It’s no surprise that many people are turning to pellet stoves for a heating solution because of their energy efficiency, cost savings and ease of use. But what about pellet stove installation? Can installation be a DIY project or does it require a professional?
Besides the fact that pellet stoves are hefty and hard to maneuver, some complexities and safety implications make it difficult to install on your own, especially if you don’t have experience in construction. Let’s go through how to put in a pellet stove, the benefits of hiring a professional and what to look for in a pellet stove installer.
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The Complexity of How Pellet Stoves Are Installed
Both freestanding pellet stoves and fireplace inserts require precise ventilation, adequate electrical connection and adherence to local safety and building codes.
The ventilation in particular is easy to get wrong and can have extreme consequences for your home, health and safety. Freestanding pellet stoves will need to vent through either your ceiling or wall, which requires cutting a hole through drywall and either the roof or the exterior wall and siding.
Pellet stove inserts are placed in an existing fireplace but may require modifications to your existing chimney for proper ventilation. Given the extent of the job with either pellet stove option, a minimum of beginner-level carpentry skills and an understanding of proper ventilation and building codes are a must.
Benefits of Hiring a Pellet Stove Installer
For several reasons, not the least of which is the safety of your family and your home, installing a pellet stove is best left to a professional.
Even if you plan to do extensive research online and watch all the how-to videos, hiring that expert installer will give you peace of mind that you have done the job right the first time. Not to mention, we all know what it’s like to underestimate the time involved with a DIY home project. An expert pellet or wood stove installer will get the job done right so you can start enjoying your new stove.
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Safety
The installation of a pellet stove is much more involved than simply placing it in a room and plugging it in. Something as seemingly simple as the proper placement of your pellet stove in the room can have implications on the safety and efficacy of your unit.
When working with a pellet stove installer, their expert knowledge will ensure your unit is properly placed in the space, is correctly vented and is operating at maximum efficiency. They will also have all the tools and equipment on hand and the know-how to use them. Without a professional installer, you run the risk of fire hazards, damage to your home or harmful indoor air quality.
Efficiency and Troubleshooting
Proper placement and installation can affect the longevity and overall efficiency of your pellet stove. Arguably, the most important step in installing a pellet stove is knowing where to place it in your home to maximize zone heating and reduce the risk of common hazards. In addition to assessing your space for the best placement, professional installers will be able to quickly troubleshoot any issues that may arise during installation and walk you through the initial setup, calibration and ignition process to make sure everything works properly.
Compliance and Regulations
Before doing any major work on your home, including a pellet stove install which often requires cutting through a wall or roof, it’s important to check your local building codes and manufacturer’s specifications.
These guidelines are put in place to ensure your pellet stove and the rest of your home are safe and functional while avoiding legal and insurance complications. A professional installer, ’should be well-versed in all the local building codes and the manufacturer's guidelines for the model you are installing, so you don’t have to worry.
Pellet Stove Cost of Installation
The cost of installing a pellet stove will vary depending on where you live and the type of pellet stove you purchase. A pellet stove insert installation, for example, requires a few more steps, like installing a new chimney liner for proper ventilation, which will drive up labor costs.
Unit cost and other materials aside, you can expect pellet stove installation costs alone to be roughly $40-60 per hour. This equates to $240-360 for a six-hour job, which is typical for a freestanding or insert pellet stove. Although, these costs can vary widely depending on your location and unique requirements. In the long run,when you compare that estimate to the cost-efficiency of proper installation and avoidance of costly mistakes and future problems, it’s a no-brainer.
Long-Term Security and Efficiency
Aside from ensuring your pellet stove operates safely and efficiently, professional installation preserves the manufacturer's warranty, enhances durability and prolongs its lifespan.
Precise placement and installation by an expert minimizes operational issues and future maintenance needs as well. They’ll equip you with the tools and knowledge to not only run your stove routinely but also properly clean and maintain the unit for maximum efficiency. You can rest assured that your new pellet stove is running smoothly and that your investment is protected, allowing you to enjoy the warmth and convenience worry-free.
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What to Look for in a Pellet Stove Installer
Now that you know the benefits of hiring a professional to install your pellet stove, let’s review the key qualifications and attributes to consider when choosing a professional pellet stove installer.
While experience is certainly important, it’s not the only thing to look for in a professional. Make sure they have the latest training and certifications on the brand of stove you are purchasing. Proper insurance and licensing are also a necessity for anyone you are hiring to install a pellet stove. When you work with a reputable dealer in your area, you can trust that the installer has experience, insurance and the necessary licensing to do the job.
Certificates and Training
Knowledge and training in the latest industry standards and techniques are critical for a pellet stove installer. Look for certification from the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), which indicates professional training and fundamental knowledge of combustion, heat protection, safety guidelines and construction techniques. They should have access to the manufacturer’s manuals and service parts as well. At Forge & Flame, you can find all owner resources, including those for inactive products, on our website organized by brand (Harman, Quadra-Fire, Vermont Castings).
Experience and Reputation
Given the significance of a proper pellet stove installation, you’ll want to hire someone with plenty of experience, a solid track record and positive customer reviews.
Intentionally checking for a solid experience and reputation will set you up for success with higher quality and reliability of service. Make sure the installer has worked with the brand of stove you purchased and can answer questions about it. You’ll be able to tell within the first few minutes of a conversation their comfort level and experience with your particular brand and model of pellet or wood stove.
Insurance and Licensing
At the bare minimum, make sure any installer you bring into your home is properly licensed and insured to protect your home and your new pellet stove.
Licensed installers meet all regulatory standards and local building codes to guarantee a safe and compliant installation. Installers should be insured as well to cover any injuries or damages in the unlikely event of an accident or damage to your home or stove. Without it, you as a homeowner could be on the hook financially. Taking a few quick steps now to fully vet your installer can have a big impact on the installation process and success.
Choose Forge & Flame: Your Professional Pellet Stove Installers
At Forge & Flame, we partner with the best in the business. Rest assured that our network of expert pellet stove installers have the experience, training and licensing to get your pellet stove installed right the first time. We bring together the most dependable heritage brands in the hearth industry with one common thread: the utmost commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Still unsure if a pellet stove is right for you? Check out our wood vs. pellet vs. gas stove blog to learn more about the options out there. Review our complete guide to pellet stoves, where we break down the pros, cons and more so you can decide if a pellet stove is right for your home.
