by blogediter | Jul 30, 2018 | Gas Logs
Q: Jason, I am looking to dress up my fireplace with a hearth fender, and maybe some decorative iron hardware. – RC
A: Dear RC, There is a new company on the online scene that sells gas log and fireplace adornments. They are called Gas Log Station and they offer fireplace screens, andirons, grates, accessories and hearth fenders for gas log set ups.
I would encourage you to get some images from a magazine of the look you are going for. I am a fan of the British Traditional look with the fireplace bumpers and andirons. – Jason
by blogediter | Jul 27, 2018 | Chimney Plugs, Gas Logs
Cost of using that fuel
If you are planning to buy a corn or pellet burner or replace your heating oil or natural gas furnace you should visit this heating cost calculator first at http://www.nhclimateaudit.org/calculators.php
this calculator gives you side by side comparisons to e most common heating fuels and lets you know how to get the most bang for your BTU. You simply enter the cost of each of the fuels available in your area. (Below is a sample of fuel costs for my area of Wisconsin) and it will let you know the cost of using that fuel. (Below is a screenshot of the calculator)
This chart offers an unbiased “apples to apples” comparison of fuels. It is well worth exploring before you put many thousands of dollars into a furnace or heating fuel change.
by blogediter | Jul 25, 2018 | Chimney Plugs, Save Energy
Energy audit
Q: Jason, You say that a Chimney Balloon fireplace damper can save you 14% on home heating. This number seems unreal. Where do you get such a figure? What does a Chimney Balloon do that a metal fireplace damper cannot do? – SH
A: Dear SH, I am really glad you challenge us on this. All marketing claims should be challenged! And I will be happy to explain our figures. First of all the US Department of Energy says that the fireplace accounts for 14% of a homes heat loss. It stands to reason that if you seal your fireplace uptight and efficiently you will not be losing this heat.
Now, there are average ways to stop that heat loss, like standard metal fireplace chimney dampers, or metal chimney top dampers. And, there are superior ways to stop that heat loss that will seal the flue off efficiently and not allow air to pass.
We hired a third party certified energy rater to put the Chimney Balloon on a head to head test against a metal damper and glass doors. The energy rater used a 1200 square foot ranch style home that was reasonably tight and energy efficient already. In this test, he tested the home with the 9″ round fireplace damper open (as if the fireplace had no damper). He tested the fireplace with the metal damper closed. He tested it with the fireplace glass doors closed, He tested it with the damper and the glass fireplace doors closed, And then he tested it with the Chimney Balloon installed.
The results of this test were as follows:
- The home was 27% more efficient with a Chimney Balloon than if it had no damper.
- The home was 16% more efficient with a Chimney Balloon than if the metal damper was closed.
- The home was 6% more efficient with a Chimney Balloon than if it the glass doors were closed
If you would like to see the entire results of this test of the fireplace damper vs Chimney Balloon please visit this link?: http://www.chimneyballoon.us/fireplacedampertest.html
To read more information about energy efficiency and how to tighten your home energy envelope visit: http://eere.typepad.com/energysavers/2008/10/reduce-your-hea.html
– Jason
by blogediter | Jul 23, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Chimney Balloon sizing
Q: Jason, I have read in your Chimney Balloon sizing instructions that I need to find a location in my flue or firebox to install a Chimney Balloon that has roughly parallel walls on at least 2 sides so the Chimney Balloon can lodge itself in place during installation. In my fireplace 2 sides of the walls of the firebox taper upwards to a damper that is controlled (or actuated) by 2 chains (See picture). Does this mean I can measure the area below my damper (where the ruler is in my picture) and install the Chimney Balloon there? If yes, what do I do with the chains? – SH
A: Dear SH, Thank you for the picture, that did help to clarify what you are looking at. And yes, you can measure and install the Chimney Balloon in the area below your damper in this case. When you install the Chimney Balloon either push the chains to the side or allow them to rest on the top side of the Chimney Balloon. To get the proper sized Chimney Balloon you will want to measure the area where your folding carpenter’s ruler is at in this picture. If your measurement is 24″x28″ then buy a Chimney Balloon that is at least that size and it wouldn’t hurt to buy one slightly larger in both width and length. – Jason
by blogediter | Jul 20, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Fireplace damper open, or damper closed
Q: Jason, I bought a Chimney Balloon and have a question regarding installation …. When the Chimney Balloon is positioned in the chimney do I let the handle protrude down through the damper opening so that it is visible at the top of the hearth, (damper remains open) or do I make sure it is situated above the damper so that the damper can be closed. thanks – PM
A: Dear PM, That is really a personal preference. If you installed the Chimney Balloon to resolve some odor problems with the fireplace…the lower you install the Chimney Balloon the better.
Also, it is simply easier to install and uninstall the Chimney Balloon if it is lower.
Personally, I have a 9×9 in my living room fireplace and I install it nice and low, just above my damper, and leave the damper open (the Chimney Balloon works better than my damper anyway). Also, the handle hanging from the Chimney Balloon in the firebox reminds me of its presence so I (or anyone else using the fireplace) don’t forget it is in there. So, personally, a low install is what I prefer.
On the other hand, if seeing the handle bugs you and you really want it up above the damper far enough to close the damper. There is nothing wrong with that. The only trouble is… the install can be tougher to do (tougher installs can wear out your Chimney Balloon sooner), and if the Chimney Balloon is tucked too far up out of site you may forget about it being up there.
Hopefully, this answer gives you the pros and cons to make your own choice. – Jason
