When to Replace a Chimney Liner
You might think that you’d only need to replace your chimney liner if it’s cracked, deteriorating, or malfunctioning. While those are excellent reasons to finally reline your chimney, you should install a brand new liner when you upgrade or replace your furnace or water heater.
A New Appliance Calls for a New Liner
Many homeowners are faced with having to upgrade their furnace or water heater. Newer models are much more efficient, but there are hidden costs if they’re not installed properly. Carbon monoxide can build around the water heater or condense near the chimney. Building inspectors refer to this common problem as “orphaned” water heaters, those that are forced to vent through a chimney after the removal of the old furnace.
For these new appliances to work properly, the chimneys must be large enough to expel the exhaust. However, the chimneys have to be small enough to keep warm and create a draft. Therefore, relining the chimney is the only solution to this problem. A new liner can fix the sizing problem with the
chimney and help promote a healthy draft. In turn, toxic fumes won’t buildup around your new appliance. Sometimes, installers will only quote homeowners on the cost of the new appliance, not the cost of the liner that needs to be outfitted for it to draft and protect your home against these toxic
fumes. Always ask about getting a new liner installed with your new water heater or furnace because it isn’t always done, despite the fact that you’ll need it.
Stainless steel appliance liner kit
What happens if you don’t get a new liner with a new appliance? You don’t want to take the gamble to find out. Experts say that condensation will build up in the chimney and around the new appliance, which can cause aesthetic and structural damage. Condensation can ruin the joints and leak into unwanted areas. Not to mention you’ll be faced with the carbon monoxide buildup and lack of a proper draft to expel these dangerous, sometimes fatal, fumes.
There are aluminum liners which get pitted pretty easily by the gasses that they vent. These generally last 10-15 years. The stainless steel liners are a little more pricey but come with a limited lifetime warranty Make certain that when you have a service man in your home, you have him check the draft on your appliance liner and make certain that it is drafting properly.
If you want your appliance liner tested, call Best Cincinnati Chimney at 513-474-1158.
