There have been a variety of chimneys used in both interior and exterior kitchens for a long time now. Usage of chimneys has been a major part in order to enjoy durability for a long span of time. It is highly recommended for people to consider using the right chimney brand in order to enjoy the performance. Kaff Kitchen chimneys have a reputation for offering quality performance without hassles. 

A flue that is too large. Flue liner may be too big for your fireplace. Contractors seem to believe that “bigger is better.” If you have a large flue, the heat generated by a low-heat fire may not be sufficient to “drive the draft”, i.e. keep the big flue warm enough. The cold air in any of the best sunflame kitchen chimneys will rush down if it is too cold.

Dimensions

Most masonry fireplace flues have 8″ x12″ terracotta tiles. This is only a nominal size, as the actual inside dimensions are usually closer to 6.5” x 10.5″. A larger flue might be required if you have a larger fireplace than normal.

It is not easy to calculate the right flue liner size. As a rough guide, if you answered yes to any of these questions, then an oversized flue could be the problem.

Accurate sizes

Are the fireplace openings approximately 36″ in width x 28 inches tall (or smaller?

Is the flue bigger than an 8″x12″ nominal liner?”

Do you find the house is more open or drafty than it is well insulated? (If the house is extremely tight, see “Depressurized House” below.

Is the chimney located inside the house? (If the chimney is outside, please refer to The Exterior Chimney page 27, 61.

The next step is to have a professional chimney inspector inspect the whole system. If the chimney professional finds that the flue is really too large, it is possible to re-line your flue.

Depressurized House. 

Depressurization can cause problems in tighter homes or houses with mechanical air exchange systems. The fireplace chimney draws large amounts of air from the house. There is a possibility that the chimney will draw in air from other sources, such as an exhaust fan or an air exchange system. This is more likely when the fire has stopped burning, and the flue heats up less.

TEST FOR DEPRESSURIZATION in WELL-INSULATED HOUSES: 

First, check that there are no exhaust fans or air exchange systems. Close any windows that are not in use. Open a window in the same room as the fireplace. You should not open a window in another room and certainly not upstairs. This will allow air outside to enter the room and equalize the pressure. Depressurization can be used if the smoking problem has stopped.

Note: Wind pressure against the house is another factor that makes this test more difficult. The wind direction and speed can influence the results.

An outside air duct is a better option than an open window. As the name suggests, an outside air duct is an air conduit (usually a steel pipe) that allows outside air into the home. This helps to alleviate the problem of depressurization. Ask a chimney professional to install one.