DIY Wood Stove Pipe Heat Savers

Downdraft Heat Saver

• 1

  Remove the bungs from a 55-gallon and a 33-gallon metal drum with a bung wrench. Prepare an arc welding torch and power supply according to the manufacturer's specifications.

• 2

  Cut off the top of the 55-gallon drum about 1 inch below the top. Cut a round hole that is the same diameter as your existing wood stove flue in one side of the drum, several inches below the cut edge.

• 3

  Cut off the top of the 33-gallon drum several inches below the top. Flip the 33-gallon drum over, and repeat the process to form a hollow metal tube.

• 4

  Remove your wood stove's flue by loosening any mounting screws and lifting the stove pipe. Insert a new stove pipe that is about the same length as the modified 33-gallon drum.

• 5

  Place the 33-gallon drum over the stove pipe so the pipe is centered within the wider drum. Weld the bottom of the drum to the top of your wood stove.

• 6

  Insert loose fill insulation into the space between the stove pipe and the 33-gallon drum, up to a point just below the height of the drum.

• 7

  Place the 55-gallon drum over the 33-gallon drum, centering the smaller drum inside. Position the larger drum with its remaining solid side facing upward. Replace the bung in this side by pressing it into place.

• 8

  Weld the bottom of the 55-gallon drum to the top of the wood stove. Weld the original wood stove flue to the small hole near the bottom of the 55-gallon drum, and connect it to your existing chimney or ventilation system using the original fasteners or adapters.