Measure and install a Chimney Balloon
Q: Who can come out to get the size needed for the installation of the Chimney Balloon? Do they install? – MR
A: Dear MR, If you prefer not to do the sizing and install of a Chimney Balloon yourself, you can have your local chimney sweep, insulation contractor or handyman do it.
It is good to have a chimney cleaned every so often anyway to remove dangerous creosote buildup. When the chimney sweep comes over to clean your chimney you can show him or her the sizing page on this website (or you can email them about it in advance) and they can certainly size a Chimney Balloon up for you according to the directions. It is a very simple measurement, so it should not cost any extra in labor in addition to the cleaning.
Installation of a Chimney Balloon is even easier than measuring for one, but your handyman or chimney sweep can handle that too. That will likely cost you another house call though. – Jason
Side note: I hate to have to admit this about my own industry, but some service contractors use a simple house-call to upsell a customer to death! If your contractor is suggesting a new chimney liner or expensive cap to fix your fireplace problem, get a second or third opinion. We have talked with too many homeowners who have spent thousands on their chimney only to find they could have fixed their problem with a $50 solution.