If I’ve learned one thing from this sub…

If I’ve learned one thing from this sub, it’s that I should have a 6” stainless liner.

HOWEVER: I own a house that is about 45 years old. We heat only with wood, as did the previous owners. When we moved in I installed a Lopi Evegreen, and this is our third winter with it. We have heated exclusively with wood for the last 17 years (in a different or house with a different stove). This house has an 8x13 chimney that is constructed with clay chimney tile liner, surrounded by 4 inch concrete block, surrounded by stone. There are three thimbles: one in the basement and two in the main level. I knew the builder of the house and I am good friends with the mason who built the chimney, and I’m confident that the build quality is top notch. I have inspected the chimney liner with a remote camera and did not see any cracks. However, there may have been a chimney fire in the past.

The specs for the Lopi call for a 6” stainless liner. I am aware that it would burn more efficiently with the improved draw of a 6” pipe. However, it burns quite well as it is, although maybe a little slow to start. I’ve cleaned the chimney at the end of the last two winters and there has been absolutely no creosote buildup. I test my wood with a moisture meter and I only burn if it’s between 15 - 20%.

I’m most concerned about safety. I know the stove would burn more efficiently with a 6” steel liner, but are there any real safety concerns?

One reason I don’t want to install the liner is that we have a wood cook stove I’d
like to install in the basement (although the thimble is at the wrong height. I’ve talked to a mason about installing a new thimble, but it’s unclear whether that will work).