Relining your chimney helps vent any appliance safely and efficiently. Venting an appliance without a chimney liner can cause excessive creosote buildup and condensation.
When relining a chimney with a stainless steel chimney liner it is important to take the extra step and insulate the liner. Chimney liner insulation will improve the functionality of the appliance and ensure that the appliance is venting safely and efficiently.
An efficient draft is the primary benefit of insulating the chimney liner. The heat inside of the flue is what induces the draft. Without heat in the flue the gasses are unable to rise, requiring more fuel to heat the flue. When the flue is insulated the hot gasses will not cool down when they reach the chimney- this is key because it provides enough heat for an efficient draft. When a chimney liner is insulated, less kindling and time will be used to start a fire for a wood burning stove. For an oil or gas appliance less fuel is wasted trying to heat the flue to induce the draft. Once a fire is lit the benefits of having an insulated chimney are apparent.
Chimney liner insulation will assist the chimney liner to cleanly vent which will prevent excessive creosote buildup and condensation. When gasses from an oil or gas appliance in the chimney cool down they transform to a liquid. Moisture inside a flue can be dangerous and can also cause damage to the stainless steel chimney liner. Insulation acts as a moisture barrier and prevents the stainless steel chimney liner from sweating and eliminates the chance of water damage to the home. Wood burning appliances have emissions that are much heavier than emissions from oil or gas fired appliances. The emissions turn to creosote when cooled. Creosote builds up on the inside of the flue and restricts the vent size which disrupts the draft. If enough creosote is formed the bottom layer will turn to glaze creosote. Glaze creosote is highly flammable and can eventually cause a chimney fire. When the chimney liner is insulated it keeps the heat inside the flue which helps reduce the amount of creosote that adheres to the flue walls. Using dry seasoned wood, firing the wood stove at the recommended temperature, and insulating the flue will ensure your wood burning appliance is burning efficiently.
Installing a stainless steel chimney liner with insulation is an easy job that any homeowner can do. Adding insulation to your chimney liner is a great idea to optimize the efficiency of your appliance. However, appropriate burning practices must be utilized to ensure optimal performance.
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Source: Rockford Chimney Supply
