Fireplace Draftstopper

[SkunkedAgain]

Has anyone bought and used one of these chimney balloons? I know from when we bought our place and had the home energy audit that our fireplace is the biggest suck of warm air from our house. I'm also looking at getting a nice glass screen for the front but was thinking about putting one of these draftstoppers up there.

Does anyone have any experience good or bad?

[fishfinder72]

My first question would be do you use the fireplace? I am assuming it is a wood burning unit.

If you do not use the fireplace you can eliminate a lot of air flow by placing not faced insulation at the start of the chimney.

Provide a few details of the current fireplace (open faced masonry unit? or what exactly it is) and I can make suggestions.

[marine_man]

I've got the same challenge; but have a desire to continue to use my fire place from time to time...

marine_man

[SkunkedAgain]

Open faced wood fireplace with rectangular masonry chimney, about 34" wide at the mouth. We do use it a couple of times per fall/winter but mostly for effect, not for heat.

[fishfinder72]

I do not have experience with the chimney balloon but the non faced insulation is an easy solution. Just be sure everyone that may start a fire at anytime knows it needs to be pulled out.

If you are looking for an update you could consider a gas fireplace insert. This would solve your cold air draft (assuming it is installed correctly) and also allow you to easily have a fireplace for looks or a small heat source with the flip of a switch.

[delcecchi]

I do not have experience with the chimney balloon but the non faced insulation is an easy solution. Just be sure everyone that may start a fire at anytime knows it needs to be pulled out.

If you are looking for an update you could consider a gas fireplace insert. This would solve your cold air draft (assuming it is installed correctly) and also allow you to easily have a fireplace for looks or a small heat source with the flip of a switch.

We went with the gas fireplace after years of wood with glass doors. Burning wood would make house cold as the combustion air came from inside. I love a wood fire, but the gas just works so much better, along with no mess from carrying wood in.

[fishfinder72]

Take a look at Kozy Heat Fireplaces and the inserts they offer if you are interested in the gas option. They are made in Minnesota.

[SkunkedAgain]

If money weren't a consideration, I would go with an insert.

[shizzy]

I had cable operated dampers installed on both fireplaces in my house. its a cable operated unit that attaches to the very top of your chimney.

guy cleaned both, and installed in a few hours.

http://www.chimneydirect.com/c10095/Lock...CFY47MgodhG4Aig

[SkunkedAgain]

That thing looks pretty good. Is the cap insulated at all or is it just metal with the silicone sealant around the base?

[Tom7227]

Why not just put a piece of fiberglass insulation in place? Tie a ribbon around it if you can't remember to take it out.

[jentz]

Just plug the chimney any way you can think of.Remember with some sort of reminder!!! stop the uplift draft,save lots a heat!