Install Chimney Balloon
Q: I have several questions. My experience with inflatable devices is that they leak. Can one insert the Chimney Balloon and leave it in for months, or does it gradually leak air?
Can one use the Chimney Balloon in a fireplace that one uses almost daily? For example, inflate the Chimney Balloon in the morning and then remove it in the evening when one wants to build a fire? If this is done, does the Chimney Balloon get “messy” covered with soot etc? We have the fireplace cleaned yearly but use it a lot.What is the life expectancy of a Chimney Balloon if it is inserted and not removed for months (a fireplace that we don’t use) vs. one where we would remove it quite often. I wonder if the Chimney Balloon is to be used only in a fireplace that is not used often. Thanks!- DR
A: Dear DR, If you use a fireplace daily you are going to find a Chimney Balloon to be a hassle, if you use it occasionally you will find it a keen energy saver. Since you use your fireplace daily I would recommend that you use your Chimney Balloon seasonally. So put it in when you are done using the fireplace for the season.
If you put a Chimney Balloon in and leave it, it will stay in good shape for 10-12 years. I would suggest once or twice a year you can top off the air, but other than that it is a long-term fixture if you leave it be. The fact of the matter is, if you are constantly inserting and removing your Chimney Balloon sooner or later you will wear it out. The more you move it around the more you wear on it.
The best example I can give is my own. I have a Chimney Balloon in my fireplace and I use my fireplace 6 times per year on average. My Chimney Balloon is going on 5 years now with no issues. I hope this answers your question. – Jason