by blogediter | Mar 30, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Fireplace flue measurement
Q: Jason, As near as I can tell the area where I would install the Chimney Balloon is 30″ by 10″. Would the 36″ by 15″ balloon work?- KL
A: Dear KL, A standard large 36″X15″ would work for this 30″X10″ flue opening. However, a better option would be to order a 30×12 Chimney Balloon.
Here is a good rule of thumb on buying a Chimney Balloon that is bigger than you need:
On any flue opening smaller than 12″X12″ you should order a size no more than 3″ larger than your measured dimensions.
On any flue opening larger than 12’X12″ you should order a size no more than 6″ larger than your measured dimensions.
by blogediter | Mar 28, 2018 | Chimney Plugs, Fireplaces
Fireplace aroma out of the house
Q: We have caps on our chimney. But no damper. Will the Chimney Balloon still work to keep the smells out when fireplace is not in use?- JW
A: Dear JW, the short answer to your question is “yes” on both accounts. The Chimney Balloon will seal the Chimney nice and low to block out the smells. It will also seal your Chimney so you do not lose so much heat up the flue in the winter or A?C in the summer. If you have any lingering smells often times a large bowl of vinegar kept in the firebox for a few days will neutralize them.
Here is a link to a blog article of a customer that solved the very issue you are referring to:
http://www.chimneyballoonusa.com/blog/2007/06/how_a_chimney_b.html
by blogediter | Mar 26, 2018 | Chimney Problems
Bat in Chimney
Q: Jason, We rent a very old house (150yr+). We are not sure how well the top has been capped. And we don’t think the damper works very well. I have had a bat in the house the last two years. I assume they have come in through the chimney. Absolutely hate this more than the drafting!! Do you think a Chimney Balloon will help? – JT
A: Dear JT, Chimney Balloons are used all the time by Chimney Sweeps and Animal Mitigation to keep out bats, bugs, and birds from coming in through the fireplace flue. If used correctly Chimney Balloons are quite effective at bat blocking. Bats are sneaky little critters so here are a few tips to use your Chimney Balloon to keep them out.
- When you size up your Chimney Balloon go for one that is a few inches over-sized in both width and depth. This will ensure that when it is installed there will be no gaps at all in any corner or crevice.
- When you install the Chimney Balloon inflate it as tight as you can with lung power. Normally I don’t recommend that you inflate a Chimney Balloon this tight, but bats can try to creep past the Chimney Balloon if it is too loose, so don’t give them any slack to play with.
If you have any questions about sizing up your application feel free to call the helpline 608-467-0229. – Jason
by blogediter | Mar 23, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Christmas Chimney Balloon
Customer Service at Chimney Balloon USA received a phone call from old Saint Nick today. He was a bit concerned about all of the Chimney Balloons he has been seeing recently in fireplaces in Europe, Australia, and North America.
You see, the jolly-old-elf bounces when he runs into a Chimney Balloon in the flue, and all that bouncing slows him down. He has a lot of deliveries to make in just one night, so although the bouncing is fun he would rather be forewarned about a Chimney Balloon being present so he can slow his decent and not bounce.
So Santa asked us, to ask our customers to make sure you put the little red Chimney Balloon reminder card (it came with your Chimney Balloon) in the firebox tonight so he can see it from the top of the chimney and know he has to take it slow.
Remember, if you decide to play a trick on old Saint Nick and not put out the card, you may just find out what a bouncing Santa looks like. (But that is also a quick way to get on the naughty list.)
Merry Christmas!
from Santa
and the staff here at Chimney Balloon!
by blogediter | Mar 21, 2018 | Save Energy
Save on A/C when it is hot outside
Q: Dear Jason,
Is there any purpose to using the Chimney Balloon in the summer to seal off chimneys in a house in Arizona that will be closed for the summer? And what if the property is occupied? Does it help with A/C savings? Keep in mind it gets very hot here, will that hurt the Chimney Balloon?
I understand its purpose in the north. I have a home in Illinois for which I am getting one. – KG
A: Dear KG,
We actually get this question a lot. I understand it does get very hot in Arizona (over 110 degrees F). The Chimney Balloon is essentially an air sealing and insulation device that plugs a major home envelope penetration (the chimney). Because of this, it saves A/C in the summer as well. Cool air doesn’t rise like hot air does so the difference is not as noticeable in the hot weather as in cold weather.
But, when you plug a hole in your house tightly it makes a difference on energy bills just by tightening the energy envelope of the home no matter if you are heating or cooling. Besides the insulation factor, homeowners often install a Chimney Balloon in the summer to stop chimney odors and insect and bird/bat entry through the flue.
Also, the Chimney Balloon can handle any temperature up to 180 degrees F. So as long as you don’t have a forecast of 185 degrees *whew* you should be fine. – Jason
