All forms of home heating - be it a furnace, stove or fireplace - also produce by-products that must be removed from the home. This is accomplished using some combination of chimneys, flues and vents.
• A chimney is a vertical structure made of masonry or metal that surrounds one or more flues, also called chimney liners. Chimneys are traditionally a decorative part of a wood burning stove or fireplace. They are constructed to minimize heat loss and as a decorative element.
• Flues liners are inside the chimney. They contain the toxic gases and fumes produced during the heating process and allow them to travel out of the home. One chimney may have several flues if the flues are properly separated.
• Vents are typically metal devices used to transfer exhaust from appliances and some furnaces. In extremely high efficiency furnaces, plastic vents may also be used. Vents may be horizontal, vertical or some combination. They may move the gases directly out of the home or act as connectors.
A professional property inspector, will observe the general condition of the chimney; note the materials of construction, the height of the chimney and unsafe conditions. The inspection will also include the interior firebox and hearth.
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