Your chimney is responsible for venting gases produced from fuel out of your home and into the atmosphere. Fuels such as propane, oil, kerosene, natural gas, and wood all produce flue gases that must be vented into a chimney. For these gases to be expelled into the atmosphere there must be proper drafting of the chimney.
Chimneys can have three types of interior liners, made of different materials: clay, ceramic, or metal. These liners help to direct the flue gasses into the outside atmosphere. Chimney liners are also responsible for stopping lethal carbon monoxide gas from seeping into your home. They do this by preventing hot embers in smoke from entering through a crack in the flue, which can potentially cause materials in or around the chimney to ignite.
For optimal use and safety, a liner is needed when installing a new heating system, furnace, boiler, or water heater. Local codes and the International Fuel Gas Code require proper venting and chimney liners for flue gasses to be vented into the outdoor atmosphere. Wood and coal burning fuels must be vented in a separate chimney liner and not be vented with Natural Gas, Propane, or Oil burning fuels in a single chimney liner. It can be very dangerous to you and your home to use equipment that does not have a chimney liner installed.
Some common signs that you may need a new chimney liner include: the clay liner is damaged or deteriorating, which can allow carbon monoxide and hot ember to leave the chimney; your chimney may have a condensation problem which allows for erosion to occur; and when converting to burn different fuel or change of fireplace, you must change the chimney liners. So, if you think that it's time o change your chimney liner, you can always look for Chimney Liners Online to see your options.
Stainless steel or aluminum chimney liners are primarily used to upgrade and repair existing chimneys. They are extremely safe and durable. Stainless steel is suitable for wood-burning, gas, or oil appliances, while aluminum is a cheaper alternative for specific medium-efficiency gas applications only. These liners generally last for 15 to 20 years.
Be careful when shopping for new heating systems, as oftentimes, companies will not include a chimney liner in the final estimate. If the liner is left out of the estimate, it will either be a surprise add-on at the time of installation or will be omitted completely. Either situation is a bad one.
Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, your safety, and quality of living should be the company’s primary concerns, and they should always put all components into their upfront estimate.
Proper installation and maintenance of your chimney liner are essential and can help maximize its durability. Installation of your chimney liner is best left to a professional. Professionals help you select the right chimney liner for your home, giving you comfort and confidence that your home will be safe. Professionals install reputable products and brands, and will never cut corners at the cost of safety.