Why Does My House Have Two Chimneys?

Under the category of “Things That Make You Go Hmmm,” you may be wondering why your home has two chimneys. Is this necessary? Can you remove one?  

Before you get the wrecking ball out, take a few minutes to learn why you might be the proud owner of not one but two chimneys.

1. You Have Two Different Heating Fuel Sources

Simple enough: you may have a wood stove or fireplace for that cozy warmth, as well as propane or oil for consistency – or on the other hand, propane or oil as your primary heat source and wood for backup. Regardless, the solution to venting dangerous gasses and providing adequate airflow is to have two chimneys (both of which are properly lined). 

2. You Don’t Have a Chimney with Multiple Flues

In older houses located in colder climates, it was fairly common to have one chimney with two or more separate flues. This would allow a homeowner to vent, say, an oil-burning appliance as well as one, two, or even three wood-burning stoves/fireplaces. “Older” is the keyword here: these houses were not airtight. There were plenty of cracks and gaps to allow gasses to exit.  

Today’s modern homes are far better insulated; during those chilly winter days, we don’t want a bracing breeze inside! In order for a chimney to accommodate two or more different heating sources, each flue must be properly constructed, lined, and inspected, otherwise you face a significant fire or carbon monoxide risk. 

In many cases, homes are just built with two separate chimneys instead of one with multiple flues. Alternatively, most areas require a separate chimney if you have heating sources on different floors (e.g. a wood stove on the ground level and a fireplace upstairs).

3. You Used to Have a Fireplace

You may have a chimney for your oil furnace or propane stove. That’s your only heating source, so why is there another chimney hanging out on your rooftop? It could be that you used to have a fireplace. In older homes, as people upgraded to more efficient, easier forms of heating, they simply blocked off the fireplace. Removing the chimney was a pricey proposition, so many folks just left them up. 

In this case, you can remove the second chimney. Again, cost is a concern, so it becomes a financial decision as well as an aesthetic one. 

Safety First – and Second 

No matter why your home has two chimneys, it is essential that both are cleaned and inspected regularly. All it takes is a simple phone call or online form to schedule your service. The payoff is enhanced safety and peace of mind. Make the call today.