How to stop a lingering burnt smell from the fireplace.
Lingering burnt smell Q: Dear Jason, I inflated the 15 x 15 Chimney Balloon and placed it above the damper to get rid of chimney smell. It's much better, but I still smell it a bit after about a week. Any suggestions on how to completely get rid of the odor? Thanks,...
I have a problem with flies coming in through the fireplace.
Flies in fireplace Flies in Fireplace Q: Jason, I have an awful fly problem, and I think they are coming down the chimney looking to get away from the outside heat. Will the Chimney Balloon stop flies for sure? - MH A: Hi MH, From our conversation on the phone, I...
How to fix a pull chain damper with two chains coming down under it?
Large fireplace Frank Lloyd Wright home with pull chain damper Large fireplace in Frank Lloyd Wright home with Chimney Balloon installed [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text el_class=".underlinelink , .blackh3"]Hi Jason, This...
How to prepare a Chimney Balloon to install it high into the flue?
Chimney Balloon Q: Jason, I have two chimneys and I am not using them. I just bought the house so I don't plan on using them this year at least. My heater is always on like every 10-20 minutes and as soon as the heater is off the house gets cold quick. I think that my...
Different types of Chimneys
There are different structures of chimneys that we can see on the rooftop. These chimneys provide ventilation for hot flue gases or smoke from a boiler, stove, furnace or fireplace to the outside. Big holes remain open so all the rain, hail or dust will go straight...
I have stuck fireplace dampers, they appear to be rusted shut and they are drafty.
Stuck Fireplace Dampers Q: Jason, I have two fireplaces in my house and would never use them because fireplaces are a MAJOR SOURCE OF POLLUTION AND SHOULD BE BANNED! Anyway, the top fireplace was used by previous owners and the damper is in pretty good condition. The...
How to stop warm humid air from coming down the chimney?
Q: Hi Jason, I am a South Florida resident with a Chimney in my home. Does a Chimney Balloon or Flueblocker help at all in reducing warm & humid air from entering the home? And for that matter, do they limit escape of cold air from the home? Thanks in advance for...
How do I remove paint and foam from fireplace brick?
Hi Jason, I just bought a house, and I have a fireplace that has been painted on the inside and out. Also it has been permanently sealed with expanding foam and foam board. I would like to open up the fireplace so it can be used again. I'm wondering if I just cut the...
How to plug a round 8″ flue pipe with a swivel damper?
Q: Hi Jason, Here are a few pictures of my fireplace damper and round flue pipe. The diameter is 8" in the flue pipe. What size Chimney Balloon do you suggest? - LG A: Hi LG, This application is one of the most common styles of damper and flue that we run into. These...
How much does it cost to run a gas log fireplace?
Q: I know vented gas log fireplaces are inefficient to run, but how much does an hour of use cost if you are burning propane in an average vented gas log? - DR A: Hi Dr, Well the cost will depend upon your cost of propane and the BTU of your device but let's make an...
If it gets really hot outside will my Chimney Balloon burst?
Q: Jason, Are there any restrictions in using the Chimney Balloon in areas of the country where temps in the summer exceed 120 degrees? We live in Arizona and the outside temperature gets very high. I imagine it is even hotter by the Chimney-top on the roof. I don't...
Cheap and Free Tools and Methods for Saving Home Energy
Saving Home Energy Here is a list of some free and cheap energy saving ideas that are good advice for summer or winter: $100 or less ideas Roll of Aluminum tape or mastic tape to seal the seams of the heating vents in the attic or basement = $20 for a roll Use squares...