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How to Install a Multifuel Stove

A multi-fuel stove provides a versatile and efficient way to heat your home. Some of these stoves may be approved for any solid fuels, such as corn, wood pellets, cherry pits, coal and many other substances. Others can be made to burn oil and gas as well. Due to the variances among multi-fuel stoves, it's important to review the manufacturer's guidelines before installing. The key to a safe stove installation is to maintain safe clearances around the stove and its pipes, and to use a venting configuration approved by the manufacturer. Your stove may require a vertical vent or may be approved for horizontal venting. Always use the configuration recommended by the manufacturer.

Things You'll Need

  • Stove pipe sections
  • Metal screws
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw
  • Wall thimble
  • Tee connection
  • Tee cap
  • Wall brackets
  • Chimney adapter
  • Vent cap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the stove in a chosen location, keeping in mind that it must connect to a chimney flue or extend out through a side wall to vent gas and debris. Review the clearance requirements set by the manufacturer. For many multi-fuel stoves, clearances of 6 inches from combustibles on either side of the stove, and 4 inches behind the stove, are required. The stove must be set on a noncombustible surface, such as stone or tile, or a protective floor mat that extends 6 inches from the sides and front of the stove.

    • 2

      Connect stove pipe sections to the flue collar of the stove so the crimped ends face the stove. Make sure the stove piping fits the size of the flue collar exactly and adheres to manufacturer requirements. The manufacturer may require L or PL type stove pipes. Secure the pipes with metal screws, or as directed.

    • 3

      Cut a hole through a side wall, if necessary, using a drill and jigsaw, based on the size of the pipe and the wall thimble.

    • 4

      Install the necessary insulating materials wherever the stove piping penetrates, based on the requirements set by the stove's manufacturer. If you're cutting through a side wall, you may need to install an insulating wall thimble that establishes safe clearance between the pipe and the wall material.

    • 5

      Run the piping through the wall thimble and install a "tee" connector, which turns the piping vertical. Place a tee cap at the bottom of the connector, which collects ash and debris.

    • 6

      Review the manufacturer's guidelines for minimum vertical vent termination and clearances from windows and doors. Some may require at least 8 feet of vertical height, but horizontal venting may also be an option. For many multi-fuel stoves, the vent must terminate at least 4 feet horizontally or 4 feet below windows, doors and vents. It should also be 1 foot above them.

    • 7

      Extend stove pipe sections up the exterior wall, maintaining a clearance of 6 inches from the wall. Install support brackets every 4 feet and secure them with bolts. Terminate the vent with proper clearance, based on the manufacturer's requirements.

    • 8

      Use a chimney adapter to connect to an existing chimney on your roof, if one is available.

    • 9

      Secure a vent cap to the end of the vent.

    • 10

      Install the thermostat, if it's required. This usually involves connecting the wires from the thermostat panel to the thermostat hookup on the back of the stove.