One of the most common moves homeowners make nowadays is to install a wood burning stove in a fireplace, whether it’s old and no longer used, or about to be repurposed for something new.
It makes sense as the room with the fireplace is normally the main living space in the house. Many homes will have been designed with this as the focal point, and will also feature a boiler system which allows heat to be transferred around the house, meaning it’s generally an easy transition.
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Can you Install a Stove in an Existing Fireplace?
The short answer is yes, you can install a stove into an existing fireplace.
Bet that’s improved your mood!
Now, for the detail. Yes you can install a wood burning stove into an existing fireplace, but only if all the various elements are in place.
For a start, your new wood burner will actually have to fit within the space in a safe and practical manner. Easier said than done when some get too excited and buy monster stoves ready to heat the local mansion!
Beyond that, a newly fitted stove will also have to sit safely on a heat resistant hearth and be properly connected to the chimney space above/within the existing fireplace.
Stove Fireplace Considerations
As with any major housing development, there are plenty of factors to consider but the most common are:
- Size of fireplace opening
- Size of stove
- Heat shield protection
- Hearth size and suitability
- Chimney access
- Space for twin flue chimney system (if no traditional chimney available)
Remember that a fire will feel and operate differently to wood burning stove, so before you commit make sure you’ve picked a stove that will adequately heat the space you want… Whilst also ensuring that it can actually fit within the old fireplace space, and won’t become a burden or even worst, not fit at all!
How to Install a Wood Stove in a Fireplace
If you’ve made it this far, we’re going to assume that you have taken all the above elements into consideration, have the space, have the stove, and are ready to go!
Prepare your Space:
Ensure that the old fireplace space has been emptied out and cleaned to ensure a smooth transition when bringing in your new stove. This may or may not include removing old grill/vent systems, the mantlepiece and the fireplace surrounds.
Chimney or Flue:
Every stove needs a properly ventilated exit for all that smoke, and any nasty fumes, which will be the end result of the countless fires you plan to light in future. You’ll have to choose between using the existing chimney (unless it has been closed) or creating a new twin flue chimney system, as seen in many new, modern stove setups.
Measure Hearth and Heat Shield Space:
Wood burning stoves radiate huge amounts of heat, over prolonged periods of time, so the space on which the stove sits needs to be of regulation size. Thankfully most fireplaces are properly equipped, and because of the brick build you shouldn’t need to change anything but keep it in mind and follow your stove manufacturer recommendations.
Fit a Register Plate:
When you install a wood burning stove in an old fireplace, the excess chimney space needs to be closed and to do this you need to fit a register plate. This is simply a plate, with flue access, designed to close over this excess space.
Fit your Stove:
When you’re ready, it’s time to fit your brand new stove. This is the exciting part!
As always, we would highly recommend that you use professional stove installers to do a proper job. When it comes to fire, smoke and fumes you can’t be too careful, especially when it comes to space that you, family and friends will share for years to come.
Employ the pros so that you can sit back, relax and think of all those cosy fires ahead!
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We hope this helps!
Utlizing an existing fireplace space is a great way to provide continuity throughout the home, but with a modern twist. By sealing up your old fireplace, and adding a new more efficient stove you should see a major difference in heat and performance, pretty much instantly.
For everything else home heating, stick with CosyWarmer.com