Wood Stoves That Connect to Furnace Ducts

Home Fire Statistics

• According to the Fire Analysis and Research Division of the NFPA, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 373,900 home structure fires per year from 2005 to 2009. Heating equipment was the second most common cause of civilian deaths in fires originating in the home. The incidence of fires due to heating equipment was 17 percent. Civilian deaths from these fires represented 21 percent of all fire-related fatalities, and injuries incurred represented 13 percent of the fire injury total.

Proper Wood Stove Venting

• Every wood stove must have either a sound masonry chimney or a stainless-steel, class A insulated chimney that is UL-approved for high-temperature installations. A stovepipe may not be run directly through a window or roof. For single-story homes, the distinctively black stovepipe running from the firebox is usually connected to an insulated chimney at a support box near the ceiling or to a chimney that exits through a wall and built up along the outside of the home.

Masonry Chimney Specifics

• Masonry chimneys for wood stoves must be insulated with vermiculite or another approved masonry insulation product. Improper insulation causes poor draft and the formation of excess creosote that can ignite and cause a catastrophic chimney fire. The flue liner, whether composed of clay or stainless steel, should be as big or bigger than the stovepipe in order to allow for heat expansion. Existing chimneys may be retrofitted to accept a wood stove but must meet local building codes. A certified chimney sweep should be consulted for advice. Remember: venting to an existing furnace duct is never an option.

Floor and Wall Protection

• A roaring fire in your wood stove can generate enough heat to ignite many commonly-used building materials. Approved materials must be placed beneath and around the stove to prevent a home fire from occurring. These may include either a concrete slab, UL-approved stove board or stone tile laid on top of UL-listed cement board. The base must extend at least 8 inches around the sides of the stove and beneath the stove pipe running to the chimney and 18 inches in front of the fuel-loading doors.