Do Unused Chimneys Need Ventilation?
If you’re no longer using your chimney or fireplace, it’s logical to think that your chimney can be left alone – especially when you as a homeowner will always have a long list of to-do’s. However, even unused chimneys and fireplaces need to be added to that to-do list. Unused chimneys that don’t receive care can lead to mold in your home, damage your roof, and cause internal chimney deterioration which will cost you a headache and money in the long run.
It’s an overwhelming problem, but it’s easy to avoid! The solution: chimney maintenance. Continue reading to learn why even unused chimneys need maintenance. If you get stressed along the way, we encourage you to contact us because we’re here to help!
What Is Chimney Ventilation?
Now that you know your unused chimney needs to be maintained, it helps to understand what chimney ventilation is first. But what is chimney venting and why do we need it? Chimney ventilation is the process in which your chimney releases the by-products from combustion out of your home. This process also allows the chimney to draw in air to balance the natural pressure plane of a home. The main takeaway is that even with unused chimneys, ventilation is still important for home health. Read our blog to understand how a chimney works for more background.
Do Unused Chimneys Need Ventilation?
Yes! You wouldn’t think that your unused chimney needs ventilation, but actually, chimney ventilation is necessary to keep your home safe. And this is still true for fireplaces that aren’t used. Ventilation will keep your chimney from trapping and building up moisture inside the structure because it encourages air to travel in and out of your chimney. Build up of moisture will lead to mold that can spread into your home and affect your health, and it may not be fixable with a professional chimney cleaning. This can also lead to your chimney and roof damage that will be costly.
What Vents Through a Chimney?
Even if you don’t use your fireplace, chances are your chimney is still being used to vent the heat and hot water. Boilers, water heaters and furnaces all need a path to remove exhaust and gasses from the building envelope. A secondary tunnel (flue) travels around that unused fireplace and down to the basement where the equipment is located. Learn about why chimney venting is important here or Schedule an appointment to learn more about your chimney system.
Not sure if the heating appliances vent through the chimney? Go down to where the equipment is located and see if the pipe coming off the appliance runs to the chimney base or sidewall. If it’s the chimney base, you have a heating flue!
If You Want To Use Your Unused Fireplace
If you want to start using your unused fireplace, it’s important that you verify whether or not you have a venting system and whether or not it’s working. This is something a team of chimney professionals can check on for you. But you should consider booking an appointment to take care of the problem sooner rather than later. The first will be booking a chimney inspection and providing an annual sweep of the flue (the passageway of the chimney). This inspection will help determine any other steps you’ll need to take in order to use your fireplace again. A chimney chemical cleaning may be recommended, or you may find out that you need to install a venting system. Whichever the next step is, we can help you during an appointment.
How do I Ensure Proper Ventilation For My Chimney?
The process of ensuring proper ventilation to a chimney is as easy as picking up the phone because that’s all you’ll need to do! Give us a call or Schedule your visual inspection here!
Contact Best Chimney for Your Boston Area Chimney Ventilation Needs
Best Chimney Services is ready to help with your chimney needs in the Boston, MA, area. Click here or call (781)893-6611 for inspections, repairs, installations, and more.
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