Monarch Add a Furnace: How to Install an Add-a-Furnace Kit for Home Heating

The Monarch Add A Furnace topic covers adding a forced-air distribution system or an add-a-furnace kit to a Monarch wood or coal stove to improve home heat distribution and efficiency. This guide explains compatibility, planning, installation steps, safety and maintenance, and common costs to help homeowners evaluate whether a Monarch add-a-furnace solution fits their needs.

Item	Typical Range
Compatible Monarch Units	Medium-to-Large Wood/Coal Stoves With Ducting Options
Estimated Installation Time	4–10 Hours (DIY) / 3–6 Hours (Pro)
Typical Cost	$300–$1,800 (Parts) + $200–$1,000 (Labor)
Key Benefits	Better Heat Distribution, Reduced Cold Spots, Increased Efficiency

What Does “Monarch Add A Furnace” Mean?

“Monarch Add A Furnace” typically refers to adding a forced-air or ducted heat distribution component to a Monarch-brand stove or integrating a separate furnace to complement Monarch heating appliances. Homeowners use an add-a-furnace kit to capture stove heat and channel it through ducts or to connect a supplemental furnace to existing heating systems for whole-house comfort.

Key Point: The goal is to move heat from a concentrated stove source into living spaces more evenly, often using a fan, plenum, and ductwork or by pairing with a gas or electric furnace for hybrid operation.

When To Consider Adding A Furnace To A Monarch Stove

Consider an add-a-furnace solution when a Monarch stove heats one area effectively but leaves other rooms cold, when looking to reduce reliance on primary HVAC, or when aiming to improve safety and efficiency of heat distribution.

Indicators: Persistent cold zones, high wood or fuel use to maintain temperature, and desire to blend wood heat with central forced air.

Types Of Add-A-Furnace Options

Add-A-Furnace Kits For Wood/Coal Stoves

These kits typically include a heat exchanger, blower, duct collars and basic ducting components. They capture warm stove surface or stovepipe heat and push it into duct runs to remote rooms.

Forced-Air Integration With A Separate Furnace

This option uses a conventional gas or electric furnace blower and plenum to circulate warm air from a Monarch stove into the home through the existing duct system. It often requires a heat exchanger or transfer box and fan controls.

Air Transfer Fan/Whole-House Fans

Lower-cost alternative using high-temperature-rated ducting and fans to move warm air via ceiling or floor registers. Less efficient than full kits but useful for limited budgets.

Compatibility: Which Monarch Models Work Best?

Many medium and larger Monarch wood and coal stoves are compatible with add-a-furnace concepts. Look for models with flat surfaces, available flue tapping points, or manufacturer guidance for duct adapters.

Checklist: Manufacturer documentation, adequate clearance, accessible flue or flue collar, and an outer stove shell or jacket that can accommodate a heat exchanger or duct connection.

Planning The Project

Start by evaluating the home’s layout, the stove’s location, and duct runs needed to reach target rooms. Sketch duct routes, measure distances, and determine if existing ducts can be used.

Obtain the Monarch stove model number and review the owner’s manual for forced-air compatibility notes. Verify local building codes and permit requirements before purchasing parts.

Required Parts And Tools

Common parts include a stove heat exchanger or transfer box, inline or cabinet blower, sheet metal ducting, insulated flex ducts, dampers, thermostatic controls, mounting brackets, and high-temperature sealant.

Tools: drill, sheet metal snips, screwdrivers, caulking gun, tape measure, metal screws, crimpers, and personal protective equipment.

Step-By-Step Installation Overview

1. Safety And Prep

Turn off fuels, let the stove cool, and disconnect any active appliances. Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning in the home.

2. Locate Duct Entry Points

Choose unobtrusive pathways for ducts. Common routes are through adjacent walls, ceiling cavities, basements, or attics. Keep duct lengths short and avoid too many bends.

3. Install The Heat Capture Assembly

Mount the heat exchanger or transfer box to the stove body or flue collar following kit instructions. Maintain required clearances from combustible materials and seal joints with high-temperature-rated material.

4. Connect Blower And Controls

Attach the blower to the heat capture unit and install a thermostat or controller to operate the fan based on temperature. Hardwired or plug-in options are typical; consult an electrician if needed.

5. Run Ducts And Registers

Install sheet metal or insulated flex ducts from the capture unit to target rooms. Add dampers at branch points to balance airflow and install registers to disperse air.

6. Test, Balance, And Seal

Run the Monarch stove at operating temperature and test airflow to each register. Balance using dampers, inspect for leaks, and seal all seams with foil tape or mastic rated for high temperatures where necessary.

Electrical And Control Considerations

Blower motors require power and may need dedicated circuits depending on amperage. A thermostatic control that activates the blower at a safe temperature prevents moving cold air or circulating unheated air.

Recommendation: Use a thermal switch that closes above 110–140°F on the stove jacket or heat exchanger. Include manual override switches for maintenance and safety.

Permits, Inspections, And Codes

Local building codes often require permits for modifications to heating systems or ductwork. Carbon monoxide and combustion air requirements must be met, and connections to chimneys or flues may need inspection.

Important: Consult local code officials or a licensed HVAC/combustion professional before beginning to ensure compliance.

Costs And Budgeting

Parts for a basic add-a-furnace kit can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on materials and blower quality. Professional installation increases cost but ensures compliance and safer operation.

Budget items: heat exchanger kit, ducting, blower, electrical work, permits, insulation, and contractor labor. Include contingency for unforeseen issues.

Pros And Cons

Benefits

• Improved Heat Distribution: Warmer rooms throughout the house and fewer cold spots.
• Fuel Savings: Reduced need to overfire the stove to heat remote rooms.
• Comfort: More even temperatures and faster warm-up of occupied spaces.

Drawbacks

• Complexity: Installation can be intrusive and requires planning and possibly structural alterations.
• Cost: Parts and labor can be significant depending on duct length and electrical needs.
• Safety: Improper installation risks smoke or CO infiltration; professional oversight may be required.

Common Problems And Troubleshooting

Low airflow: Check blower power, duct obstructions, and excessive bends. Cold air pulling: Ensure thermal controls prevent the blower from running when stove is cool.

Backdrafting or smoke in ducts: Verify chimney draft, flue sizing, and that capture box seals are intact. Consult a professional immediately if smoke enters living spaces.

Maintenance And Seasonal Care

Clean the heat exchanger and ducts annually to remove soot and creosote. Inspect blower bearings and wiring before each heating season. Replace air filters on return grills where applicable.

Safety Tip: Schedule a professional chimney sweep and system inspection annually to reduce fire risk and ensure efficient operation.

When To Hire A Professional

Hire an HVAC or hearth professional for complex duct routing, electrical work, flue modifications, or when local codes require licensed installation. Professionals provide pressure testing, code compliance, and warranty on work.

Case Studies And Examples

Example 1: A two-story home with a central Monarch wood stove used an add-a-furnace kit with a cabinet blower and short runs to upstairs bedrooms. Result: Improved upstairs temperatures by 6–10°F and reduced stove firing frequency.

Example 2: A ranch-style home integrated a Monarch stove with a gas furnace by installing a transfer box to the return plenum. The system blended wood heat with the furnace blower for whole-house distribution when the stove was burning.

Buying Guide: What To Look For In A Kit

• High-temperature-rated materials and blower for continuous operation.
• Clear installation manual and model-specific adapters for Monarch stoves.
• Thermostatic control with adjustable setpoint and reliable thermal switch.
• Good warranty and available replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Any Monarch Stove Use An Add-A-Furnace Kit?

Not every model is suitable. Smaller stoves or those without an accessible jacket may lack the surface area required for safe heat capture. Manufacturer guidance and model specifics should be verified first.

Will Adding A Furnace Void My Stove Warranty?

Modifying a stove with non-approved components can void the manufacturer warranty. Use manufacturer-approved kits or consult the warranty terms before modification.

Is The Add-A-Furnace System Energy Efficient?

Yes, when properly installed, it increases usable heat from the stove and can reduce reliance on supplemental heating. Efficiency gains depend on duct layout, blower control, and user operation.

Resources And Where To Buy

Purchase kits from hearth suppliers, HVAC distributors, and reputable online retailers. Seek parts that specify compatibility with Monarch stoves or provide universal mounting options and high-temperature ratings.

For code questions, contact local building departments and consult certified HVAC or hearth professionals for bids and installation guidance.

Final Note: A Monarch add-a-furnace project can transform localized stove heat into comfortable whole-house warmth when planned and installed correctly. Prioritize safety, follow manufacturer and code requirements, and consult professionals for complex tasks.