Chimney vs. Smokestack — What's the Difference?

Part of a home heating system.

A tall pipe used to carry off smoke and gases.

A structure containing a flue for directing smoke outside.

Found in industrial locations.

Architectural feature on buildings.

Equipped with pollution control devices.

Subject to residential building codes.

Regulated for environmental protection.

Often associated with traditional fireplaces.

Made from materials like steel or concrete.

A chimney is an architectural ventilation structure made of masonry, clay or metal that isolates hot toxic exhaust gases or smoke produced by a boiler, stove, furnace, incinerator or fireplace from human living areas. Chimneys are typically vertical, or as near as possible to vertical, to ensure that the gases flow smoothly, drawing air into the combustion in what is known as the stack, or chimney effect.

A large chimney or vertical pipe through which combustion vapors, gases, and smoke are discharged.

A passage through which smoke and gases escape from a fire or furnace; a flue.

Of, relating to, or being firms, industries, or places involved in heavy manufacturing or in the processing of materials

The usually vertical structure containing a chimney.

A conduit or group of conduits atop a structure allowing smoke to flow out, as on a steam locomotive, ship, factory, or power plant using fossil fuels.

The part of such a structure that rises above a roof.

A chimney; esp., a pipe serving as a chimney, as the pipe which carries off the smoke of a locomotive, the funnel of a steam vessel, etc.

Chiefly British A smokestack, as of a ship or locomotive.

A large tall chimney through which combustion gases and smoke can be evacuated

A glass tube for enclosing the flame of a lamp.

Something, such as a narrow cleft in a cliff, resembling a chimney.

A vertical tube or hollow column used to emit environmentally polluting gaseous and solid matter (including but not limited to by-products of burning carbon- or hydrocarbon-based fuels); a flue.

The glass flue surrounding the flame of an oil lamp.

(British) The smokestack of a steam locomotive.

A narrow cleft in a rock face; a narrow vertical cave passage.

A vagina.

A black eye; a shiner.

(climbing) To negotiate a chimney (narrow vertical cave passage) by pushing against the sides with back, feet, hands, etc.

A fireplace or hearth.

That part of a building which contains the smoke flues; esp. an upright tube or flue of brick or stone, in most cases extending through or above the roof of the building. Often used instead of chimney shaft.

A tube usually of glass, placed around a flame, as of a lamp, to create a draft, and promote combustion.

A body of ore, usually of elongated form, extending downward in a vein.

A vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building

A glass flue surrounding the wick of an oil lamp

Steel and concrete, chosen for their durability and heat resistance.

To vent smoke from a fireplace or heating system in a residential building.

Yes, but they are typically smaller and serve heating systems rather than large-scale industrial exhaust.

Yes, smokestacks are regulated to control pollution and minimize environmental impact.

Chimneys are integrated into building architecture, while smokestacks are standalone structures designed for industrial use.

To exhaust smoke and gases from industrial processes.

Through the use of pollution control technologies like scrubbers and filters.

Yes, a functioning fireplace typically requires a chimney for safe operation.

Yes, chimneys help distribute heat from a fireplace or stove throughout a home.

Yes, chimney installation is governed by residential building codes, while smokestacks must comply with environmental regulations.

Smokestacks are typically much taller than chimneys to effectively disperse emissions.

Chimneys often have aesthetic considerations, while smokestacks are usually purely functional.