Vent in Chimney

[pcarter-old-04]

Seems to be a lot of unsual inspections occuring around the country today. I find this during a inspection today. I don't see the purpose for it and its tied into the flue. Anyone seen something like this before. The fireplace is used as a heat source for the home and has ductwork to the furnace air handler and distributes heat through the furnace ductwork.

[Mark R. Long]

Do you have a picture, Patrick? Based on your description it sounds as if a creative homeowner is trying to use ductwork to evenly distribute heat throught the house in much the same way as a central furnace, and is using the air handler of the furnace to do this. I've come across this a number of times in my area where a lot of people use wood for heat. Just need to be sure that the combustion area and/or the chimney hasn't been compromised.

[David P. Valley]

Patrick,

Originally Posted by pcarter

I find this during a inspection today.

Attachment 785

[Chimney Pro]

Hi Patrick,
There are furnace-rated fireplaces and fireplace appliances that are designed to be the sole heat source for a home. And yes, they connect up to ductwork in the home to distribute the heat throughout the home. Have a great day! -Tom

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

http://www.chasetoppers.com/

Interesting product (particularly the masonry application).

[John Lomonaco]

Originally Posted by pcarter

Seems to be a lot of unsual inspections occuring around the country today. I find this during a inspection today. I don't see the purpose for it and its tied into the flue. Anyone seen something like this before. The fireplace is used as a heat source for the home and has ductwork to the furnace air handler and distributes heat through the furnace ductwork.

You need to explain your self in more detail!!!!!

Unsual inspections around the country is a broad statement.

If the fire place is tied to the furnace in any way you have a serious problem.

You cannot combine various combustible materials in a single flue.

John


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[Chimney Pro]

Originally Posted by jhagarty

http://www.chasetoppers.com/

Interesting product (particularly the masonry application).

Thanks Joseph, we appreciate your comments! -Tom