A popular option to update the look of your fireplace or to convert an old wood-burning fireplace to a more efficient fuel source, gas fireplace inserts and stoves have many benefits and advantages. However, you should never take a chance by attempting to install a gas-fueled heating appliance on your own. Although inserts and stoves are made to sit in an existing fireplace, there are generally sizing issues as these appliances tend to be smaller than the average masonry fireplace. If these heating appliances are not correctly installed, they can be dangerous fire hazards. The Mad Hatter would like to tell you more about why it is so important to have your gas fireplace insert or stove installed by a professional technician.
The Mad Hatter Will Inspect Your Chimney Before Installing Your New Gas-Fueled Heating Appliance.
To ensure your gas fireplace insert or stove will function properly, one of our professional chimney sweeps will evaluate your chimney for a couple of important reasons. Gas-fueled appliances require specific venting conditions, and the chimney inspection allows us to prepare for this part of the installation. This step will make for the best possible match between the heating appliance and your chimney. Our inspection also allows us to have a reference point to see if any changes to your chimney have occurred in your future chimney inspections.
The Mad Hatter Will Follow All Specific Venting Specifications When Installing Your Heating Appliance.
To function to its full efficiency level, the heating system and the venting system (your chimney) must be properly matched. Many times, the flue of your chimney will be too large for the heating appliance, and this can cause issues with both the combustion and condensation processes that occur with a fire. One issue deals with the water vapors that are created during combustion. Burning one cubic foot of gas will produce two cubic feet of water vapors. When the venting system is correctly matched, the water vapor gets carried out so quickly that its temperature stays warm enough to not condense inside the flue. When the venting system is too large, the water vapor will not remain warm and will turn to liquid inside the flue. This creates an acidic condensation which will eat away the interior of your flue. The flue liner will eventually crack and crumble and create a blockage within your chimney that can trap toxic gases like carbon monoxide in your house.
The Mad Hatter Understands the Vital Importance of Draft.
When the chimney flue is too large for the heating appliance, inadequate draft issues will occur. Reducing the efficiency and safety of your gas insert or stove, inadequate draft prevents the completion of combustion. The less complete the combustion, the greater amount of carbon monoxide is produced and less heat is provided to your home. Inadequate draft also causes more moisture to stay in the flue, which can lead to the deterioration of the flue.
The Mad Hatter Will Guarantee Your Heating Appliance Is Correctly Matched with Your Chimney.
To solve the sizing problem, our technicians can install a stainless steel liner that encloses the heating appliance within the flue. We know which liners are compatible for use with gas-fueled appliances, and we can custom size the liner to fit your appliance perfectly, which allows for the best efficiency performance possible.
If you are interested in updating your old fireplace with a new gas-fueled heating appliance, contact The Mad Hatter. You can trust us to properly install your new appliance.