The Chimney Vents More Than The Used, Or Unused, Fireplace

Many people think that anything associated with the chimney stays with the chimney. However, that isn’t always the case. Consider the venting needs of your home appliances.

Yes, it is true that the vents on a chimney assist in removing the smoke, gases, and other byproducts resulting from a fire in the fireplace. These vents also help to evacuate gas associated with heating appliances including your furnace, boiler, and water heater.

Can’t Ignore Appliance Venting

Gas heating appliances rely on the combination of fuel, air and ignition, which produces combustion and, thus, heat for the air and water of your home. This also creates byproducts just as the fireplace does. Furnaces and hot water heaters generate carbon monoxide, condensate, and other emissions.

The difference between the byproducts from the fireplace and that of the furnace is that you can smell and see the byproducts from that chimney. You can’t see or smell the byproducts of the furnace and hot water heaters. This is a major reason why it is essential to have your chimney swept and inspected yearly.

Chimneys Require Ventilation

Whether you use your fireplace or not, the flue vent lining of the chimney needs to be working properly so that moisture building inside the chimney is dissipated and good draft and venting are available there. This is the chimney’s primary function. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, about 10 cubic feet of air needs to be supplied for an adequate amount of oxygen to replace one cubic foot of combusted natural gas. An adequate draft assures that enough air is pulled in.

This is why the National Fire Protection Association requires that every chimney include a liner.

Chimney Specialists, Inc., located in Highland, Wisconsin, suggests that a chimney includes a stainless steel chimney liner. It is ideal for wood burning, gas, and oil appliances. In addition, the liner is a continuous piece of metal that assures the safe ventilation of smoke and gases as it helps to eliminate excess condensation that can become a leak. It also protects against deterioration or corrosion from building up in the chimney itself.

To prevent any issues that could influence the proper venting of your chimney, contact Chimney Specialists, Inc. at (800) 395-6660 or visit our website for more information.