Can a Gas Stove Be Vented Through a Fireplace Chimney?

Why Venting is Necessary

• For certain types of gas stoves, venting is necessary to remove the byproducts of combustion from the home. One of the byproducts of combustion is carbon monoxide, which if inhaled can cause sickness, and in larger doses, even death. To remove this byproduct from the home, an exhaust pipe is installed to direct the exhaust out of the home.

Direct Vent

• Direct vent gas stoves use a dual pipe system. The dual pipe consists of a 4-inch diameter pipe surrounded by a 7-inch diameter pipe. The smaller pipe is for exhaust, while the larger pipe is for fresh air intake. The dual system uses no indoor air for combustion. You can vent the stove through your chimney, or you can vent the stove through any external wall. This offers you some flexibility in stove placement in your home.

Gas B-Vent

• Gas B-Vent stoves use a 4-inch pipe for exhaust, but use the surrounding air to create combustion for the stove. Similar to direct vent stoves, you can vent a B-vent stove through either the chimney or a hole in an external wall. It is important to note that a B-Vent stove increases the humidity inside the home and can lead to mold growth, so a dehumidifier is recommended to decrease the humidity in the air.

Considerations

• Although both direct vent and Gas B-Vent stoves are considered safe alternatives for heating your home, you should exercise precautions to ensure your stove remains safe to use. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, you should have your stove checked by a professional at least every two years, and have your chimney inspected annually by a professional who is a member of the Chimney Safety Institute of
  America. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is not required, but can lend extra peace of mind.