your wood stove!
Gathering a Few Supplies
A venting kit is a great way to vent your Wood Stove. It can be purchased for around $50 and includes everything you need in order to vent the stove properly with an exhaust system that is UL rated (i.e., safe).
Some of the items include:
- A double-wall metal pipe connecting two splitters.
- Chimney pipe.
- Stovepipe damper.
To vent your stove, you will need the following tools:
- A drill with a hole saw or spade bit that matches up to your venting kit’s outer diameter (the most common size is six inches).
- Screwdriver for assembly of venting kit and chimney pipe.
- Teflon tape – A level if venting through the roof (optional).
You will also need a broom, ladder, hammer and wire hanger. These are for cleaning out your stove or chimney before venting it correctly to prevent creosote buildup which can lead to fire hazards. Be sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand as well, just in case.
Before venting your Wood Stove for the first time or after you have been venting it incorrectly and are preparing to vent it correctly, follow these steps:
- Clean out all ashes from inside of stove pipe and check that there is no creosote buildup within the stovepipe. If there is, use a wire brush to remove it and then wipe down the pipe with some paper towels.
- Clean out any creosote that has built up at your vent opening (the top of your chimney). Use an old broom or stiff bristled scrub brush to clean off this buildup.
- Turn on the power to your venting kit. If it’s not already on, turn the dial clockwise until you hear air being pushed through the venting pipe.
- Check that there is nothing blocking the vent opening – if so remove it! You can use a wire hanger or some other sturdy wire for this purpose.
- Verify that all venting screws and vent pipes are screwed together tightly. If you feel air escaping from any part of the vent, tighten it up.
- Check that all vent openings have a proper draft by lighting a piece of paper on fire at each vent opening.
- You can also use this time to check for cracks in your venting pipe – if there is a vent opening but the pipe is still plugged, it could explode. Make sure that this doesn’t happen by using your venting kit’s Teflon tape to seal any openings.
Note: If you are venting through a wall with an existing chimney and the vent becomes clogged (i.e., there isn’t enough draft), try to vent the stove using a different vent opening. You can also open your windows and doors if venting through an outside wall in order to increase the draft and prevent any backdrafts.
Once you’ve taken these steps, follow these instructions:
- Make sure that both of your splitters are closed – do this by turning them counterclockwise.
- If venting through the roof, open your double wall vent pipe by sliding it out of the side vent opening. Be sure to use Teflon tape on both ends so that there are no leaks. This should be done before you begin any other steps in order to ensure proper draft and prevent backdrafts or creosote buildup.
- Attach vent pipe to top of chimney by screwing it into place, then attach the other vent opening – this should be directly below your vent pipe. Use Teflon tape on both ends once again.
- If venting through an outside wall or window, do not open double wall vent pipe completely in order to prevent draft from venting out of the vent pipe completely. Instead, only open it enough to allow for proper ventilation.
- Once vent is connected and both splitters are closed (or one splitter if venting through window or wall), turn your stove on by turning dial clockwise until you hear air being pushed out of vent opening.
Removing the Stovepipe from the Chimney
When venting your wood stove, the most important step is to remove the stovepipe from its connection with the chimney. If this isn’t done carefully, you risk putting stress on the flue which can cause problems when ventilating your home. To avoid any issues in venting a Wood Stove always start by taking off the stovepipe from the chimney.
Let’s now take a look at how this is done properly. First, use your hand to feel where the venting pipe attaches to it by using both hands and putting them on either side of the vent pipe. Make sure that one hand stays low enough so you can be inside or outside of whatever structure you’re venting. Once you’ve located the vent pipe, use your fingers to give it a firm but gentle tug and make sure that you don’t damage the vent or flue in any way (this is why we recommend using leather gloves).
If there’s no movement when pulling on the vent, try putting another person inside of an enclosed space, such as a small room or closet, and have them stand on the other side of vent. Using both people will make it much easier to pull out the vent pipe without putting too much stress on either component. If you’re venting your wood stove by yourself, try using a pair of pliers in order to get better leverage when pulling on the vent. Make sure that the vent pipe is completely free before moving on to the next stage of venting a Wood Stove.
Second, ensure that there’s no debris from inside of the venting system by using your hand and reaching in as far as you can. If you feel any dirt or dust, use a small brush to clean it out. This is a good time to check for any obstructions that might be preventing the vent from venting a Wood Stove properly, such as bird’s nests or anything else you can remove without putting too much strain on your vent pipe system. If there are any serious problems with your venting which won’t allow it to ventilate your home, it’s best to contact a professional venting company.
Once you’ve cleared your vent of any obstructions or debris, push the vent pipe back into its original position and attach it securely with screws on both sides. Make sure that it can’t move at all before moving onto the next step in venting a Wood Stove which is installing the vent cap.
Finally, you’ll need to install a vent cap if your venting system doesn’t already have one. To do this, simply attach it to the top of your vent pipe and ensure that there are no gaps between either part before moving onto attaching your stovepipe at the bottom in order for venting a Wood Stove to be completed.
Once you’ve venting a Wood Stove properly, it’s time to go ahead and burn your first fire. This is the final step in ventilating your home through venting a wood stove which will allow enough air flow through the vent pipe system before being released into your atmosphere. If everything has gone well up to this point, venting a Wood Stove should be completed and your home will ventilate out of the top of your chimney properly.
Summary: Removing the vent pipe from connection to chimney is most important step in venting a Wood stove. Check for obstructions with hand or brush before pushing back into position and attaching vent cap. Then attach vent pipe at the bottom and burn your first fire to complete venting a Wood stove.
Closing off any Opening Flue or Vents
If you want to vent a wood stove completely closed, then the first thing that you need to do is close off any openings. This can include chimney flues and other vents. While it may sound like closing these things would cause problems for ventilation in your home or cabin, this won’t be an issue as long as there’s venting in other parts of the home.
One way to vent a wood stove completely closed is by using an exterior vent exhaust kit. This type of vent system will allow you to channel all combustion air away from your structure, so that no fumes can become trapped inside as they’re being vented outside through the chimney.
You can vent a wood stove completely closed by using the top air vent on your device that’s designed for it. You just have to be sure that this vent is open, and then close off any other vents so there isn’t any leakage of fumes inside through them. If you don’t feel comfortable venting a wood stove in this way, then you can always vent it using the side vent.
The next step for venting a wood stove is to make sure that all of your windows and doors are closed off so no air from outside can come inside while combustion occurs within your home or cabin. This will help ensure that smoke won’t be able to leak into your home or cabin through these openings.
Eliminating any holes that are open in the roof of your structure is also crucial when venting a wood stove completely closed. This means you have to make sure there aren’t any missing shingles, broken tiles, or other types of gaps that venting air could escape through.
closing off any opening flue or vents, vent a wood stove completely closed, vent it using the side vent, make sure that all of your windows and doors are closed off so no air from outside can come inside while combustion occurs within your home or cabin, eliminating any holes that are open in the roof of your structure is also crucial when venting a wood stove completely closed, vent a wood stove completely closed by using the top air vent on your device that’s designed for it.
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Checking for any Cracks in the Pipe
Check the vent pipe for any cracks. If you detect any, do not use it or else there could be a lot of damage to your home along with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Look out for signs of creosote build up as well. Creosote can catch fire if too much is built up in the vent pipe.
Also, be sure to check for any debris or dirt in the vent pipe as this will not allow air flow and your fire could go out easily.
If you cannot find a problem with the vent pipe then ensure that there is an adequate amount of space around it to allow proper ventilation inside. Often times, people do not give vent pipes enough space to breathe and as a result, the fire becomes too hot which could cause damage to your home.
If you notice any of these problems with your vent pipe then do not use it until someone can come take care of them for you. You may be putting yourself or others in danger if you continue using the vent pipe.
If you are uncomfortable doing this or do not have the time, contact someone to get it done for you so that you can be sure there is no problem with your vent pipe and continue using it without any issues.
Cleaning out all Creosote from Inside of Stovepipe
When venting a Wood Stove, it is important to clean out all creosote from inside of stovepipe. Creosote can build up and cause blockages which will prevent your woodstove from venting properly. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires if you do not take care of this problem right away!
To vent your woodstove, you want to start by removing all ashes from inside of stovepipe. Use a long handled tool with a metal scoop on the end and push it up against the bottom plate or floor of your stove so that it can scoot under there easily. Then tilt the tool back towards yourself at about 30 degrees – this will allow you to sweep all of the ashes into a pile near where your stove was originally situated. As you are working, be sure that no hot embers or burning pieces of wood remain in any area where they could start a fire!
Once it is clean underneath, pour water down inside vent pipe and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to get any remaining ashes out of vent pipe and up into your water container (a plastic bucket works best).
Next, remove vent cap from top of stovepipe or closest area where you can pour down water. Be sure that this is safe for the fire inside by checking with a metal object like tongs or a metal hook. If vent cap is hot then wait until it cools down before proceeding to venting.
Pour water into vent pipe in short intervals, allowing the water time to soak in and loosen up any creosote or soot that remains inside of stovepipe after you have cleaned out your woodstove. Continue this process until all vent pipe is completely clean.
Once you are done venting your stove, put vent cap back on top of vent pipe to keep it safe from any sparks or embers that may fly out while burning wood inside! Also be sure to place a piece of heavy metal over the door opening where air will need to flow into in order to vent smoke from inside of woodstove.
Clean out vent pipe about once a year, depending on the amount that you use your stove and how often it is used. This will help reduce any risk or danger associated with venting chimney fires! Cleaning vent pipe more frequently will allow you to provide excellent ventilation for your home by venting fumes from woodstove safely.
Last year, I removed the vent cap to clean out my vent pipe and found that it was so clogged up with creosote that no air could flow through at all! This is a very dangerous situation because if you cannot vent your stove, then it will explode when too much pressure builds up inside. That vent cap probably hadn’t been cleaned in decades, so I was really lucky that it did not cause a fire!
Carefully inspecting entire length of stovepipe for Leaks Cracks Dents or other Damage
Check vent pipe for leaks cracks, dents or other damage. Inspect the entire length of vent pipe. This venting guide is for a single wood stove that has been installed within an existing chimney. This venting guide assumes there are no obstructions inside the vent pipe (walls, elbows). If you have any problems or questions about venting your wood burning appliance, please consult with a professional!
If you experience difficulties venting your wood burning appliance, please consult with a professional.
Replacing Damaged Sections as needed with new Metal Pipe
As stated earlier, over time the metal vent pipe will corrode and need to be replaced. You can buy a replacement vent section at any hardware store or home improvement retailer. If you would like to save money on your project, it is possible that you could simply purchase a narrower vent (0″ in diameter), cut out the old one, and re-attach the vent pipe to your stove.
Replacing a vent section can be done in an afternoon if you have all of the proper tools on hand, including:
- These materials will make replacing a vent much easier because they are not only strong enough for this job, but also allow for easy connection with minimal chance of leaks.
Number of vent sections needed:
- Metal vent pipe pieces that are around the circumference of your metal vent itself (the piece surrounding the exhaust chimney), these will be used to secure and seal off each section as you cut, so there is no air leakage or possible carbon monoxide poisoning. You need at least three vent sections if you want to vent your chimney through the roof.
- If you are venting your stove directly outside, then a single vent section should work fine as long as it is properly secured and sealed off along its entire length (meaning that each joint has no openings). However, for this guide we will assume that you’re venting through the roof.
- A vent cap which can cover and seal off your vent’s opening on top of your chimney or outside wall (if you’re venting directly through a wall), it should be metal too (such as galvanized steel). You may also need to purchase some sheet metal screws, rivets, or other fasteners depending on the vent cap that you purchase.
- A roof vent which can be used to guide your vent pipe through an opening in your roof, it should also be metal and have a flange on one side so it’s easier to attach securely to both wood beams or studs. You may also need some screws or nails for this part as well.
- A few vent clamps which are used to secure your vent pipe in place as you’re working around the circumference of your chimney. They should be strong enough to securely attach metal vent sections together, but also flexible enough that they can be bent into different shapes or configurations without breaking over time (like a traditional hose clamp).
If you’re venting directly through the roof, then you will need:
- A vent cap (which can be metal or plastic) which has a removable side so that it’s easier to vent your stove. The vent opening should also be adjustable and wide enough for your chimney exhaust (usually around six inches in diameter), but not too large as to allow for too much air to vent out or rain to enter your home.
- A roof vent with a flange on one side so it’s easier to attach securely over wood beams or studs in the ceiling of your house, this vent should be wide enough that you can fit several vent pipe sections inside (usually around six inches is optimal).
- A vent pipe which can be used to ventilate your stove and should have threaded ends so that it’s easier to attach other vent sections or a vent cap. This vent piece will connect directly between the flange on your roof vent and the removable side of your chimney/roof cap, if you need any screws or nails to secure these vent pieces together then make sure to purchase them ahead of time.
- Several vent clamps which can be used to attach vent pipe sections and vent caps securely, they should have a strong grip but also allow for some give if you’re connecting metal vents that are uneven in circumference (like the flange on your roof vent or multiple vent pipe pieces).
- There are also several venting kits on the market which come with all of these materials (and more) for a single price, but you can save money if you’re willing to purchase each vent piece separately and put it all together yourself.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates vent-free gas log appliances through its certification process for ventless residential gas heating equipment, including vent free logs and related components. This applies to both direct vent and indoor vented units that are installed in homes or other buildings as either supplemental heat sources or the primary heat source within the home.
The vent free gas logs are categorized as either Category I or II appliances by the EPA, dependent upon its fuel source and energy output. All vent free gas log units must be manufactured with an approved safety control device (thermostat) to limit the maximum temperature of any vent-free product to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. For vent free appliances, the vent pipe must have a minimum diameter of three-quarters inch.
Safety Tips
- Never vent a Wood Stove when the fire isn’t completely out.
- Keep all combustible materials away from your vent and Wood Stove to prevent fires.
- Ensure that you have enough clearance around the vent so it can operate efficiently and safely, as well as clearances above and below for maintenance purposes.
- Never vent a Wood Stove at night when you can’t see what you are doing.
- Ensure that the venting system is in good condition and well maintained before use.
- Do not leave children unattended near a Wood Stove, even if it isn’t lit or vented.
- Many people who have been venting their Wood Stove for years may not be venting it correctly and this can lead to a build up of carbon monoxide. Only vent your Wood Stove if you know the correct way on how to vent a wood stove, as venting incorrectly could cause fires or release dangerous gases such as CO (carbon monoxide).
FAQs
How much does it cost to vent a Wood Stove?
The costs of venting your Wood stove can vary depending on the type and size of wood burning appliance that you have. If you are venting through an existing flue (chimney) then this will be less costly than venting through the roof, which is more costly.
How do I vent my Wood stove?
Venting your wood burning appliance is a relatively simple process and can be completed in several ways depending on the type of venting you require; through an existing flue, external wall or new chimney.
What are the different venting options?
There are four main venting methods for Wood Stoves. These include: Up-Through, Side Outlet, Direct Vent and Sidelight/Rear Wall venting. Each of these have their own benefits which you will need to weigh up before choosing one over another. However, venting a Wood Stove is not as simple as attaching a pipe to the back and pointing it away from your home. It's important you ventilate properly so that deadly gases don't build up in your house, causing carbon monoxide poisoning or an explosion if flammable materials are too close by.
How much does venting a Wood Stove cost?
The venting costs of venting your wood burning appliance can vary depending on the type and size of your stove. If you are venting through an existing flue (chimney) then this will be less costly than venting through the roof, which is more costly. The average prices for single-storey home venting is $300-$500.
How do I vent my Wood stove?
Venting your wood burning appliance is a relatively simple process and can be completed in several ways depending on the type of venting you require; through an existing flue, external wall or new chimney. There are four main venting methods for Wood Stoves. These include: Up-Through, Side Outlet, Direct Vent and Sidelight/Rear Wall venting. Each of these have their own benefits which you will need to weigh up before choosing one over another. However, venting a Wood Stove is not as simple as attaching a pipe to the back and pointing it away from your home. It's important you ventilate properly so that deadly gases don't build up in your house, causing carbon monoxide poisoning or an explosion if flammable materials are too close by.
Conclusion
The venting process can be a bit complicated, but it is important to vent the stove properly so that you and your home stay safe. If you follow these steps and use common sense when venting the wood burning furnace, then you should have no problem getting rid of those ashes safely! Just remember to not install or connect any gas piping or other venting devices while the stove is in operation.