I have heard how pellet stoves work better with a cold air intake since it doesn’t create make up air for the house. My unit is a pellet stove insert sitting in my old fireplace. Does anyone have any good guides on how to install one? I was assuming just picking up a kit off Amazon and drilling a 2″ hole into my brick chimney, feeding the hose through and attaching it to the pellet stove. I was also going to seal the top and sides of the new intake with some silicone to prevent any water from penetrating the hole. Any insights or helpful hints to prevent disaster?
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You have the right idea. There is usually a hood or boot on the pellet stove or insert that adapts to a certain size of OAI ("Outside Air Intake"). It will probably (for most stoves or inserts) be 2" or 3" round. Just be sure to not reduce the size (diameter) of the OAI, which would restrict air volume. And fewer bends the better -- air does not really like going around corners, and friction goes up. Also, if you are going to need to run farther than a certain amount you should go to a larger size (diameter) duct, like 2" moving up to 3", etc. The length where you want to step it up is usually around 6 feet, if the bends are "gentle". Flex-duct is acceptable, in aluminum or other non-combustible materials, although after about a foot from the appliance there is insignificant heat. Dryer-vent hose is often used. And yes, caulking with a quality caulk is strongly suggested, to keep the little things out. Ditto for a "bug screen" on the end of the exterior end of the OAI.
-- Mr. Z.
That's what I did with mine. I put some metal bug screen over the intake to keep the critters out of it.