Does one's chimney need to be cleaned if one has a gas insert?

Question

I've researched on the internet and it says that gas inserts are clean burning. However, we've been told that our chimney needs cleaned and that we need all sorts of things replaced. I'm guessing that "The Chimney Man" is just trying to make some holiday money! Snow job or life saving necessity?

Answer 1

only build up you will ever get in a gas furnase set up is light carbon sooting and dust. manufacturers of any furnce set up will tell you to have your chimney or other ventilation system cleaned at least once every five years . dont be foolish get it done creosote is not the only danger in a chimney, also birds and squirrles love to nest around vents so they can also introduce flammable debries into your system. just some thing to think about

Answer 2

The gas furnace needs vented because of carbon monoxide exhaust. They release very little heat up the vent and nothing flammable (unless something is very wrong).
The reason you would need the chimney cleaned or repaired is because if it is stopped up, the exhaust gases can't escape outside and would stay in the house. If you have faults or openings in the chimney, the gases could again recirculate into the house instead of getting outside.
I don't know what the chimney man's intentions are but he is in the chimney business. That's what he does. I wouldn't fault him for wanting to do a good job. But I wouldn't be afraid to get another opinion.

Answer 3

I'd get a second opinion. I have a wood burning stove and the chimney gets cleaned every year. My in-laws have had a gas-log fireplace for 15 years and have never had it cleaned.

Sounds like a snow job, but I'd double check just to make sure there's nothing wrong with your insert.

Answer 4

If the gas insert is operating properly you do not need to get the chimney cleaned.

However if the insert is burning too rich it can soot up the chimney. In this case the insert should be repaired then the chimney cleaned.

If you see not black soot in the chimney then it does not need to be cleaned.

Answer 5

If you are installing a gas insert there is no need for repairs unless you have brisks or mortar loose. They will run a flue up your chimney so there is no chance of fire. The chimney won't have to be cleaned. Good luck.

Answer 6

The chimney needed to be cleaned once, when the gas log was installed. No further maintenance is required.

Answer 7

Going only by what you have said it sounds like a snow job. Gas is clean burning meaning you don't get creosote build up. Since you didn't say what supposedly needs replaced can't tell on that one.

Answer 8

Unless you burn wood out of the same chimney, forget it.