Chimney vs. Vent: What’s The Difference?

If you have an alternative heating system in your home, you likely have a chimney or vent installed. While they may simply seem like the area where gas or other fires byproduct exits your home, there are other details and purposes. They come in different shapes and sizes to meet the needs and requirements of your home and heating system.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these so you can have a better understanding of the differences.

What is a Chimney?

Chimneys are vertical stacks that typically extend just higher than the peak of a home’s roof. It channels smoke, gas, and other combustion by-products up and out the home safely. Oftentimes, they are on an external wall on the bottom floor and extend up through the roof. However, sometimes they can travel through other areas of the home.

Chimneys are usually made from bricks, mortar, or other masonry. They also sometimes have a stainless-steel liner on the inside to maintain quality. Since the chimney is exposed to various weather conditions, it’s important to keep up on the overall function and appearance to avoid leaking, deterioration, or excessive drafts.

What is a Vent?

Vents are more heat sensitive and are not designed to handle high heats that are emitted from wood burning fireplaces. Because of this, vents are typically installed with gas fireplaces. They can pass through different areas of the home and are not as commonly found on external walls like their counterpart chimneys. Unlike chimneys, vents can also extend horizontally through a wall. Like chimneys, vents help carry by-products out from a fire, but also draw air in to help keep a fire fueled. They are known for high efficiency.

Which Option is Right For Your Home?

Over time, chimneys can suffer from structural problems, including cracks in the crown, deteriorating mortar joints, or even collapse. Water is the most common cause of structural issues, especially in areas with a freeze/thaw cycle.

When water seeps into the masonry materials, it freezes and expands, causing cracks that worsen over time. If, during an inspection, you find cracks, spalling bricks, deteriorating mortar joints, or other structural issues, it’s crucial to fix them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse they’ll get and the more expensive they’ll be to fix.

Improper Installation

Improper chimney installation can lead to numerous performance issues; these range from using the incorrect flue size to a design that doesn’t adequately support your stove or fireplace’s heat.

Moreover, an improperly sized chimney can lead to excessive creosote buildup, poor draft, and inefficient heating.

If you purchased a home with a fireplace and chimney, it’s wise to get it inspected by a certified professional before using it to identify potential issues.

Flue Liner Damage

The flue liner, typically made from clay, metal, or ceramic, contains the combustion products (smoke and gasses) and directs them outside your home. Damage like cracks or gaps can reduce the chimney’s efficiency and increase the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.

Regular inspections can help detect damage early, allowing you to fix it to maintain safety and chimney integrity.

Poor Maintenance

A common theme across many chimney issues is the need for proper maintenance. Many homeowners neglect their chimneys, only addressing issues when they have already led to bigger problems. Setting a regular maintenance schedule, including cleaning and inspection, can prevent most chimney problems and ensure that your heating system remains efficient and safe.

Ready for Service or Install? Call Fire N’ Stone

Fire N’ Stone has been the go-to chimney and fireplace contractor in the central New Hampshire area since 1999. Our experienced team offers a full range of services, including inspections, maintenance and chimney sweeping, rebuilding, repairs, custom stonework, and more. We are always more than happy to assist you with any questions pertaining to your fireplace.

Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We are a family-owned and locally operated company, so you can expect 5-star customer service on every call. Call us today at 603-293-4040 to get started!