Our Company Blog

 Questions to Ask Before Installing A Chimney Liner

When it comes to lighting a fire in the fireplace or heating stove, most homeowners would agree that reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure is a top priority. And that’s what a chimney liner does. It gives your masonry chimney another layer of protection that will not only help keep your home and family safe when using the fireplace but prolong the lifespan of your chimney. To help you make the right choice, we have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions about chimney liners.

How much should a chimney liner cost?

The cost of a chimney liner depends on several factors, such as the dimensions of the flue, and materials, for example. But homeowners can expect to spend $2,500 to $5,000. Higher quality liners cost more but are more durable and need to be replaced less often.

Is a chimney liner required?

Many municipal building and fire codes require chimney’s to be lined when connected to solid or liquid fuel heating appliances. And even if your community doesn’t require one, it’s still a good idea to install a chimney liner.

How do I know if my chimney is lined?

You can determine whether your chimney has a liner by asking your Chimney Sweep. The flue and liner are examined during a chimney inspection. You can also look up the flue inside the fireplace. You may need a flashlight, but if your chimney has a liner, it will be covering the brick masonry. If all you see are bricks and mortar, then it is unlined.

How long do chimney liners last?

The useful life of a chimney liner depends on the quality of the materials and installation. Typically, cement or clay tile liners can last up to 50 years but require more frequent repairs. UL listed stainless steel liners have a useful life of up to 20 years but are virtually maintenance-free.

What is the purpose of a chimney liner?

A chimney liner protects the interior masonry reducing the risk of fire and exposure to carbon monoxide fumes. First, it protects the interior masonry against the intense heat when using the fireplace or heating stove, reducing the risk of a fire spreading to the combustible parts of your home. Second, it insulates your chimney, improving the performance of your heating appliance. Third, it helps prevent carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes from leaking through the brick masonry.

How do you calculate chimney liner size?

A chimney liner must be the correct size to function correctly. Your chimney professional will measure the height, width, and diameter of your flue to determine the flue liner size you need for your chimney.

Do brick chimneys need to be lined?

Many older homes have unlined brick chimneys. They were built during a period when most building codes didn’t require them. Today, most building and fire codes require chimney liners, even if you have a brick chimney. And the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) also recommends them.

Why is My Fireplace Drafty?

Many homeowners complain that they can feel cold air coming out of the fireplace. It’s a common problem with many fireplaces, regardless of age. When you light the fireplace, the chimney sucks in the colder outside air to fuel the fire. The fire needs a constant supply of oxygen to keep it flaming. But as quickly as the cold air comes in, warmer air is going up the chimney along with the smoke and exhaust. And on a particularly windy day, it’s not uncommon to feel a draft. But there are a few ways to minimize cold drafts.

Install a Top Sealing Damper

Most masonry fireplaces have a throat damper. The metal device is like a door that is supposed to form an airtight seal when it’s closed. But its position so close to the fire makes it prone to warping. When the damper is warped or corroded, it will allow air to leak through. A top-sealing damper is installed near the top of the chimney. In addition to eliminating air leaks when it’s closed, it also prevents water and debris from getting inside the flue.

Inspect the Flue Liner

The flue liner protects the interior masonry chimney from the intense heat and corrosive nature of fires. But clay tiles, which are the most common type of liners, can develop cracks through normal wear and tear. And some brick chimneys were built without a liner. Tiny cracks that develop in the brick and mortar can cause the cold outside air and carbon monoxide exhaust to leak inside the living space. A Certified Chimney Sweep should inspect your flue liner. Repairing or replacing the chimney liner can alleviate a drafty fireplace.

Use Tempered Glass Fireplace Doors

An open fireplace, even with a mesh screen, can make your fireplace feel drafty, especially after the fire is extinguished. An easy way to solve draft issues is to install a tempered glass fireplace door. You still get a close-up view of the fire burning experience while minimizing heat loss. Also, don’t forget to close the fireplace door when the fire is out. It will keep out any drafts in the fireplace.

Regulate the Damper

It’s essential to make sure the damper is completely open when starting a fire in the fireplace. But once you have a blazing fire, you can close the damper about one-third of the way. It will significantly reduce the draft without affecting the fire. It will also keep your living space warmer too. When the fire is extinguished, close the damper all the way. It will prevent heat loss and drafts.

There are also other solutions like a chimney balloon, and a draft guard that may help. If you have a drafty fireplace, call the hearth experts at A1 Chimney Specialists. We’ll schedule a Certified Chimney Sweep® to inspect your fireplace and chimney and recommend the most appropriate solutions for your fireplace that will solve your draft issues once and for all.

5 Advantages of a Fireplace Insert

Not surprising, the fireplace is one of the most popular features of a home. A glowing fire not only enhances the interior appearance, but it’s also a great way to relax and keep warm without running up those heating bills. But a traditional masonry fireplace produces a lot of pollution, is not very efficient, and may no longer look its best. If you fall into one of those camps, check out the five advantages that a fireplace insert offers:

Renovate your fireplace

Your fireplace may have the prime location in your home, but after years of performance, it may be starting to show its age. Renovating a deteriorating masonry fireplace can be a costly endeavor. Fireplace inserts are self-contained heating appliances that fit directly inside an existing masonry fireplace. It’s like getting a brand-new fireplace for a fraction of the cost.

Choice of fuel

Fireplace inserts offer many different fuel options, including wood, pellet, gas, and even electric. It makes converting an inefficient wood-burning masonry fireplace into an energy-efficient gas fireplace quick and easy.

And if you decide you want to switch to another fuel option in the future like pellet or wood or electric, it’s as easy as installing a new fireplace insert with the desired fuel option.

Works with or without an existing chimney

Perhaps, one of the most significant advantages of a fireplace insert is that they can operate with or without a chimney. A vented fireplace insert works like your existing masonry fireplace venting smoke and fumes through an existing chimney. But if your chimney is inoperable or too costly to repair, or if your home was built without a chimney, a ventless fireplace is another option. These self-contained heating appliances can be installed virtually anywhere in the house, even in small spaces.

One of the drawbacks of a masonry fireplace is that they are a very inefficient source of heat. It’s because over 85% of the heated air is expelled through the chimney along with smoke and fumes. A fireplace insert works differently. Due to advanced technology and its self-contained design, up to 90% of the heated air remains inside the insert, where it radiates into the living space. It will keep your home warmer for a more extended period.

Less pollution

An EPA-Certified wood-burning fireplace insert produces 1 gram per hour (g/h) to 4 g/h of pollution, depending on the size and model. That’s approximately 20 times less pollution than a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Less pollution means less creosote build-up in the chimney, making chimney cleanings simpler.

We Carry The Top Brands In Wood Stoves & Fireplaces!

Ready to treat you and your family members to the warmth and comfort they deserve this holiday season? Then, it’s time to take the plunge and invest in a new fireplace or stove for your home. These heat sources are known for their timeless aesthetic and heightened efficiency, and here at A-1 Chimney Specialist we only offer the best of the best. If you’re ready to make this holiday the best one yet, while increasing the value of your home, then the time to rely on our team is now.

We work with both Pacific Energy and Superior Fireplaces to ensure you are getting products that will both provide top-notch results and stand the test of time. Learn more about each company below, then speak with our team about the many models we offer. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re certain we can find the right fit for you!

All About Pacific Energy

When you invest in a Pacific Energy stove or fireplace you can rest assured that your system will work efficiently, be easy to use, and will meet EPA standards. These technicians use only the best parts to construct their units, and they craft them together with the care and dedication they know their customer base deserves. We are proud to work with them, and we stand by the products they offer. When you get a Pacific Energy fireplace or stove, you’ll be getting something that will bring you joy and comfort for the long haul.

Pacific Energy has been setting the bar high for decades now, and if you ask around, we’re certain you’ll hear nothing but positive feedback on the efficiency, heat, and durability of their units. To learn more reach out to our sweeps right away. We would love to provide you with more details!

All About Superior Fireplaces

Now Superior strives to go above and beyond in every category – that’s why they call themselves Superior! Their systems are designed to provide heightened efficiency while offering you the luminous ambiance you hope to achieve. If you’re seeking a company that will always be up-to-date on the latest tools, techniques, and technologies in this industry, you needn’t look any further – check out our line of Superior stoves, inserts, and fireplaces now!

The Benefits Of A Wood-Fueled Stove Or Fireplace

So, why choose wood over gas? Don’t get us wrong – there are countless reasons to go with a gas unit, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Wood-burning units require a bit more upkeep on the part of the homeowner, and they aren’t quite as convenient as gas appliances. If you’re looking to switch your fireplace on when you want a fire and off when you’re through, without any hassle in between, then gas is a great route for you to take, and we’re certain you won’t regret it.

That being said, there is a timeless quality that only wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts are able to offer. The sounds, smells, and atmosphere created with a real, genuine flame is impossible to beat, and if this is what you desire for your home, then it’s time to get an appointment set up with our team. As realistic as gas fireplaces as made to look nowadays`, there’s simply no replacing that ambiance that wood-fueled fires create.

Along with this, wood-burning units allow you to use a cheap, renewable resource for fuel. We won’t be running out of wood anytime soon! And it’s especially affordable if you store and season your own logs. Need some tips on approaching this? Keep the following considerations in mind:

• Cut the pieces to a shorter length, so they dry out quicker.
• Split the ends.
• Store them in a shed that is off the ground, equipped with a sturdy roof, and open on the sides.
• Let the logs dry out for at least 6 months to ensure the moisture content is low enough to burn the wood efficiently.

All in all, a wood-burning fireplace can help you save on your energy bills, they can heat your space even when the electricity is out, and they’ll quickly turn any holiday party or get-together into one of the most memorable ones yet. Best of all, you can look through our many design, size, and style options to find the ideal fit for your space. Ready to purchase yours? Speak with our CSIA certified sweeps today, and we can get the process started. This is one investment you won’t regret!

Why Trust A-1 Chimney?

For the last 19 years, we’ve been the go-to chimney company for countless homeowners throughout Tullahoma and its surrounding cities. People rely on us time and time again because of our extensive background in chimney care, our commitment to education, and our mission to always provide you with the best products and services available. Don’t turn anywhere for your chimney and fireplace needs this Christmas. Give us a jingle today!

Stay Cozy With A Gas Fireplace This Winter

Consider a new fireplace this winter? Or maybe you’re looking to upgrade your current fireplace. Whatever the case, you’re in the market for an appliance that will bring you the warmth, comfort, and idyllic atmosphere that only a top-of-the-line model can offer, and here at A-1 Chimney Specialist, we have the products and services necessary to set you up right. Learn more about your options below!

The Benefits Of Switching To Gas

What benefits does a gas unit offer? Well, one of the biggest reasons homeowners are attracted to this fuel type is because they are low maintenance. Unlike their wood-burning counterparts that involve storing and hauling wood, building fires, and cleaning up messy ash piles, gas fireplaces don’t require much from the homeowner in terms of upkeep. When you’re ready to enjoy some heat and relaxation, all you need to do is flip a switch or push a button, and you are all set!

Gas units are also super easy to operate, and they’re known for being extra efficient, too. You won’t need to worry about losing out on heat because they deliver every time! It’s also nice because the heat will remain steady and constant without having to constantly tend to an actual fire. There’s nothing worse than getting up to throw a log on the fire when you are already comfortably cozied up on the couch with a blanket!

Another pro? No flying sparks or stray embers. Your carpets, curtains, furniture, and family members won’t face any risk of injury or damage, and kiddos and pets tend to stay safer with these units, too. Just make sure they know not to touch the glass, as it can reach extremely high temperatures!

All in all, if you want an option that is mess-free, convenient, and perfect for someone with a busy lifestyle, then investing in gas is the right route to take, and our crew is qualified to set you up with the perfect fit for your needs and preferences. There are also a wide range of style and design options, so you can easily personalize your new unit! There’s simply no way to lose.

Converting Your Wood Fireplace? Consider An Insert

A great option for those who already have a wood fireplace in their home is a gas insert. These are easy to install right into your existing set-up, and they are very affordable, too. The efficiency levels of gas inserts are truly incomparable, and they burn clean, so you won’t need to worry about your fireplace’s effect on the environment. To top it off, we offer log sets that ensure your new appliance really looks like the real thing, so achieving that classic fireplace feel won’t be a problem at all!

We Provide High-Quality Vented Gas Logs

We have a variety of gas log options, so you are sure to find the right fit for your aesthetic in no time. Unlike ventless options that require a carbon monoxide detector and could put your home at risk, these models vent through the chimney, so you can rest easy knowing any dangerous fumes and poisonous gases are effectively escaping out of the home. They also produce realistic-looking flames, so creating the perfect aesthetic will be easier than ever.

Ask our team about your choices today. We’d love to get your system all set and ready for use before the holidays officially arrive!

Is A Prefabricated Fireplace Right For You?

Now, if you’re starting from scratch, the best option for you may be a prefabricated fireplace. These units are assembled in your home, and they do not require the use of brick, mortar, or concrete, so you won’t have to worry about making any permanent additions to your living space. This also means a lower price and a speedier installation time! A prefabricated fireplace is the perfect option for those looking to have a reliable fireplace for years to come, only without the commitment involved with a life-long investment.

We can install your new unit for you, then set you up right with annual inspections and regular care, ensuring you get the high-quality results you deserve with every passing season. These models typically give homeowners a solid decade of use before needing to be replaced, and you’ll have a wider range of options as far as placement, so setting things up exactly how you want them shouldn’t be a problem.

Ready to take the plunge? Reach out now! We have a variety of models to explore, and we are certain we can find the right match for your household in no time.

Why A-1 Chimney Is The Company For You

What has made us the go-to company for countless Tullahoma homeowners throughout the last 18 years? Well, our dedication to excellence and passion for staying informed, educated, and up-to-date on it all ensures we always get the job done right. We never take shortcuts or cut corners, and you can rest easy knowing we always use the highest quality products for the job.

Combine all that with our CSIA certifications, our NCSG membership, and our long list of 5-star reviews, and you’ve got yourself a team you can trust for the long haul! There’s no time to lose, so let’s get you set up with an appointment today. We’re ready to take your call!