If you live in a house without a chimney, you may be wondering whether it is possible to have a wood burning or pellet stove. Fortunately for many, the answer is a resounding yes!

Luckily for those living in modern homes, you do not need a chimney to install a wood burning or pellet stove. However, it may require more work than if your home was built with a chimney. This is because you will need to fit a twin wall flue system through the roof or wall of your building. Nevertheless, it is still a reasonably simple and cost-effective way to enjoy the warmth and glow of a wood fire in a home without a chimney.

What is a Twin Wall Chimney Flue System?

Simply speaking, a twin wall flue is a series of connectable stainless steel pipes that can carry your stove fumes outside. They comprise a stainless steel pipe wrapped in thick insulation and encased by a second outer tube. This keeps the temperature inside the flue warm enough to allow the fumes to draw through the pipe and deposit them outside.

You have two options on how to install a twin wall flue:

  • Externally – you connect the pipe to your stove and have it exit through an external wall. It then runs up the side of your building to empty at a safe distance – usually near your roof.
  • Internally – you will still connect it to your stove, but you run it through the inside of your house, through your ceilings, and out of the roof to empty.

Which one is best for you depends on your circumstances. If you choose the external option, you will have a visible steel pipe along the side of your building. If this doesn’t appeal to you, you may prefer to keep it inside. Here are some more pros and cons:

External Flue

Pros: Less work required inside your home and takes up less space. The flue won’t be as visible inside your home.
Cons: You will need to patch up your external wall and more bends may be required – this can increase the cost.

Internal Flue

Pros: The flue will be kept warmer which may make the stove easier to light and operate.
Cons: The flue will need to be boxed and ventilated, which may take up more space.

How to Install a Wood or Pellet Stove Without a Chimney

Burning wood creates carbon-monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is poisonous. As a result, it always is best to consult a professional. This is because the best options and safeguards can differ from house to house. However, it is still good to get an idea of roughly how it will be done.

Here is a general guide to installing a wood burner without a chimney.

What you will need:

  • A Wood or Pellet Stove – Be sure to note the flue size for when you choose your stove pipe.
  • Stove pipe – Per above, make sure the stove pipe properly fits your stove. They also vary in length. The stove pipe will be more visually pleasing than the flue, so decide how much you want to be on display and buy accordingly.
  • Twin wall flue system – Check what diameter flue your stove requires. If the flue will be visible inside your room, you may want to get one with a neutral finish.
  • A hearth – Your stove must be placed on an appropriate hearth. It needs to be at least a half-inch thick and made of a non-combustible material. It also must have a sufficient area around the stove including ample clearance in front of the stove door.
  • Fireplace chamber & beam – Not required, but if you choose to build a vanity chimney breast into your room, it can result in a more attractive fireplace setting.

How to install your stove:

First and foremost, you need to decide where to place your stove. Once the flue is in, it will be difficult and costly to move it again. So choose wisely!

Here is an outline of the work that may need to be completed:

  • If building your flue pipe through the wall, it will have to be gutted to the outside wall.
  • Your hearth will be laid and stove put in place.
  • The stove pipe will be attached to your stove and the twin wall flue fitted. Pieces will be connected together for it to make its way either through the ceiling or along your outer wall. Any holes created will need to be repaired.
  • If you want a false chimney breast to conceal the flue, the bricks will be laid to box it in. If you like the minimalist look, the flue can be left exposed.

Twin Flue Chimney Regulations

There are some sticking points that may affect where and how you install your stove. Some of the main regulations are:

  • The entire length of the twin wall system must not have more than four bends.
  • None of the bends should be more than a 45-degree angle, excluding the connection to the stove, which may be 90 degrees.
  • Your non-insulated stove pipe cannot be used to go through the wall or ceiling – only your twin wall flue can do this.
  • Your stove pipe should be kept at least 2 feet away from any combustible materials.

How Much Does It Cost to Install?

The exact cost of installing a wood burning stove without a chimney depends on how much work will need to be done to your home. This will differ significantly from case to case, so it’s best to get a quotation to know exactly how much installing your stove will cost. However, along with all the stove parts mentioned above, there are a few things to keep in mind which may affect the price:

  • Labor. This will be higher if installing the twin wall flue isn’t as straightforward. Be sure you know exactly what needs to be done and of any potential issues. If you want to build a false chimney breast, this will add to the cost.
  • Approval from the town (if required). Check with your town for specific building codes and regulations that may need to be followed.
  • All the extras. Things like carbon monoxide alarms, fuel supply and an annual chimney sweep are all necessary, too.

The team at Fallon’s Home and Hearth is ready to help you find and install the best options for your home, keeping you both safe and warm throughout the year. Stop in, email or give us a call. We look forward to serving you!