No, you do not need a traditional stone or brick chimney in order to install a pellet stove in your home. With that said, pellet stoves do require specific venting.

Why does a pellet stove not need a chimney?

Pellet stoves only burn highly compressed pellets, which are the cleanest burning type of solid fuel available. These appliances can be installed as close as 3 inches to combustible walls. A chimney is not required because pellet stoves can be vented directly to an outside wall.

Do pellet burners need a flue?

Waste air from a pellet stove must be vented to the outside of a home using a suitable form of flue, either within a masonry chimney, internally within a home or externally up an outside wall. Pellet stoves do not typically always require a direct vent for fresh air intake.

Can pellet stoves cause chimney fires?

Yes, it can happen. Typically, pellet stove chimneys get blocked by flyash, but this past season was not typical. This cooler fire allows for a lower chimney temperature and makes it easier for the smoke to attach itself to the chimney pipe in the form of creosote. If the pipe is not cleaned, a chimney fire is eminent.

Do pellet stoves give off carbon monoxide?

If you use a woodstove, pellet stove, hydronic heater, boiler, or fireplace, the devices must be properly installed, vented, and serviced regularly to avoid potentially hazardous situations. A chemical reaction that produces carbon monoxide (CO) gas can occur when wood pellets are stored.