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Chimney & Fireplaces/Replacing Zero Clearance Fireplace with Pellet Stove

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Expert: - 12/11/2007


Question
Hi Randy.

I currently have a Security zero clearance fireplace with a stainless steel chimney. It's located in the center of the house. We used it to heat the house for a few years, but grew weary of hauling the wood around etc so now it only get used sparingly for parties or around Christmas time.

We would like to replace the unit with a Quadra-Fire 1200i Pellet stove insert (used in the zero clearance mode with the rear shield). Here is the question...can I remove the zero clearance fireplace unit, replace it with the pellet stove unit and run the stove vent up the existing stainless steel Security chimney?

If yes, the next big question is how do I remove the first section of stainless chimney so I can remove the unit? I see two options...either cut a section from the chimney pipe or cut the support base from under the stove and lower it down away from the chimney pipe (the stove is sitting on about a 6 inch 'pallet' to raise it off the floor). The pipe is supported in the ceiling above the fireplace and in several places in the attic.

Once I remove the existing fireplace I could install the pellet unit. The next step is how could I connect the vertical vent pipe of the pellet stove to the much larger stainless steel chimney? Does the vent line need to go up all the way to the top of the existing chimney (it's a two floor Cape house.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated. This is the perfect location for a pellet stove in this house and with the price of oil here in CT....well, you can guess!

Thanks,

Kirk

Answer
Kirk,

Your existing "zero clearance" as you called it, or "factory built fireplace" as its known within the industry cannot be modified in the field. You will need to remove the entire unit, chimney and all. Be certain that the pellet appliance you are installing in its place is listed for this type of installation as well. Cut and past this link to Underwriter Laboratories, "UL" http://www.ul.com/regulators/modification.cfm this is their position on these type of field modifications. Good luck.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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