Expert: James Ball - 12/29/2008

Question
I have a dryer like vent on the outside of my chimney located about 6 feet off the round on the side.   What is it and can I close it?  I want to convert my fireplace to a gas burning one and was told that the vent would have to be closed in order to put a propane tank closer than 10 feet to the vent

Answer
Hello Ron, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have. They should be able to tell you if you can close it also you may have to refer to the owners manual about closing that vent weather you burn wood or gas I should probably be open for fresh air.
James