The chimney has been an essential part of the home since the days of ancient Rome, and it remains just as important today. If you own a home, you probably have at least one chimney or plan to install one soon, but you may not be sure what kind of chimney will work best in your modern home. This blog post provides an overview of the best chimney options available on the market today so that you can choose one that suits your needs perfectly.
Introduction
Today, we’re going to discuss a few different options for chimneys in modern homes. Although you might be surprised at how often it is overlooked, choosing a proper fireplace is essential to having an effective heating system. However, traditional fireplaces—complete with wood burning fires and chimneys—are very inefficient in today’s world. In fact, over 90% of all energy that goes into a wood burning fire is released as heat and smoke; only 10% is utilized by the home or business owners!
Built in oven
A built-in oven can be a real asset in any modern kitchen, but finding out exactly what you want from your new stove before you buy is crucial. Take a look at our handy buying guide below to get an idea of what’s available on today’s market.
Freestanding oven
Small kitchens that don’t have a lot of space to spare are perfect spaces for freestanding electric or gas ovens. These ovens take up little to no countertop space and can be placed in areas without access to direct ventilation. They make excellent upgrades for older homes, since they do not require a range hood, vent, or other built-in tools.
Gas stoves
In lieu of chimneys, gas stoves have been a popular way to cook food in apartments. These stoves can be very easy to install and they tend to offer more cooking power than electric stoves. Some people argue that these appliances are easier to clean as well since they don’t collect soot. Gas stoves also come with adjustable levels so you can increase or decrease your flame depending on what you’re making.
Electric stoves
Although more energy-efficient than gas stoves, electric stoves come with their own range of issues. The biggest issue is that when you’re using an electric stovetop you lose some control over how high or low your burners get, as they will tend to go up in temperature at a slower rate than gas and be harder to adjust mid-stream.
Top Picks
The most popular chimneys tend to be those that are made from more industrial-style materials, such as stainless steel and galvanized metal. The classic chimney look is clean and sleek, which makes it ideal for modern homes. However, concrete and clay models also offer a sturdy design that’s durable enough to withstand high winds and severe storms. If you live in an area prone to such weather conditions, one of these styles may be best for your home. Additionally, brick can provide a distinctive flair—while still keeping with its industrial feel—to complement any style or color palette you have going on in your home.
Chimney
In order to operate a wood stove, a free-standing chimney is required. If you’re installing a wood stove in an existing structure with no chimney, you’ll have to install one from scratch. The exception here is if you’re able to install what’s called a direct-vent system (basically, it’s just an exhaust pipe that runs straight out through your roof). The installation process will vary depending on which type of chimney you choose—prefabricated or masonry; solid brick or steel pipe; or prefabricated flue tile—but if you’re putting together your own setup, pay close attention to building codes. Your city probably has regulations about height, placement and materials that are likely more restrictive than national codes.
