I'm planning to set up a radon remediation system and I want to use an unused chimney for venting. It's capped off and located centrally over the house slab, which seems ideal. However, I'm a bit worried that I might be overlooking something important. I also have the option to run a 3-inch PVC pipe up inside the chimney instead. Has anyone dealt with this kind of setup before? Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Just to clarify, this isn't a standard brick chimney. It's actually a metal pipe that runs from the basement straight to the roof, previously used for a water heater and furnace, both of which are now upgraded and vent through PVC on the side of the house.
2 Answers
I'm looking into the same option. Why can't I use the old installed furnace exhaust? Its a sealed system designed to vent furnace gases to the roof top. After upgrading to a 96% effic furnace, the old exhaust is not being used... its a 6" flue pipe.
It's actually not safe to vent radon through the chimney directly. If you just let the radon fan exhaust into it, there's a chance the air will escape from both the top and even through a fireplace if there's one there. The best way is to insert a pipe through the chimney and seal it properly so no gas can backtrack down into your home.
Thanks for the heads-up! Just to add, it’s not a traditional chimney; it’s a metal pipe that went unused after the equipment upgrades.