Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Understanding the Function of Your Chimney Liner

The chimney is much more complicated than it looks at first glance. With multiple parts making up its existence, homeowners need to be aware of all of them and their roles in order to ensure their chimney is operating safely every year. One part that plays a major role in the operation of the fireplace and chimney is the chimney liner.

A liner is on the inside of the chimney and is generally made from clay or metal. In many cases, clay is the preferred type of liner because it is much less expensive and is generally covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy. While this type of liner is less expensive, it does have some disadvantages.

The second type of common liner would be a metal chimney liner. These are generally made from either stainless steel or aluminum. These types of liners have a very long lifespan, but they also cost significantly more. In addition, because of the added costs, you may have to upgrade your insurance policy to have it covered in case of damage.

The main purpose of the liner, regardless of its composition, is to absorb the heat created when the fireplace is in use. Its ability to absorb the heat protects the masonry work on the outside of the chimney. It will also prevent creosote from building up on the brick, which is not only dangerous, but will also eat away at the masonry work and cause damage that can be very expensive to repair.

The second purpose of the liner is to create the proper flow of air in and out of your chimney. The flue serves as the pathway for the air to travel out of the fireplace, up the chimney, and outside the home. If this is damaged, you may experience a backdraft, which cannot only blow smoke back into your home, but also blow the fire into the room. Needless to say, it is imperative to have the liner checked every season before you plan to use your fireplace.

Benefits of a Wood Burning Stove

Are you considering buying a wood burning stove? Well, you should be! There are considerable advantages in owning one, and not all of them are heat related. With options to fit into virtually every budget, we say if you want it, get it! Here are just a few of the advantages in owning a wood burning stove.

1. Aesthetically Pleasing – there is just something about the look of a wood burning stove that offers a true vintage look to the home. If this fits in with your decor, you could not have picked a better accessory.
2. Green – this may get a few people up in arms, but the reality is that owning a wood burning stove is more energy efficient than ever before. Older models lost more than 50 percent of the heat produced. Today, the EPA has forced manufacturers to make them more efficient. Stoves with a catalytic converter must be at least 72 percent efficient. Since most electric is generated by the burning of coal, a wood burning stove is far greener than one using electricity.
3. Lower Utility Bills – if you are lucky enough to live in area where you can chop down your own wood, you can significantly reduce your utility bills in the winter.
4. Safety and Heat During Power Outages – Hurricane Sandy is proof positive of the devastation Mother Nature can reign down on us at any time. Now, imagine if that storm had happened in the middle of the winter. Homes that were safe for habitation would have been without any form of heat. With a wood burning stove, the homeowner will always have a source of heat regardless if their electric stays on or goes off during a major storm.

As you can see, in addition to the warming benefits a wood burning stove offers, they offer quite a bit more. Seems to me like there is only one thing left to do, buy one!