Although you might think that installing your own wood stove would be a straight-forward process, it is a lot more complicated than people generally think. There are some issues that might crop up if the stove is not installed properly.
Installing your own wood stove can be risky. The manufacturer’s instructions must be followed exactly. If the wood stove is not installed properly, there is the possibility of releasing carbon monoxide and smoke into your home or even having a chimney fire. During installation, each connector must be fastened properly, each system component must adhere to mandatory clearances to combustibles, and all system components must be installed to work as intended by the manufacturer. Further, modifications might be needed to your home to accommodate the stove. Therefore, it is important to hire a trained professional for the installation to ensure the install is in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the relevant building codes, and the local authority’s requirements. If you do, however, accept the risk and choose to install the stove yourself, it is imperative that a WETT inspection take place afterward to ensure that the install was properly conducted. You can read our previous article about “The Benefits of a WETT Inspector and why you need one” right here.
As per the National Fire Code 2.6.1.4., all wood burning appliances must be inspected in increments not exceeding 12 months. If you were to have a chimney fire and suffer home damage or worse, your insurance company might not cover your property losses if you had not had an inspection in the preceding 12 months.
There are so many safety precautions involved when purchasing a wood stove online and installing it yourself. To reduce your risk, we suggest you contact an Able Chimney Sweeps professional prior to purchasing as they can direct you on the best route to go.