Can a fireplace heat through my central unit?

Randell Tarin

I have a fireplace insert that utilizes a metal flue pipe. Is there a way to harness the heat from the flue pipe and duct it into my central heating unit?

Sammy

I have seen some double walled inserts that can be vented into ductwork. Mine has a blower on it so there really is no need to for the floor plan we have.

But if you have just a flue pipe to work from, it would take a lot to reclaim any heat into the ducts.

A blower on the insert and some ceiling fans to circulate would help.

Randell Tarin

I have a blower on mine, but it's set into a room with a vaulted ceiling. We have a ceiling fan set to blow the warmer air at the top of the room and that seems to work quite well. The problem is only the great room and kitchen are heated by the fireplace.

Sammy

If you have a heating system with an air return near the fireplace, you may try running just the fan on recircualte or on without the heat. That would help distribute the heat throughout the house.

econoline

alot of replies but...no one is addressing the draft issue....if you lower your flue temp. to much you lose your draft, causing a smokie fire and worse, carbon monoxide in the home.