Why is Cold Air Coming in from My Fireplace?
Your hearth may be the best architectural feature in your home, but have you noticed cold air coming in through your fireplace when it isn’t in use? It’s common for as much as 8% of home heating to escape through the chimneys of traditional masonry fireplaces. By stopping the flow of air through the chimney you could significantly cut utility costs in winter.
Dampers
The metal throat damper is part of the chimney and its job is to open or shut off airflow. Due to corrosion, wear-and-tear, or rust, dampers eventually fail to create a secure seal. When that happens, repair or replacement of the damper is needed.
To check your damper’s seal, you can do a simple test using a dollar bill. Place the dollar between the two sides of the damper as you close it. If the dollar can’t be moved because of a snug fit, it’s airtight in that spot. Repeat the process all across the damper door opening. If the dollar is loose and you can easily pull it out, the damper is allowing cold air into your home. A faulty damper also allows warm air in the home to be pulled out through the chimney.
Top-Sealing Damper
Another way to keep drafts from blowing cold air into your home is to have a top-sealing damper installed at the top of your chimney. Benefits of a top-sealing damper include keeping water, animals, and debris out of the chimney and preventing an exchange of air through the flue. Operation is simple because a lever is installed to be operated through the fireplace.
Glass Fireplace Doors
If you have an open masonry fireplace, glass doors can be added. There are many options for glass doors. You can find some that are practical, yet beautifully complement your home décor. One of the purposes of the doors is to create a reliable seal on your fireplace when it’s not in use. Even if a blast of cold air blows down the chimney, glass doors will prevent the air from entering your home.
Glass doors also increase the safety of your fireplace in the following ways:
- The possibility that firewood or sparks will escape the hearth area and cause damage to your home is reduced by adding glass doors. Many devastating house fires have been caused by cinders and sparks popping out of fires and onto combustible materials nearby.
- Glass doors can prevent pets and small children from accidentally falling into a fire.
Contact Chimney Specialists Inc.
The NFI-certified chimney specialists at Chimney Specialists Inc. offer heating appliances and many accessories, including fireplace doors with ceramic or tempered glass. Numerous styles are available that will enhance the appearance of your fireplace. Contact Chimney Specialists for chimney doors, chimney maintenance, chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, and much more. Contact details follow.
Chimney Specialists Inc.
869 Main Street, Highland, WI
Phone: (608) 929-4887 / Toll Free: (800) 395-6660
Dubuque Fireplace & Patio
925 Century Drive, Dubuque, Iowa
Phone: (563) 582-5156.
