How to Heat Your Yurt in Winter: Popular Heating Options
One of the most common questions we receive from new yurt owners is: “Can I install a wood stove in my yurt?” The answer is, absolutely, you can! In fact, we estimate that nearly 90% of our yurt buyers choose wood stove installations after purchase. Whether you opt for wood or gas, having a reliable heat source becomes a lifesaver during the chilly winter months.
While wood stoves remain the most popular option, we’ll also explore gas stoves, radiant floor heating, and modern electric alternatives. Here are a few tips and recommendations from our expert yurt creators at Rainier Outdoor.
Choosing the Best Stove for Your Cold Weather Yurt
When sizing a stove for your yurt, focus on two key questions: “how many square feet will it heat?” and “how many British Thermal Units (BTU’s) will it produce?” From fuel types to style preferences, there’s a wide range of options. Here are the most popular heating systems in the yurt community:
Here are the key categories of heating systems popular in the yurt community:
- Small, Highly Efficient Wood Stoves: Ideal for compact spaces, these stoves offer impressive heat output in a small footprint. We have seen units with heat outputs up to 28,000 BTU/hr that can heat up to 800 square feet. Other compact models can heat up to 1000 square feet, perfect for small rooms or minimal heating needs.
- Gas Stoves: A convenient, low-maintenance alternative to wood, gas stoves provide consistent heat without the need to store fuel or manage ash.
- High-Output Stoves for Larger Yurts: For maximum heat and extended burn time, we recommend high-output stoves constructed from 12-gauge steel, delivering 80,000–90,000 BTUs – enough to comfortably heat up to 550 sq. ft.
- Modern and Electric Heating: If chopping logs is not your thing, a fan heater is a great modern option. These can work as an air conditioner in the summer, contain a long-range heat projection, and are extremely safe, often designed to shut themselves off if knocked over.
- Radiant Floor Heating: A quiet, energy-efficient option that gently warms from the floor – keeping your yurt cozy in cold weather without the hassle of managing logs or ashes.
Crucial Installation Tips: Don’t Void Your Warranty!
Never vent your wood stove through the roof. Cutting into the roof will void your Rainier Yurt warranty. Instead, vent through the sidewall. Yurt experts strongly recommend venting your stovepipe through the wall, as it prevents ash buildup on the roof and allows easier access for chimney maintenance.
Step-by-Step Installation Basics
- The Non-Flammable Barrier (Hearth): Because wood stoves emit intense heat, begin with a protective hearth made of stone, concrete, or metal. For elevated stoves, a sheet of aluminum extending to the edges may suffice.
- Wall Penetration and Flashing: You will need to install metal flashing if your stovepipe exits through the yurt wall. This flashing protects the lattice and fabric from catching fire due to the heat of the stove pipe. You’ll need to measure and trace the circumference of your stove’s wall thimble onto the lattice, cut the lattice and fabric, and then screw the metal flashing components into place.
- Exterior Chimney Support Pole: For optimal stability, we recommend constructing a tall support beam – typically using two 4×4 posts – adjacent to the chimney. The posts should reach the highest section of piping and be set into a concrete form deep enough to ensure secure anchoring.
We hope this guide helps you choose the right heating solution for your yurt. Whether you’re braving mountain winters or simply want a cozy retreat, Rainier Yurts are built to keep you warm. Stay cozy out there!
Ready to build your own Rainier Yurt? Explore our models or contact us to start your custom design.