Balanced Flues Vs Conventional Flues

One of the most common questions that people have when buying a stove concerns the difference between flue types. Here we will explain some of the differences between balanced flues and conventional flues, so you can get to grips with them. With the glowing warmth and natural heat from a stove comes combustion and gases. These gases need somewhere to escape, and this is where the flue comes in to action. Flues take smoke and gases away from the fire and are usually made from either steel, clay or concrete. Balanced Flues Balanced flues are used with gas stoves and fires and consist of two pipes, with one resting inside the other. The inside pipe serves the purpose of removing any waste gases outside your property, and the outer pipe draws in vital air from outside that is required for the combustion process to take place. The pipe may either run horizontally through an external wall or run vertically up through your roof depending on the appliance that you select. When it comes to gas fires balanced flue fires are sealed from the room by a glass front, which means that care and regular servicing is needed in order to keep it from becoming scorched. These types of fires can also reach very high temperatures, so you need to ensure that the fire surround is suitable. However, balanced flue fires are extra-economical and with efficiencies upwards of 80% and are a great option if you have no fireplace or would like to have your stove placed somewhere other than the fireplace spot. They also come in a variety of styles and log or coal effects which create a beautiful focal point in your home. Conventional flues Conventional flues use natural circulation of heated air to take gases and combustibles away from the fire in a fireplace, boiler, or stove. Rather than being drawn from outside like a balanced flue, the air is drawn from around the appliance. Most homes with chimney’s in the UK will possess a conventional flue, which brings air up through the chimney and away. If you run a wood burning, multi-fuel or pellet fire then then you will need a conventional flue in order for it to function. Alternatives An alternative method to both conventional and balanced flues is to choose a completely flueless appliance. Today many appliances can be run from electric, bio-ethanol or gas either don’t emit any fumes or have built-in catalytic converters included which process them. If you’re considering purchasing a new heating appliance for your home, then you should speak to experts to calculate exactly which type of flue would be most suited to your needs. Here at W&H Supplies we stock a large number of multi-fuel and wood burning stoves, including appliances from the likes of Aga, Barbas, Dovre Stoves, Jotul, Stovax, Yeoman Stoves and many others. Visit us in store or call us on 01903 885566 to find out more and discuss your available options.