How Does Chimney Work?

Chimneys operate on the principle that hot air rises above cold air. The movement of hot gases rising from the fire creates a pressure difference between the inside of the flue and the room. This is called a “draught” and it forces air into the fireplace, this air feeds the flames as it rushes past the fire.

How Does Chimney Work?

A chimney is a vertical structure that allows smoke and other gases from a fire to escape from a building. It is a vital part of any home with a fireplace or wood stove. So, how does a chimney work?

A chimney works by creating an updraft. Hot air is lighter than cold air, so when the hot air rises up the chimney, it creates an updraft that pulls the smoke and fumes up and out of the home. This draft is created by a combination of two forces: air buoyancy and the Bernoulli effect.

Air buoyancy is the natural tendency of hot air to rise. Hot air is less dense than cold air, so it rises. As the hot air rises up the chimney, it creates an updraft that pulls the smoke and fumes up and out of the home.

The Bernoulli effect is a phenomenon that occurs when a moving fluid (in this case, the hot air) changes speed. As the hot air moves up the chimney, it accelerates. When the hot air accelerates, the pressure drops, forming a low-pressure zone. This low-pressure zone pulls the smoke and fumes up and out of the home.

The updraft created