Expert: James Ball - 11/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to find any guidelines, regulations, codes etc. for using a Fisher Stove (FP insert) as a stand alone wood stove venting through the furnace flue.

The furnace was an oil furnace (so I'm concerned about the reaction from oil residue and adding wood residue), and I don't have access to the flue through the main level of the house to find out what kind of lining it is or how well it is insulated.

Could a box be made in the basement out of firebrick to house this unit to protect ourselves?

Is this possible to do?  Or are we asking for major problems?

ANSWER: Hello Deni, you can not use an insert "free standing" it must go into a fireplace, and you can not vent oil and wood together.
you should read the owners manual on the insert it will  tell you this.
if you want to install a wood stove in the basement you can do a Class "A" chimney out the side of the building, check your local building department
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok...I think I need to clarify some of my questions...the oil furnace is gone now.  The only thing venting will be the replacement heating source. Is this still not possible?  Will there be the dangerous mixture just because of previous and forthcoming?

Can you guide me to where I can find out what a Class "A" chimney is?

And finally, can we BUILD a chimney that could take the insert? Or are we asking too much?

Thank you very much for your very quick response.  Much appreciated.

Answer
Welcome back Deni, did you contact your local building department they will tell you if you can do what you want to, if the flue is clean it should be ok to use with nothing else venting into it and it is in good shape or it could be relined if need be. a Class "A" chimney is an insulated double wall stainless steel chimney you see going up the out side of homes for wood stoves (or all flue)
I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James