GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Installing a Minisplit Head Near a Stovepipe

charles3 | Posted in Mechanicals on

Double wall stove pipe has a clearance to combustibles of 10″. How close to the stove pipe can a minisplit head safely be installed?

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. walta100 | | #1

    My guess is at 10 inches the plastic case of the mini would turn liquid and drip on the floor.

    It seems to me that the heated air off a wood stove is likely to warm the air above the stove to over 130°that could soften the plastic for about 10 feet more or less.

    Walta

  2. GBA Editor
    Kiley Jacques | | #2

    To piggyback on Walta's comment . . . it seems less than ideal. If you aren't already committed to a wall-mounted head, maybe consider a floor unit. According to this article, research has found that floor-mounted units perform better for heating than indoor units that are mounted high on a wall (never mind the added complication of heat from a stovepipe).

    1. charles3 | | #3

      Kiley, I don't understand how a unit on the floor near the stove is safer than a unit on the wall near the stovepipe.

  3. charles3 | | #4

    Related question: Are there some brands and models that are more tolerant of heat than others?

  4. charles3 | | #5

    In case anybody is interested, I asked this question of a guy who is National Fireplace Institute certified, and he said 10" is no problem. I guess the heat pump makes the plastic about as warm as the stovepipe would.

  5. Expert Member
    Akos | | #6

    I have a black microwave about 18" from the stove pipe, the plastic on the door barely gets warm.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |