What is a flue duct?

A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening in a chimney for conveying exhaust gases from a fireplace, furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors. Historically the term flue meant the chimney itself.

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Similarly, it is asked, what is the difference between a chimney and a flue?

The chimney is the visible outside structure -- the brick, block, slate or rock. The flue is the internal shaft (from a fireplace, a woodstove or a burner) that vents the gases and smoke produced from the fire to the outside.

Secondly, how does a flue work? The flue is the metal duct work, ceramic piping or brick chimney stack that runs from a firebox to the top of a chimney to the outdoors. This has the effect of drawing the exhaust gases and ash, which are lighter weight than the cold outdoor air, up through the flue and venting them outside.

Also Know, what is a chimney flue made of?

The flue, then, is the inner part of the chimney, the part that actually contains and vents the products of combustion. Flues can be made of clay tile, as in the case of most masonry chimneys, or of metal, as in the case of prefabricated or manufactured chimneys.

Is it flue or flu?

The noun flu (a shortened form of influenza) refers to a contagious viral infection. The noun flue refers to a duct or channel in a chimney or in any enclosed passageway.

Related Question Answers

How much does it cost to have a chimney liner installed?

For the average homeowner, having a chimney liner installed costs about $2,500. For more expensive materials, prices tend to average at $5,000 and could climb to $7,000. With an easy-to-install material like aluminum, the DIY cost of materials and equipment could be as low as $625.

What is the purpose of a flue pipe?

A flue pipe is an integral component of home heating installations. It is usually located at the fireplace, furnace or water heater installations. Exhaust gases and other byproducts of combustion are expelled into the outside atmosphere through the flue. In this way, pollution of indoor air is prevented.

Is a damper the same as a flue?

Every Fireplace has a chimney damper. This is a movable plate that sits above the fireplace before the flue. If you pull the lever toward you, generally that will open most of the dampers. The flue, also known as the chimney lining, is basically a pipe up the middle of the chimney.

What is a Class 2 chimney?

Class 2 flue. A conventional flue but is only 5 inches in diameter. The range of gas fires that can be fitted to a class 2 flue is slightly reduced to that of a Class 1 flue. Pre-cast flue. Usually found in more recently built properties.

What is a Class B chimney?

Class B chimney pipes are used specifically with gas-burning stoves or heaters. Outside air is sucked into the gas-burning chamber to add fuel to the fire. While oil, coal and wood-burning appliances requires the basic Class A chimney pipe, corn and/or pellet-burning appliances call for a different venting system.

How do I clean my chimney?

To clean a chimney, start by putting on work gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to protect yourself from soot. You should also drape a drop cloth or tarp around your fireplace to make clean up easier. When you're ready to get started, remove the damper from the chimney flue so it doesn't get in your way.

Are flue liners necessary?

However, if you're not using your fireplace and your chimney acts solely as a vent for your furnace or water heater, you may not need to have a liner installed. Homeowners with gas or electric inserts most likely do not need a new liner because those types of fuel don't produce enough heat to damage a masonry chimney.

Can I install my own chimney liner?

Yes it can - and will! While having your chimney liner professionally installed can be more convenient but ends up being costly, averaging anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. With our DIY Chimney Liner Kits you will have all the components needed to reline your chimney and you wont break the bank!

How do I know if my chimney needs a liner?

How can I tell if my chimney has a liner? You can have it inspected by a chimney professional; or, if you're able, you can go up on the roof and check it out yourself. If you look down into your chimney and see only bricks and no clay tile, it is not lined.

Does a brick chimney need a liner?

Chimneys should be lined. The National Fire Code states that a liner can be built of brick, clay or steel. Most homes built in the past 50 years have a clay liner for a wood-burning appliance. Well, the fire code requires that a chimney be repaired or replaced if it constitutes a fire hazard.

What is the difference between a balanced flue and an open flue?

A balanced flue – or 'closed' system – has one significant difference to an open flue. Instead of drawing in clean air from your room, it takes it in from outside the house, via a pipe.

How long will a stainless steel chimney liner last?

15 to 20 years

How much does a stainless steel chimney liner cost?

The average cost of a stainless steel chimney liner is around $625 for a ready to install, 6″ x 25″ foot flue liner kit and DIY installation. Professional installation of the same chimney liner kit with insulation, is around $1,980.

Do I need a chimney liner for a gas furnace?

Chimney liners aren't just a good idea – they're required to help maintain the proper performance of your chimney. Gas-fired appliances need to vent to the outside to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide. In the past, gas furnaces and water heaters used the home's chimney to provide adequate ventilation.

What size flue do I need?

As a general rule, the diameter of the chimney should match the flue collar on your wood stove. A 6-inch stove requires a 6-inch flue. In most cases, a step up is also fine. For example, you could vent a 6-inch stove into an insulated chimney that is 8 inches in diameter.

How many bends can you have in a flue?

A chimney cannot have more than four bends and no bend can be more than 45 degrees (except if you use a 90 degree “T” off the rear of the stove). If you are are going out through a wall then you will be using two 45 degree bends straight away and have two left if you need them.

How high does a chimney flue need to be?

3 feet

Which way is the flue open?

You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace, it means that your chimney has a top-mounted damper.

How can I improve my chimney draw?

Warm the Metal Chimney

1. Roll a piece of newspaper into a tube.
2. Hold the flame directly under the flue system.
3. Light a fire in the firebox immediately after warming the flue system.
4. Place a brick under each leg of the fire grate.
5. Light the fire and watch to see if the smoke goes up the flue system.