Fireplace to Wood Stove Conversion

Sitting around a warm, crackling fire brings comfort on cold winter nights. If your fireplace lacks efficiency or you want more control over heating, converting it to a wood stove allows you to get the most out of your fuel while retaining the ambiance of real flames. We'll explore the process, from assessing if your fireplace can support a stove to enjoying steady, glowing fires all season long.

Converting a fireplace to burn wood more efficiently involves installing a wood-burning insert or stove inside the existing space. This adaptation turns an open fireplace into a closed combustion system that releases far less heat up the chimney. Radiant warmth is directed back into the room, helping lower house heating costs.

Determine If Your Fireplace Is Suitable For Conversion

Not all fireplaces can structurally support a wood stove insertion. An inspection by a certified chimney sweep or wood stove dealer will determine if conversion is possible. They will check the construction and interior dimensions to ensure adequate clearance for installation.

The chimney and ventilation system must also be evaluated before proceeding. A lined masonry chimney in good condition often works well, but a replacement stainless steel flue liner may be required in some cases. Proper drafting is imperative for smoke ventilation and preventing carbon monoxide leaks.

Assess the fireplace construction and design

• Inspect the stability and integrity of the surrounding brickwork or stonework
• Measure interior dimensions - height, width, and depth
• Determine type of fireplace - masonry or factory built
• Check for cracks or damage inside the firebox

Evaluate the chimney and ventilation

• Assess chimney height and construction
• Test draft strength using smoke or chemical test
• Inspect chimney interior with camera for obstructions
• Ensure adequate ventilation for combustion air

Consider installation logistics and layout

• Measure hearth size and fireplace opening width
• Account for stove and stovepipe clearance requirements
• Plan for accessibility through doors and hallways

Choose the Right Wood Stove

Once determining your fireplace can support a stove, the next step is selecting the right wood stove model. Carefully measure the firebox dimensions and design elements to find options specifically made for conversions.

Select an appropriate size wood stove

• Choose proper BTU output range for space needing heat
• Consider compact stoves to fit smaller fireplace cavities
• Account for minimum clearance to combustibles behind unit

Pick a model with desired features and aesthetics

• Select efficiency rating based on estimated usage
• Choose log size capacity based on available fuel type
• Decide on aesthetic touches like doors, legs, and finishes

Ensure it meets safety certifications and codes

• Verify EPA emissions and efficiency certification
• Review local building codes for allowed wood stove models
• Pick chimney compatible and UL / ULC approved model

Prepare the Fireplace for Conversion

Prior to installation, the existing masonry or zero-clearance fireplace must be prepared. Proper chimney lining and sealing of the damper are critical steps for safety and performance.

Inspect and clean the chimney flue

• Check liner for cracks or damage using camera if possible
• Determine if liner replacement or relining is required
• Sweep the flue before installing cap or stovepipe

Install a full chimney liner if needed

• Consider type needed - rigid vs flexible stainless liner
• Choose proper diameter - account for stovepipe size
• Seal liner at top and bottom for draft efficiency

Make necessary fireplace modifications

• Permanently seal damper to prevent draft loss
• Remove smoke shelf or baffles if required for clearance
• Install flashing pan and block-off plate if needed

Install the Wood Stove

Hiring a professional for the installation is highly recommended unless you have expertise. They will ensure proper clearances, venting setup, and safe operation per the manual.

Follow manufacturer's installation guidelines

• Review clearance requirements to combustibles
• Use only approved components like chimney and wall pass-through
• Install stove on non-combustible surface if required

Properly position and secure the stove

• Insert stove safely without forcing - account for weight
• Level and shim stove if hearth is uneven
• Secure stove by attaching to fireplace back or sides if possible

Connect stove pipe to chimney liner

• Use proper diameter black or stainless chimney connector
• Secure pipe sections with sheet metal screws
• Maintain 18" minimum stove pipe clearance to ceiling

Finish the Installation

Completing a built-in, seamless look involves some finishing touches around the converted wood stove. The goal is keeping heat in the firebox while allowing operation access and airflow.

Add trim kits for a built-in look

• Install surround face trim or custom cover panels
• Use non-combustible cement board around insert if needed
• Consider hearth pad extension for protection

Attach blower fan and accessories

• Mount thermodisc-activated blower systems if included
• Add brackets for drying gloves, tools, or wood storage
• Consider outside air kit for combustion in tight homes

Caulk and seal for maximum efficiency

• Apply fireplace caulk around insert to prevent air leaks
• Use non-combustible insulation if gaps behind stove exist
• Seal any unused fireplace openings like ash dumps

Have Final Inspection and Approval

Before firing up that first warm burn, final approval ensures all ventilation, clearance, and installation specifications have been met. Check with local building codes to determine if an inspection is required.

Verify proper clearances to combustibles

• Double check side, rear, corner, and pipe clearances
• Confirm fireproof materials used when smaller clearances utilized
• Review special allowance for stovepipe before drilling wall pass-through

Check all venting for leaks

• Conduct smoke or chemical draft test on stovepipe
• Scan liner installation with camera if possible
• Complete leak checks before enclosing surround

Get sign-off from local building inspector

• Some areas require professional or DIY work permits
• Inspection verifies codes and safety procedures followed
• Provides approval for final use of conversion stove

Use and Maintain the Wood Stove

Once approved for use, proper seasoning and first fires will set up the inserted stove for years of warm, efficient heating. Routine cleaning and maintenance keeps the system working safely and maximizes heat output.

Season the stove before first fire

• Run multiple small starter loads to cure paint
• Avoid placing logs directly on steel bottom at first
• Slowly bring stove up to high heat on initial burns

Operate safely according to manual

• Always have functioning smoke and CO detectors in house
• Prevent creosote buildup with hot fires and dry wood
• Consider impacts of smoke bans, weather, or power outages

Regularly remove ashes and clean

• Shovel out ashes before they reach 1-3 inch depth
• Clean glass window using paper towel or commercial cleaner
• Use brush and vacuum for interior stove surfaces

Enjoy the Benefits

Once converted properly, the former open fireplace now operates as an efficient heating stove. No more sacrificing ambiance for efficiency or control over warm blazes heating the home.

Lower heating bills

Prevent tons of hot air escaping up the flue with an effective stove insert. Circulate warmth through fans and into every room.

Cozy radiant warmth

Gather round the hearth for fires that spread steady comfort on snow days and winter nights alike.

Self-sufficient heating capacity

Renewable wood fuel helps reduce outside energy dependence for whole-house heating needs.

Considerations and Alternatives

Gas and pellet inserts offer other options for fireplace makeovers. Or, hire a professional chimney installer versus DIY for complex venting routes or requirements.

Pellet stoves and gas inserts

No need to stock firewood with convenient pellet fuel or instant, thermostatic gas heat. But, more working components also require diligent maintenance.

Hire a professional vs DIY

Certified chimney sweeps and wood stove technicians properly apply codes and ensure ideal drafting. Yet, DIY installation is feasible in straightforward cases.

Transforming a drafty fireplace into an efficient wood stove insert takes planning, skill, and quality materials. With the right assessment, preparation, installation, and maintenance, converted fireplaces yield steady warmth all winter. No longer sacrificing looks for function, new stoves retain beloved flames within an adapted firebox designed to redirect rising heat outward. This heats the home using less fuel for fewer emissions up the stack.

Converting to combustion within a closed system makes household fireplaces suitable for the 21st century. Homeowners gain heating independence from fossil fuels while preserving cherished soirees centered around the hearth. And new inserts allow beloved fixtures to gracefully age along with the homes they heat.