What’s the Difference Between Fireplace Flue Systems?
When installing a fireplace, the flue system you choose plays a big role in performance, safety, and efficiency. From standard triple-skin kits to fully insulated, room-sealed systems, each option offers different benefits depending on your home’s design. Here's a quick guide to help you understand the key differences.
What’s the Difference Between Fireplace Flue Systems?
When choosing a fireplace, one of the most important components is the flue system. It affects how efficiently your heater operates, how much warmth you keep inside, and how safe your installation is. Below, we break down the key differences between each flue system we offer at Woodpecker.
Standard Flue System
This air-cooled, triple-cased flue is a reliable, budget-friendly choice. It’s most commonly used in older homes or installations where styling options like mesh or solid finishes are preferred.
Triple-cased air-cooled design
Used through ceiling and floor penetrations
Decorative decro-mesh or solid casing options
Safe and compliant
Suited for large capacity heaters
Ideal for retrofits or budget-focused installs
Triple Skin Flue Kit
The triple skin flue kit is a standard, air-cooled system used in many traditional residential installs. It offers safety through triple casing but does allow some heat loss compared to insulated options.
Air-cooled, triple-skin system
Galvanised 250mm outer flue
Includes dropbox with air holes
Comes with a standard ceiling ring
Approx. 8% heat loss
Simple, safe, and cost-effective
Insulated Flue Kit
This flue system features internal insulation for better thermal performance. It offers zero heat loss and significantly reduces operating noise, making it ideal for performance-focused homes.
Stainless steel 200mm outer flue
Insulated between the active and outer flue
Zero heat loss
Improves heating efficiency by 3%
Reduces operating noise by 90%
Comes with a standard ceiling ring
Insulated Room-Sealed Flue Kit
Designed for airtight or energy-efficient homes, this flue kit is fully sealed to prevent draughts and heat loss. It enhances efficiency and can extend burn time, making it perfect for new builds.
Stainless steel 200mm outer flue
Fully room-sealed ceiling ring
Zero heat loss
Improves heating efficiency by 8%
Reduces noise by 90%
Increases burn time by up to 20%
Ideal for modern, airtight homes
Insulated Flue System (Twist-Lock)
A practical, energy-conscious solution with an easy twist-lock assembly. It offers great performance and is ideal for renovations or homes where a fast, watertight install is needed.
25mm layer of Fibrofrax insulation
Twist-lock design for faster install
Reduces wind noise from outside
Prevents water ingress
Improves room heat efficiency
Air Flue System Plus (AFS+)
This system includes everything from the insulated range but adds an external air intake, making it ideal for passive design homes and bushfire-rated areas.
Same insulation performance as IFS
Includes an air gap to draw in outside air
Additional 12mm safety barrier
Supports sealed combustion for passive homes
Suitable for BAL-40 and Flame Zone areas
Best for 7+ star energy-rated homes
Summary
Choosing the right flue system makes a big difference in how well your fireplace heats your home, how quiet it runs, and how energy-efficient it is. Whether you’re building, renovating, or upgrading, our team is here to help.
Visit our Mornington showroom or get in touch for expert guidance on the perfect flue setup for your space.
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