by blogediter | Dec 19, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Gas log
Q: Jason – I have an old vented gas log that is crumbling and needs to be replaced. What is better to replace it with, a vented gas log or a vent-less gas log?-NW
A: NW- If you go with a vented gas log install you will certainly have to commit yourself to having the chimney damper removed or clipped or disabled in the open position according to current code for vented fireplace install. This means you will have a gaping hole to the outside
all the time. Many gas log owners are surprised to find that their fireplace flue damper has already been disabled when their original gas log was installed. The building fireplace code that states to disable the damper, is often an adequate enough reason for a homeowner not to go with any vented variety gas log.
In the vent-less model, you do get the benefit of retaining all of the heat if you keep the damper closed, but any of the CO, CO2, Nitrogen or moisture that it puts out will enter your living area as well. In the winter when your home is closed up you really want to minimize the extra pollutants you introduce to your already recycled inside air. This is not just with the fireplace, this goes for candles, sprays, paints and other pollutants. You obviously can’t avoid these items all-together, but do you want to introduce new contributors like a vent-free fireplace?
From our conversation on the phone, I am sure you have your heart set on a vented gas log, and you were just looking for brand-name references from me. But please take into account other options like electric fireplace inserts if you are looking for fireplace ambiance, or maybe even a candelabra with candles burned with the damper open as other suitable ambiance option that won’t cost you in heat loss. – Jason
by blogediter | Dec 17, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Chimney Balloon large
Q: Jason, I have a masonary fireplace that appears to have no chimney damper. I have measured the rectangular area after the firebox and it’s approximately 25.5″ X 9.5″. What size Chimney Balloon would be best suited. thanks. – RG
A: RG, For an area that is 25.5″ x 9.5″ I would recommend the 30×9 Chimney Balloon. Chimney Balloons are slightly oversized by their inflatable nature, and a half inch will not make a difference when you install it. – Jason
by blogediter | Dec 12, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Electric Fireplace
Q: Jason – I installed one of those cool electric hologram type fireplace inserts into my wood burning fireplace. I have a cold draft that is coming down the chimney and it seeps out around the electric fireplace box insert.
I was told by the installer that he stuffed the flue full of fiberglass batting, but if I still have a draft. He told me I should remove the fiberglass and put in a Chimney Balloon. Can I install a Chimney Balloon and then put my electric fireplace insert back in place? – PR
A: Dear PR, Fiberglass is a rotten air barrier if you have a location that has air movement (like a Chimney). A Chimney Balloon will work just fine above your electric fireplace insert. Before you install the insert, be sure to install your Chimney Balloon high enough into the fireplace flue so it does not come in contact with the insert. Also, remember to remove the inflation tube after inflating the Chimney Ballon in place so it doesn’t hang down in the way. Wait 24 hours after you install the Chimney Balloon and check the Chimney Balloon again. This will ensure you installed it properly and solidly and it is working properly before you slide in the electric fireplace insert. Then take a peek at the Chimney Balloon every year or two just to top it off with air if needed.
Most of these electric inserts are closed systems so they put no heat up the flue at all (see the image above that the top is flat and it is fully encased), If you unit is encased, you just want to make sure the heating element and fan will not come in contact with the Chimney Balloon.
We have had many customers buy a Chimney Balloon for this type of electric fireplaces application. I have a family member with an electric fireplace that was installed as an insert in his old wood fireplace. I helped him put a Chimney Balloon in his flue as well for the same reasons you are stating. I think electric fireplaces are great and add a nice ambiance, but have no venting issues. – Jason
by blogediter | Dec 10, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Europe
Q: Jason – Do you post the Chimney Balloon item to Ireland or Europe. If yes, how much would it cost? – Mr. Seamus
A: Dear Mr. Seamus, We could certainly send you a Chimney Balloon in Ireland via regular Post from our USA distribution hub and the cost of shipping would be around $8 USD. However, since you are in Europe you would be better served by calling Chimney Balloon LTD near Aldershot, UK to have them send you a Chimney Balloon from the UK distributor hub. Their phone number is 01252 319 325.
They have friendly and excellent phone customer service and I think they could send it to you far quicker and more efficiently than the US hub can from the western side of the Atlantic Ocean. – Jason
by blogediter | Dec 7, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
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. It is hard to tell the dimensions from a picture like this, but I am willing to bet that is a 9″x9″ flue passage that you stuffed a 15×15 Chimney Ballon into. You would be much better served by using a 9×9 Chimney Balloon for this particular spot. But you did do the right thing by purchasing an HEK extender to install your Chimney Balloon so high in the flue. Without the extender, you would have had a terrible time getting the Chimney Balloon that high.
Actually, you may want to consider using a larger Chimney Balloon closer down to where your damper was. I see you had your damper cut off when you had the lock top damper installed. I can tell you have a locktop Lymance chimney top damper by the cable that runs along the side of your flue. The Chimney Balloon will inflate around the cable just fine, but be sure to wrap some tape around the cable where it will come in contact with the Chimney Balloon. Cables like this often have rough frayed edges that will poke into the Chimney Balloon when you inflate it into place.
Note: This customer ended up with a 36×15 Chimney Balloon that was easier to install lower by the flue opening. Read more on this at this link on How to install a Chimney Balloon where there is a locktop damper cable in the flue.
by blogediter | Dec 3, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
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 mess on your head. All that vibration will certainly bring down an unwanted tidal wave of chimney buildup and metal chips. I don’t recommend that at all.
A plasma cutter will be a better option for tight quarters like a chimney. You make this liner insert project sound as though you are planning on doing it yourself? It is money well spent to have something like this done by a service provider that is experienced, especially if you don’t own your own plasma cutter.
After your damper is removed you may want to consider a Chimney Balloon or some type of chimney plug to serve as your damper. You don’t want that open hole to be left unclosed to release your AC in the summer and heat in the winter. – Jason
