As the cool weather approaches, insureds are beginning to use their solid fuel heating appliances.  If not properly installed and operated, they can create a serious fire hazard. Solid fuel heating appliances include any component burning solid fuels such as wood stoves, central or add on furnaces or boilers, cook stoves, free standing fireplaces, outdoor woodstoves and units burning pelletized fuel, biomass or agricultural products (such as shelled corn).   

In addition to use within a home or basement, these units may be used in garages and other outbuildings, provided the installation meets the same guidelines for acceptability as units installed in the home. Manufactured homes with solid fuel heating appliances are not acceptable. 

Units must either be installed to manufacturer’s specifications or within the guidelines listed in our Rule and Rate guide.  They also must be approved by a recognized testing laboratory (UL, Warnock Hersey).  Homemade stoves and stoves with heat re-claimers are ineligible.  Re-claimers are designed to capture much of the heat from the chimney and redirect it back into the home. This reduces the temperature in the chimney flue which creates an excessive build-up of creosote and soot in the chimney/stovepipe.

Other common concerns to watch for when inspecting these units are inadequate clearances to the side and rear walls and insufficient floor protection in front of the loading door.  You’ll want to be sure the unit has been properly cleaned.  Also, watch out for combustibles located too close to the stove.

At the time of application, risks with solid fuel heating appliances must include the Solid Fuel Heating Appliance Supplement, FM-362, and a photo of the unit.  Photos can be attached in iBIS using the File Attach option.

The $75 solid fuel heating appliance surcharge is applicable to dwellings with a unit on the premises, unless it is a built in fireplace, a fireplace insert or an outdoor woodstove that is 15 ft. or more from the home or other structures.

All solid fuel heating appliances are subject to underwriting approval.