What is a double flue chimney?
A double flue is a set of two flues which are routed out of a structure together. These types of flues are sometimes inserted into existing chimneys, and in other cases, a chimney may be designed from the start with the intent of being a double flue.
What are the two levers on my fireplace?
Why does mine have TWO levers? One lever opens and closes the damper, allowing the smoke to come up through the flue of the chimney, while a second lever opens and closes the air vents, allowing fresh combustion air to enter and fuel the fire.
What is a Class 2 flue?
Prefabricated Flues (Class 2) They are made up of interlocking metal flue pipes. You can easily identify a prefabricated flue by the metal cowl on the roof, which looks like a thin metal chimney. What fires can you have with a prefabricated flue? You can have electric, gas and gel fires with a prefabricated flue.
How does a flue work in a fireplace?
Chimneys operate on the principle that hot air rises above cold air. The movement of hot gases rising from the fire creates a pressure difference between the inside of the flue and the room. This is called a “draught” and it forces air into the fireplace, this air feeds the flames as it rushes past the fire.
How do I know if my fireplace flue is open or closed?
Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed.
Is a damper the same as a flue?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.
Should I close the damper on my fireplace?
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it’s not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home.
What happens if you leave the flue open?
Fireplace damper position With the damper open, the fire will continue to build, and allow smoke, soot and other contaminants to vent through the chimney. But leaving the damper fully open while the fire is burning also allows the heated air to escape causing your fireplace to operate less efficiently.
Is it OK to close the glass doors on a fireplace?
The doors should always be fully open or fully closed. The glass doors should be closed as the fire dies down to minimize the amount of room air going up the fireplace chimney. When burning gas logs in a wood-burning fireplace, the glass doors should always be fully open when the gas logs are burning.
How long after a fire should you close the flue?
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you have to be sure that all of the embers have burned out before you close the damper; smoldering embers can put off dangerous carbon monoxide. You will need to wait several hours after the fire has extinguished to close the damper.
Is it safe to leave fireplace burning at night?
Never leave your burning fireplace unattended. Carbon monoxide is a furtive toxin, so fireplace safety warrants awareness of this compound. The smoke from burning wood contains carbon monoxide, so in order to prevent this toxic byproduct from entering your home, it is important to leave the flue open overnight.
Will a chimney fire burn itself out?
As long as the fire is contained inside the chimney system you will be safe — the chimney fire will burn itself out. The real problem is when poorer materials are used or the chimney is improperly installed, and the fire escapes the confines of the chimney.
Can I leave my gas fireplace burning overnight?
No, you should not leave your gas fireplace on overnight as you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Although it’s never recommended, if your gas fireplace has been properly maintained and designed to run continuously, it may be safe to leave it on.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a wood burning fireplace?
Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit.
Should you open a window when you have a fire in the fireplace?
Open a window when using the fireplace to prevent the room from becoming smoky. The air coming in from the window will go up the chimney. Before making a fire, open the glass doors, pull aside the screen curtains, and place the kindling, newspaper and logs inside. The window needs to be open only a few inches.
Is a wood burning fireplace bad for your health?
Although the image of a log fire is often associated with the holidays, romance and cozy nights inside shielded from plummeting temperatures, experts say wood-burning appliances are a threat to lung and heart health. They emit harmful air pollutants and fine particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream.
What types of wood should not be burned in a fireplace?
7 Types of Wood You Shouldn’t Burn in Your Fireplace
- #1) Softwood. Because of its high resin content, you shouldn’t burn softwood in your fireplace.
- #2) Wet Wood.
- #3) Rotten Wood.
- #4) Moldy Wood.
- #5) Pressure-Treated Wood.
- #6) Driftwood.
- #7) Green Wood.
- Why You Should Burn Kiln Dried Firewood in Your Fireplace.