INSTALLATION IS A DELICATE PHASE AS CHOOSING THE PELLET STOVE
The pellet stove is a product with a very simple operation. It lights up easily by pressing a button on the remote control or even from your smartphone and adjusts itself, without the need for any special technical knowledge. For this reason, many believe that installation is also quite straightforward to carry out. We explain why this is not the case.
STOVE INSTALLATION WITHOUT FLUE
For several years in Italy, pellet stoves were installed without a chimney, simply by making a hole in the wall and that was it. The stove installed in this way could even operate, but not correctly, because the combustion fumes ended up releasing pollutants or health hazardous substances, both inside and outside the house.
Now, fortunately, Italian regulations are much stricter. UNI 10683 strictly prohibits the installation of pellet stoves with wall exhaust. So, know this: all stoves must necessarily have a chimney that extends to the roof.
CHECKING THE SMOKE DUCT
Sometimes in some houses, there is already a chimney, perhaps because there is an old fireplace no longer in use. Existing chimneys should always be checked by a chimney technician, as they may not be usable anymore. There could be breaks or deterioration of materials, blockages, or separations between the various elements.
To carry out this inspection correctly, specific tools are needed, which will check cleanliness and tightness throughout the length of the chimney.
A commonly used tool by chimney technicians is, for example, the video inspection, which allows to verify:
- if it is possible to insert the piping for the installation of the new pellet stove into the existing chimney;
- if a renovation of the duct is necessary.
THE PROGRESS OF THE CHIMNEY
If a chimney is to be built from scratch, it is necessary to know how and where to do it. The layout depends on the type of product (e.g., see here the differences in flue systems between wood and pellet), but also on the configuration of the house. Some important aspects to consider are, for example:
- how many bends can be made
- how long the duct can be
- what slope it must have
- with what materials it should be made
THE ADVANTAGES OF INSTALLATION BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN
In Italy, those who are involved in the installation of pellet stoves must possess a specific qualification (the letter C of D.M. 37/2008). By relying on a qualified professional, you will have the certainty that:
- current laws and manufacturer's instructions will be followed
- only suitable materials will be used
- you will have a safe and tested system
A properly executed installation is also crucial for two other aspects.
- If the installation is not carried out correctly, the warranty on the new stove you have purchased will be void. Obviously, the manufacturer protects themselves and cannot be held responsible for a product that has been installed without following their instructions.
- To obtain certain forms of assistance, such as the Thermal Account, for example, it is necessary to submit a declaration of compliance of the system with the rules of the art, that is, a certificate in which the installer attests to having complied with all the regulations related to wood or pellet systems.
HOW MUCH DOES THE INSTALLATION OF A PELLET STOVE COST
The cost of installation is rather difficult to estimate in advance because it can depend on many factors. In any case, remember this: For a qualified installation, you will definitely spend less than what you would spend to fix the damage created by a DIY installation!
And don't overlook the fact that not only the stove, but also the cost of installation, is eligible for tax deduction.
