Installing a wood burning stove with back boiler into your home heating system is a smart and sustainable choice for anyone seeking cost-effective and efficient heating. These types of stoves are compatible with central heating, making them suitable not only for houses but also for larger apartments. In this article from the BalkanEnergy.NET online store, we’ll cover how to connect such a stove, how it is installed, the necessary components, and what you need to know to build a safe and long-lasting heating system.

 

 

What is a wood burning stove with back boiler?

A wood burning stove with back boiler is an innovative heating appliance that combines the charm of a traditional stove with the functionality of a central heating system. Unlike standard stoves that heat only the room where they are located, models with a back boiler have a built-in metal jacket through which water circulates. As the wood burns, some of the heat is used to warm the room via radiation and convection, while the rest is used to heat water, which is then distributed to radiators in other rooms through a pipe system.

This makes the wood burning stove with back boiler a “dual-function” unit – providing both local and central heating using a single fuel source. This is especially valuable for households wanting to avoid the need for an additional boiler or electric water heater while improving efficiency through centralized heating control.

The structure of the stove includes:

  • A firebox with thick lining (resistant to high temperatures);

  • A back boiler made of steel or cast iron, surrounding the firebox;

  • Water inlet and outlet connections;

  • A glass door (usually ceramic), offering a view of the flame;

  • Key components such as a flue, dampers, temperature sensor, and optionally – a circulation pump and buffer tank.

Wood burning stoves with back boiler can use a variety of fuels: firewood, pellets, or briquettes. The choice depends on the model and user preference. Firewood is more accessible and widely available, while pellets offer higher automation, cleaner combustion, and easier maintenance.

It’s important to note that these stoves require proper installation and connection to the other elements of the heating system – such as radiators, water heaters, expansion tanks, safety valves, pressure gauges, etc. With a well-designed setup, the back boiler becomes the central point of the home’s heating system, providing comfort in every room and even heating domestic hot water.

These stoves are especially suitable for:

  • Single-family homes;

  • Villas and rural properties without access to gas;

  • Residences needing central heating on a limited budget;

  • Combined heating systems (e.g., with a boiler, water heater, or solar panels).

A wood burning stove with back boiler is an effective and sustainable whole-house heating solution that combines economy, coziness, and functionality in one appliance. At BalkanEnergy.NET you’ll find a wide range of models with different power ratings, fuel types, and designs suitable for any type of building and need.

 

 

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Why choose a wood burning stove with back boiler?

Choosing a wood burning stove with back boiler is an investment that merges efficiency, affordability, and comfort into one solution. These stoves are among the most preferred options for central heating in single-family homes, villas, and even larger apartments. They are extremely versatile – not only do they provide heat in the room where they are installed, but through the back boiler, they deliver heat to the rest of the home via radiators or underfloor heating. This means that a single stove can cover the entire heating demand of your home without needing additional devices or electric heaters.

Another major advantage is the ability to use inexpensive and eco-friendly fuels – such as firewood, pellets, or briquettes. With constantly rising electricity and fuel prices, this is a practical way to control your monthly expenses. When properly installed and connected, a wood burning stove with back boiler can offer savings of over 30–40% compared to conventional heating methods. Moreover, when using pellets, the system can be fully automated – with built-in controllers and remote management options.

From an environmental perspective, this is a much more eco-conscious solution. Burning wood and pellets – especially in modern models – produces fewer harmful emissions, and the fuel sources can be renewable. This makes a wood burning stove with back boiler a sustainable option that aligns with “green home” standards.

Let’s not forget the aesthetic value. A stove is a symbol of home warmth and comfort – its flames create a cozy atmosphere, and today’s models come in various styles that blend seamlessly into different interiors. Combined with an efficient back boiler, you’re getting not just a beautiful centerpiece, but a complete heating system that is both functional and attractive.

Last but not least – wood burning stoves with back boiler can be integrated with additional components such as a coil water heater, buffer tank, or heat exchanger, making the system flexible and adaptable to each household’s needs. This gives you the opportunity for full energy independence, especially when combining the stove with other energy sources like solar panels or an auxiliary boiler.

If you’re looking for a heating solution that is reliable, efficient, stylish, and cost-effective, a wood burning stove with back boiler is one of the best choices on the market. At BalkanEnergy.NET you’ll find a wide selection of models, spare parts, components, and everything necessary for proper installation and connection of your system.

 

 

Necessary components for connection

Connecting a wood burning stove with back boiler to a home heating system requires carefully selected and properly installed components to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the setup. It's important to adhere to both the technical specifications of the appliance and the specific conditions of the household—such as distances, insulation, radiator capacity, and type of fuel (wood or pellets).

Below are the essential elements without which the connection and installation of the system cannot be successfully realized:

  1. Circulation Pump
    The circulation pump is responsible for driving the heated water from the back boiler to all radiators and back to the wood burning stove. Without it, heat could not be evenly distributed. Modern pumps are energy-efficient, often featuring adjustable speeds and built-in temperature sensors. It’s crucial to choose a pump compatible with the wood burning stove's output and the water volume in the system.
    Tip: For larger installations or those including underfloor heating, high-efficiency circulation pumps rated energy class A are recommended.
     
  2. Expansion Vessel
    The expansion vessel compensates for the increase in water volume during heating and prevents pressure build-up in the system. It plays a vital role in protecting the back boiler, pipes, and radiators from hydraulic shocks and leaks. There are open (atmospheric) and closed (membrane) expansion vessels.
    Tip: The vessel size is calculated based on the total water volume in the system—usually 8–12%, with a minimum of 10 liters.
     
  3. Safety Valve and Manometer
    These two components are crucial for the safety of the entire installation. The safety valve opens automatically when critical pressure is reached (usually over 2.5–3 bar) and releases the excess water. The manometer allows you to monitor pressure in real time, useful for diagnostics and maintenance.
    Tip: Always use combined modules that include a check valve and an air vent for optimal functionality.
     
  4. Piping and Fittings
    The piping connects the wood burning stove with back boiler to all other components—radiators, buffer tank, boiler, circulation pump, etc. It can be made of various materials: copper, steel, polypropylene, or PEX. Each material has advantages—copper resists high temperatures and has excellent thermal conductivity, while PPR and PEX are easier to install and more economical.
    Tip: Use pipes with adequate diameter to ensure unobstructed circulation and always insulate them to reduce heat loss.
     
  5. Thermostatic Valves and Mixing Units
    Thermostatic valves and mixing units allow precise control of the temperature in each radiator or zone. This increases system efficiency and provides individual comfort in different rooms.
    Tip: For systems with more than three radiators or combined heating (underfloor + radiators), always include a mixing unit for optimal performance.
     
  6. Automatic Air Vent
    This component is essential for removing air that accumulates during the initial filling or while the system is operating. Air can cause noise, uneven heating, and even pump failure.
    Tip: Install air vents at the highest points of the system and at each radiator.
     
  7. Fill and Drain Valves
    These components allow easy filling of the system with water and draining it during maintenance, servicing, or winter shutdown. They should be accessible and clearly marked.
     
  8. Mechanical Impurity Filter
    Installing a filter before the circulation pump and back boiler protects against the entry of solid particles, rust, or sludge that can damage or clog the system.
    Tip: Clean the filter regularly, especially during the first month after installation.

Selecting the right components for connecting a wood burning stove with back boiler is critical to achieving a reliable, sustainable, and efficient heating system. Every element plays a role, and when they work in sync, you get maximum warmth with minimal expense. At the online store BalkanEnergy.NET, you will find all necessary parts, installation kits, and qualified assistance in making the right choices.

 

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How is the installation carried out?

The installation of a wood burning stove with back boiler is a process that requires planning, technical knowledge, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

  • Preparation and site selection – A dry, ventilated room with adequate space and access to a chimney is selected. The chimney must have sufficient draft because an improperly built flue can cause smoke and poor performance of the appliance.
  • Connecting the wood burning stove to the system – The wood burning stove is connected to the pipe system, making sure to include the circulation pump, expansion vessel, and safety valve. Then all radiators are connected. If you have a boiler with a coil, it can be integrated into the same system.
  • Testing and initial start-up  – After installation, the system is filled with water and pressure-tested for leaks. The operation of the pump, the efficiency of the back boiler, and the initial firing are checked.

Additional tips for selection and connection

1. Choose the correct power output of the wood burning stove

The wood burning stove should be sized according to the area and insulation of the dwelling. For example, 10 kW is generally sufficient for 80–100 sq.m. If the output is too low, the back boiler will not heat the water effectively; if it is too high, it can lead to frequent overheating and unnecessary wood or pellet consumption.

Many users underestimate the importance of correct sizing. As a rule of thumb:
1 kW of heating power = approx. 10 sq.m. of well-insulated space.

Choosing an underpowered stove results in insufficient heating, while an overpowered one leads to fuel waste and lower efficiency.

 

2. Automation for greater comfort

Integrating thermostats and Wi-Fi controllers allows you to manage heating remotely and monitor the operation of the wood burning stove and back boiler in real time.

Modern wood burning stoves with back boiler can be paired with:

  • Temperature sensors

  • Wi-Fi controls

  • Timers and thermostats

This simplifies usage, reduces the need for manual intervention, and improves efficiency.

 

3. Heat exchanger or buffer tank – when are they needed?

In more complex installations—especially when the wood burning stove with back boiler is used as part of a combined heating system, e.g., with an additional boiler, solar panels, or a boiler with a coil—a heat exchanger or buffer tank is often required.

The buffer tank acts as a reservoir that stores excess heat from the back boiler and supplies it to the radiators when the fuel is depleted or when there is a drop in thermal output. This maintains a constant room temperature even during fluctuating combustion and greatly increases the system's efficiency. Additionally, the buffer tank extends the life of the circulation pump by reducing the number of on/off cycles.

On the other hand, a heat exchanger is used when there are two separate heating systems that should not be directly connected—for instance, when a wood burning stove with back boiler needs to heat water for a coil boiler or another system with different pressure. It transfers heat from one system to the other without mixing the water between them. This is especially useful when combining a pellet stove with solar collectors or when connecting to an existing central heating system.

In conclusion, using a heat exchanger or buffer tank enhances the safety, stability, and efficiency of heating, making them highly recommended for larger homes or buildings with multiple heating components.

 

 

Smart heating with long-term value

A wood burning stove with back boiler is not just a source of heat but a smart solution for the modern home—combining comfort, savings, and complete control over heating. With it, you can achieve efficiency that reduces monthly expenses while increasing comfort in every room.

Whether you're building a new heating system, upgrading an old one, or looking for an alternative to expensive energy sources, a wood burning stove with back boiler is a proven, practical, and reliable choice. When properly installed, well-connected, and equipped with the right components, it becomes the heart of the home—a source of warmth, comfort, and independence.

If you're looking for quality products, professional advice, or a ready-made solution, the online store BalkanEnergy.NET is here for you. Explore our offerings and make an informed choice that will keep your home warm and secure—today and in the future.

 

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