Fireplace "vent tube"? Can someone tell me what this is?

11 years ago

Hello:
I have included a picture fireplace with a "venting tube" (at least that is what i am calling it).

First, can anyone tell me its proper name, and what its purpose in the fireplace is? I assume it has to do with venting air into the fireplace. Our house is over 15 years old, and I have not once used this "vent".

The bigger problem is the condition of the vent. The door on the vent is not at all sealed when closed, and it is allowing cold air in winter and hot air in the summer into the house. The indoor door and frame is also deteriorating quite badly, and looks to be falling apart, I assume from over 15 years of fires.

I was wondering if I could plug the hole completely, using fireplace mortar. But without knowing why it was put in, I am wondering if there could be any negative affects of plugging the hole? In a perfect world, I would like to remove the metal frame inside, and then plug the hole, but not too sure if that would be doable.

Any thoughts on its purpose?
Any suggestions/comments on simply plugging the hole?

THANKS
-- Jim

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Comments (3)

cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
11 years ago
Holes are either outdoor air vents or cleanouts.
What you "can or cannot" do depends entirely on whether or not you ever intend to burn in this fireplace.

Do you?
Jim
Original Author
11 years ago
As a follow-up, absolutely we plan on continuing to use the fireplace. We have many fires throughout the winter. Our winters here in Virginia are not that long, but we usually have fires for 4-5 months throughout the year.

And it sure looks like a vent, like others have said. But in looking at about 5 other fireplaces at my neighbors and family, I do not see anyone else with one of these vents. I even had one chimney contractor who had no idea what its purpose was.

Last night, before we had our fire, I put my hand up against the door (which was closed), and could feel the cold air coming in. And it was not even that windy. When it is windy, it really comes comes pouring in.

We have a lock-top on the chimney to help out with heat loss from the inside, and we do not have doors on the fireplace.

-- Jim
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southerncanuck
11 years ago
It's a line to help bring oxygen into the hearth to aid in the combustion process. The original design of some fireplaces needed extra air because the design would often fill the room with smoke if all was not perfect.

Note: If you don't have an airtight insert don't use the fireplace it actually is sucking warm air out of your home, the heat felt in front of the fireplace is only local. If the fireplace is airtight leave the air induction line alone.