What if you buy a Chimney Balloon that is too big?
Chimney Balloon too big Q: Jason - According to the attached picture do you think I bought a Chimney Pillow that is too big? - GJ A: GJ, You absolutely bought a Chimney Balloon that was too big. I would say it is at least 6" too big in 2 dimensions by the look of it....
Smoke Shelf trouble when the fireplace is first started.
Chimney Balloon Diagram Q: Jason, Recently getting my chimney swept, I was given an estimate of 1k to replace my disintegrated Smoke Shelf. The guy was nice and said that is why I sometimes may get smoke in the room (I do --- but only initially and it goes away in...
How do I remove a fireplace damper?
Plasma cutter Q: Jason, How do I remove an old fireplace damper? I am putting in a stainless steel chimney liner tube for protection and I need to remove the damper... - JB A: JB, The lowest tech way would be to use a Sawzall. But, Using a Sawzall will be a certain...
Does a Chimney Balloon work with a Lock Top Chimney Top Damper?
Lock top damper cable Q: Jason - I currently have a chimney cap installed with a stainless steel wire and handle on the end which is mounted to the side of the firebox on the face of the brick. The metal damper is removed and this wire extends up through the...
DIY – Build Your Own Solar Garage Heater
Solar space heater I learned of this Do it yourself method of how to make a solar-powered outbuilding or garage heater through The Energy Blog (by Jim Fraser). With some simple ingenuity and a list of needed materials and tools from the website BuiltItSolar.com even...
I have birds coming down through the fireplace chimney into the House!
This was a conversation on Google Home Improvement groups that was an interesting recommendation for a Chimney Balloon to stop birds from entering a home: Q: Hi I have never used a fireplace and never needed one but an old house I bought has one in it. I have not...
Jim Dulley comments on the Chimney Pillow in his home energy saving suggestions.
Chimney Pillow Q: Jason, I saw something mentioned about a Chimney Pillow on a newsletter I get from Jim Dulley on home energy savings. I bought one and am very pleased with how it has plugged the flue despite my rusty damper. - TW A: Jim Dulley of www.dulley.com is a...
DoItYourself.com talks about chimney damper building codes
Gas Burn We have often fielded the questions about Gas log fireplaces and why a damper has to be removed or restricted when a gas log fireplace is installed. If a gas log fireplace was installed after 1991 the building codes state that the damper must be disabled or...
Do I have to measure my flue before I buy a Chimney Balloon?
Vent Q: Jason - I am relatively certain of the dimensions of my flue and the area in which I wish to install a Chimney Balloon. I think it is a 32"x14" opening. Would a 36"x15" Chimney Balloon work for this size flue? - RT A: RT - When you say you are "relatively...
Article on how to pick quality fireplace accessories
Here is an article on Fireplace accessories and how to identify a quality fireplace accessory like a poker set or fireplace screen or doors. http://fireplacemantel.4houseandgarden.com/fireplace-accessories-for-every-household/ Here is an excerpt from the article: "Two...
Do you liquidate used Chimney Balloons on Ebay?
Ebay Chimney Balloon Q: Jason - I read in the Chimney Balloon USA blog that you liquidate your "like new" Chimney Balloons on eBay a couple of times per year. I would like to know when you do that. -GG A: GG - This is not information that we circulate a lot, but yes...
Should i put in a fireplace insert?
Bad Insert Q: Jason - The wife is interested in getting a wood burning insert for the fireplace. We're regular users of our fireplace and keep a supply of inexpensive hardwoods around. With upcoming increases in electricity costs around here, we thought it was about...