What is a Chimney Flue and Why do you need it?

A chimney flue is a vertical channel or conduit that extends from the firebox, where combustion occurs, to the chimney’s apex. It is the chimney’s vertical gap that permits the discharge of smoke from the firebox. However, since all chimney flues require a lining, the term ‘flue’ often also refers to the chimney liner.

Flues are a standard feature in every fireplace that burns wood or gas. In contrast, gel and imitation fireplaces lack both chimneys and flues. While fireclay flue tiles have been the traditional material for constructing chimney flues, the use of stainless steel flues has become more prevalent alongside clay tiles.

Why flue is necessary for chimney?

The chimney flue serves two purposes: it expels combustion byproducts and draws in fresh air necessary for combustion. The importance of the chimney flue lies in the fact that it exhausts the combustion gasses from a heating unit or fireplace out through the chimney, ensuring safe expulsion.

It is crucial for preventing carbon monoxide from escaping into the living space, as bricks, being porous, are not effective for this purpose. An ideal flue is non-porous and resistant to corrosion.

What dangers can chimney pose without flue?

Utilizing a fireplace without flue can pose significant health hazards. In the absence of adequate ventilation and safety mechanisms, the combustion of gas in a flueless fireplace can lead to the emission of small quantities of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. These gasses can cause fatal when accumulated in substantial concentrations.

When to inspect chimney flue?

It is advisable to have your chimney flue examined annually and cleaned as needed by a certified chimney sweep. Maintaining your flue not only ensures its efficiency but also prevents the buildup of creosote of chimney. This dark, oily residue, a combustion byproduct of burning fossil fuels, can accumulate on the flue’s interior walls and pose health and ecological hazards if not properly managed.

How chimney Flue works?

Chimney flue works together with fireplace. A fireplace requires a chimney to safely burn and vent heat. For combustion, a fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat gas, wood, or pellets can serve as fuel.

The flue provides oxygen by drawing air from inside for an open fireplace or from outside for a direct vent insert, which doesn’t need a chimney.

FAQs

Does it necessary to close chimney flue when not is in use?

Yes it is necessary. Ensure that it is shut when the fireplace is not in use to avoid the loss of warm or cool air from your home.

A chimney requires how many flues to work smoothly?

A flue is a dedicated vent for a heating system. Therefore, if your home has both a fireplace and an oil or gas heating system, you would require two separate flues.

Which flue is best for chimney?

The best chimney flue material is stainless steel, as its chromium content offers strong protection against corrosion from acidic condensation that results from various types of incomplete combustion.

Conclusion

Chimney flue is necessary for health safety and it you should have regular inspection and cleaning to avoid health hazards like carbon monoxide buildup. We recommend stainless steel material for flues due to its corrosion resistance. And the most important thing to consider is that when flue is not in use, you should close it as closing the flue prevents chilly drafts from descending through the chimney and also necessary for health.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment. It will be our pleasure to hear from you and reply you.