The fireplace flue walls slant under my damper, where do I put the Chimney Balloon?
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...
Fireplace damper open, or damper closed? How should I install my Chimney Balloon?
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...
Chimney Balloon above or below the flue?
Q: Jason, I am trying to decide whether to put a Chimney Balloon in above or below my flue damper. You can see in the picture here what the damper looks like. The area below the damper is a trapezoid of 29" x 20" x 34". Should I put a Chimney Balloon in this space?...
Is the fireplace flue tile the best place to plug the chimney with a Chimney Balloon?
Install low just above the damper Q: Jason, We have a wood fireplace that we haven't used since we bought the house (5 years) and who knows how long before that. So, I checked out the fireplace damper website and read the instructions for measuring my fireplace. It...
Inflating a Chimney Balloon…what pump to use?
Inflating a Chimney Balloon Q: Jason, I am about to purchase one of your Chimney Balloon fireplace dampers, but have one question. Since this fills with air, Can I use my air compressor, or do I have to purchase your pump? - PS A: Dear PS, The easiest and the handiest...
Sideways Chimney Balloon install, Is it OK?
9x15 small Chimney Balloon Q: Jason, When I went to install my 9x15 small Chimney Balloon I got it in there a little sideways. Is it OK the way it is, or should I remove it and install it again? It is sealing tight and no more air is coming through. - EC A: Dear EC,...
Is newspaper or cardboard better to burn in the fireplace?
Newspaper burn Q: Jason – I have heard that newspaper is not good to use to start a fire in a wood burner or fireplace. Why is this and what can be used instead? - MG A: MG, I have also heard quite a bit of banter back and forth about the newspaper and how it is not...
Can I use a Chimney Balloon in a fireplace and water heater chimney.
Basement chimney Q: Jason, My water heater vents into the chimney for the fireplace in my basement. Is it OK for me to put a Chimney Balloon in this fireplace? - LT A: LT, By the looks of the location of where this vent from the water heater enters the chimney you...
I am using my wood fireplace to help heat my home this winter.
Smokey Q: Jason – In the winter I like to start a fire in my fireplace to help my furnace heat up my home and save some money. Only I have noticed that my furnace runs almost constantly when the fireplace is going. What is the deal? - CH A: CH, There is a number of...
I removed the fireplace wood burning insert and the damper was destroyed! What now?
Fireplace wood burning Q: Jason - I was helping my grandmother out by removing her fireplace insert wood stove since she doesn't have the strength to use it anymore and it just leaks cold air in. When I finally got this 350lbs insert out I realized that the old damper...
Will a Chimney Balloon work in a Inglenook fireplace with an electric insert?
Inglenook Q: Jason, I am putting an electric 'log burner' effect stove into the original inglenook fireplace. Can I use a Chimney Balloon? - SP A: SP, You absolutely can use a Chimney Balloon in your Inglenook fireplace. Just install it before you put the electric...
How do I reach and close the valve to my Chimney Balloon when i am installing it in my prefab fireplace?
Chimney Balloon Cropped Q: Jason, I purchased two Chimney Balloons. I have two zero clearance fireplaces and there is no way to put the Chimney Balloon above the damper and still be able to reach the air valve. I am disappointed in this design. I can't be the first...