Wood Stove and HVAC Return Duct Proximity

[dieselscout80]

I want to install a wood stove in our homes basement.

My basement HVAC return duct/grill/filter is in the ceiling of the basement.


Can I install a wood stove directly under the HVAC return duct? My thinking is that we can run our heat pumps blower fan in the constant on setting and circulate the heat from the wood stove throughout the house.

Is this possible?
Is this ok per code?
Is this a good or bad idea?

Do I need to provide the wood stove a fresh air intake out side the basement?

 

[jlrsn]

My house up at 8,000' up in the Rocky Mountains has two return air grills, one of which is right above the wood stove in the living room. The heating system was installed new during construction in the late 90s by one of the areas largest HVAC Companies/Contractors just before I bought the house so I know it is possible and works but I don't know the legalities in your state. It gets down to minus 25 degrees F in the winter where I live.
Jim

 

[mjncad]

How much hassle is it going to be to get to the filter to change it with a stove in the way, especially if you need to change the filter while the stove is hot?

If In doubt, I'd ask around and find out what the code says for your area.

 

[jlrsn]

No hassle at all to change the filter. Wood stoves are not that big, even the big ones, and you can put a step ladder next to it unless you have real short arms! Why would you change the filter while the stove was hot?
Jim

 

[Jesse11]

I have a 50 year old house with a woodstove in unfinished basement below the living room. I have an air register grille in the floor to let the warm air up but this doesn't seem to let that much air up to the LR above.

 

[mjncad]

Why would you change the filter while the stove was hot?
Jim

One never knows. I once had an engineer tell me to put a hydronic system drain valve over a large air compressor used to supply compressed air to large research building. I told her I was putting it against the wall at a reasonable height to make the maintenance guys' life easier. She asked how so, and I told her that do you want a maintenance guy climbing on a ladder over a large compressor that may come on without warning at any minute. The light bulb finally went on in her head.

 

[jlrsn]

One never knows. I once had an engineer tell me to put a hydronic system drain valve over a large air compressor used to supply compressed air to large research building.

Be realistic! There are extreme examples/reasons for everything. Back in 61 we had an engine problem in the #4 engine of a USAF C-124 Globemaster. I was the only one onboard that knew how to go through the P-Compartment to the tunnel inside the wing to the #4 Engine Nacelle and correct the problem as mountains were coming up and with a full load we needed the 4th engine which was feathered to get over the mountain. That was a NEED right then. Changing the air filter above a hot stove can wait!

 

[BeezFun]

I want to install a wood stove in our homes basement.

My basement HVAC return duct/grill/filter is in the ceiling of the basement.


Can I install a wood stove directly under the HVAC return duct? My thinking is that we can run our heat pumps blower fan in the constant on setting and circulate the heat from the wood stove throughout the house.

I think it's a great idea. The reason the cold air return is in the basement is because cold air settles and warm air rises. So you might find cold air collecting around the perimeter of your basement because the warm air from stove is rising to the return. But if you run your fan all the time it should minimize that.

Do I need to provide the wood stove a fresh air intake out side the basement?

I'd always add a fresh air intake if it's possible, otherwise you'll just draw cold air in through the cracks around doors, windows etc. Stoves are better than fireplaces, but they still draw a fair bit of air. You have to be careful with problems like condensation on the fresh air intake, not always easy to get it installed in a good spot where the air can get preheated a little.

 

[dieselscout80]

I think it's a great idea. The reason the cold air return is in the basement is because cold air settles and warm air rises. So you might find cold air collecting around the perimeter of your basement because the warm air from stove is rising to the return. But if you run your fan all the time it should minimize that.



I'd always add a fresh air intake if it's possible, otherwise you'll just draw cold air in through the cracks around doors, windows etc. Stoves are better than fireplaces, but they still draw a fair bit of air. You have to be careful with problems like condensation on the fresh air intake, not always easy to get it installed in a good spot where the air can get preheated a little.

Can the fresh air intake line go down (down hill vs level) to the wood stove?

 

[BeezFun]

Can the fresh air intake line go down (down hill vs level) to the wood stove?

Downhill is fine, cold air likes to fall. One thing I've seen guys do is run the fresh air intake down the flue of their chimney, that helps preheat the air because the insulated line going up does add some heat to that cavity, and keeps any condensation in the masonry environment. You can also buy heat exchangers to accomplish the same thing, but that's expensive and involves another piece of equipment. It helps to use PVC for the intake, it's a better insulator and won't condense so much. Need to turn it into steel if it gets too close to something hot.