Flue Liner with EK-1?

WalnutFarmer

I met with an installer today about replacing my Weil-McClain 468 with a System 2000 EK-1 with indirect. He recommended I consider installing a flue liner, as the EK-1 would not be pumping as much heat up the chimney and could produce more condensation and break down the chimney over time. We also discussed a Resolute system with no liner.

What do you all think about the risk to the chimney with the EK-1 and no liner?

I am in central CT. House/chimney was built in 1976.

Thanks!

STEVEusaPA

Put in a properly sized SS liner, if your chimney is oversized for the application.
EK may recommend one anyway...someone from EK will most likely stop by soon.

Bob Harper

The chimney must be suitable for the class of service. If the present chimney cannot pass a level II inspection then it should be relined in accordance with the mfrs. requirements for sizing.

JoeHNJ

All chimneys must have a metal or tile liner that extends above the masonry, and if properly constructed and maintained, masonry liners are adequate and can provide many years of safe venting. Colder regions often have chimneys in the center of the home instead of on the gabled end, which keeps the liner warmer and lowers the potential of condensation.

Visual inspection may be able to determine if a chimney liner is damaged or inadequate. In particular, we recommend to inspect for signs of damage or deterioration including brick or mortar damage, loose mortar or pieces of the tile liner in the chimney base, condensate, white powder or mineral deposits, staining inside the liner (or any visible staining), breaks in tile liner, areas for air leakage into flue, chimney separation from home, and obstructions in flue. However, a properly constructed chimney has a 1/2" air gap around tile liner which allows the flue to heat up and establish draft quickly, and this cannot be determined from visual inspection. This means inspection can often determine if a chimney is in need of repair or a liner, but inspection cannot “guarantee” that a tile lined chimney is “good.”

Heating professionals may have experience with chimney construction in their area, either typically being OK or typically needing liners. For this reason, heating professionals may recommend the consideration of a liner installation or include it as a line item for later installation if the chimney or draft are found to be inadequate at a later date.

Also, consider that your chimney is 44 years old and just as your roof, windows, or siding will at some point need repair or updating, so too will your chimney. A great time to address it is when you are updating your boiler.

WalnutFarmer

Thank you all for the feedback. Sounds like the liner makes sense.