While fireplaces continue to be one of the most sought after features in real estate, few have the free time to spend cutting and stacking wood, building, and stoking a wood burning fire. Because of this, more and more homeowners are switching to fast and efficient gas and oil appliances.
Gas and oil appliances have improved in recent years, burning more efficiently as well as producing a more realistic fire and heat. These appliances can help homeowners save both time and money which makes them an ideal choice to install in place of a less efficient wood burning masonry fireplace.
Although switching to a gas or oil appliance can help save you time and money, your existing flue may not be right for your new fireplace. If you are installing a new gas or oil appliance, a high performance lining may be needed to help your new fireplace run safely and efficiently.
What is a high performance lining?
Chimney liners are available in three different thicknesses: heavy, high performance, and light. The type of chimney liner your fireplace needs corresponds to the type of fuel source that is used, as well as the size of the fireplace and how much it is used. Heavy liners, for example, and the strongest and thickest type of chimney liner available; this makes them ideal for large fireplaces and wood burning appliances. Light chimney liners, on the other hand, cost less than heavier models – but are also lighter and more flexible.
High performance chimney liners have the strength of heavy liners as well as the flexibility of light liners. This not only gives them a moderate price tag, but also makes them ideal for use with gas or oil appliances. Because oil and gas are so efficient, little ash, smoke, and soot are produced; this means that a heavy chimney liner is too thick. These appliances also produce too much heat for light liners. Because of this, high performance liners are the best choice for most gas and oil appliances.
Relining with a high performance lining
No matter what kind of fireplace you are installing, it is common to need to reline the chimney when an insert is installed. Because flue size is an important part of fireplace efficiency and safety, the flue may need to be relined in order to match the size of the new insert.
When switching fuel sources from wood to oil or gas, relining may be recommended due to the differences in the byproducts of combustion. While the clay tile liners that are common in most homes are equipped to handle the buildup of creosote caused by wood burning fires, the acidic condensate created by gas and oil fires can quickly eat away at the tiles. Over time this can cause the tiles to crack, chip, form holes, and break down; relining the flue with a high performance liner can help protect the chimney from damage from these acidic condensates.
If you’re thinking about switching to a gas or oil appliance, relining the chimney with a high performance liner can help improve your new fireplace’s safety and efficiency. For more information on high performance liners, contact Mason’s Chimney Service today!