Energy Efficient Chimney

In addition to protecting masonry.

Energy efficient chimney.

Homeowners interested in cutting energy costs do well to give attention to their chimneys. A traditional wood burning fireplace adds warmth and romantic ambiance to a home s interior. The damperis the metal plate that regulates airflow through the chimney. Soot and creosote can build up and block your chimney putting your home at risk for fire and they can also prevent the fireplace from getting the necessary oxygen to burn properly.

Overall efficiency is a better measure than combustion efficiency of the amount of heat that is delivered to the home. A fireback is simply a heavy sheet of metal traditionally cast iron behind the fire. Actual efficiency will vary depending on factors such as wood moisture appliance operation and installation e g outside piping chimney height. Get your chimney properly inspected by a chimney sweep certified by the chimney safety institute of america each year before it gets too cold.

But most are energy hogs converting only 15 of wood s energy into useful heat. The most important thing you can do to improve the efficiency and safety of your fireplace is to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Keeping the fireplace damper closed to prevent warm air from rising up the chimney instead of heating the home. If a traditional fireplace is not sealed off properly it can be the reason a significant amount of warmed air from the home escapes through the chimney in winter.

Installing a wood burning insert inside your fireplace along with a flexible m flex stainless steel chimney liner can help you. All models are 95 efficient and meet the criteria for energy star 2019 most efficient. Liners provide maximum efficiency for your chimney and protect masonry from corrosive byproducts of the flue gases. Fireplace doorsare supposed to reduce the amount of.

Some dampers fit snuggly when they re new but. Flow rates in dhw for combi models are 5 0 gpm 70 f rise dcc 205 and 3 5 gpm 70 f rise dcc 150. Energy efficient factory built fireplaces can have lightweight stainless steel metal flues which can be channeled through a nearby wall. These fireplaces can be between and 2 inches away from combustible materials such as wood studded walls with no danger that the heat from the fireplace will cause a house fire.

Combi models are available in 205 and 150 mbh and central heating models in 125 or 165 mbh. Some simple ways to improve the efficiency of your fireplace and chimney include. Improving the efficiency of the fireplace and chimney can reduce heat loss from the chimney making it operate better during the cold months. A certified chimney sweep can offer advice to help make sure all the components of your fireplace and chimney are functioning efficiently and safely.