by blogediter | May 13, 2019 | Save Energy
Q: Jason, Just purchased a Chimney Balloon but it keeps deflating. Lots of cold air coming down my pre-fab fireplace which I never intend to use. No obvious rip in the Chimney Balloon and it stays inflated when not up until the flue. Could too much cold air be the reason? I live in a northern State.- KW
A: Hi KW, When the Chimney Balloon is inflated by mouth the warm air that you blow into it will cool and sometimes this will compress the air inside the Chimney Balloon enough that it will lose noticeable pressure. Our first recommendation is to try topping it off with air after the air inside has had a chance to cool.
If that does not work, I would recommend that you call our customer service line (608) 467-0229 and we can get you a replacement. It is not common, but occasionally there can be a defect that is causing an issue. No matter what the problem is, customer service will get you taken care of with whatever it takes to make this right for you. – Jason
by blogediter | Feb 8, 2019 | Chimney Plugs
Q: I accidentally ignited my gas fireplace under my Chimney Balloon (someone had removed the red reminder card from the gas spigot). It fell out of the chimney within 10 seconds. Can I patch the burn hole in my Chimney Balloon? At what temperature does the Chimney Balloon melt and burst? – JG
A: JG, Well your Chimney Balloon did exactly what it is supposed to do when a fire is lit under it, but unfortunately it is not repairable when melted. The hole is going to be just too big.
The answer to your second question is 180 – 220 degrees Fahrenheit it the average melting point of the Chimney Balloon if it is exposed to flame. Your gas fireplace came up to that temperature very rapidly, as gas fireplaces tend to do. Wood fireplaces tend to get to temperature a little slower, but it doesn’t take long for the Chimney Balloon to sacrifice its life for yours. – Jason
by blogediter | Oct 15, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Large Chimney
Q: Jason – I bought a Chimney Balloon at the end of March 2006. It was working fine until recently when it fell out of the chimney. I have reinflated it and replaced it in the chimney on 3 occassions but it keeps falling out. I believe that it has a slow air leak of some sort. What should I do? I do not belive that I still have the receipt. – MA
A: MA – It is very possible that this Chimney Balloon has developed a slow leak. Sometimes a sharp point on the damper hardware or a pointy outcropping in the masonry of the flue can agitate its way through the Chimney Balloon membrane layers over an extended period of time. This is especially true if you have extrodinary negative pressure in your home or a whole house fan. This actually creates a suction on the Chimney Balloon that can chafe it little by little until it causes a puncture. The good news is this is rather easy to remedy. Remove your Chimney Balloon and inflate it fully as you hold it in your hand. Look for any obviouse puncture spots and hold that spot near your cheek to see if you can sense airflow from that spot. If you do find a puncture use a piece of Packaging tape cut into an oval or circular shape (if you leave it in a square shape the corners can come loose) take that tape patch and put it directly over the puncture spot. This type of patch also works if you don’t have a puncture but if you wish to reinforce a certain area of the Chimney Balloon that may come in contact with sharp or abrasive hardware. Test your Chimney Balloon by keeping it inflated and out of your fireplace for 24 hours. If it doesnt loose any air then you have been sucessful. If you choose to… you can also send the Chimney Balloon to the returns department for a replace or repair. Send the Chimney Balloon to this address: Chimney Balloon USA Attn: Returns Dept 2123 N Pontiac Drive Janesville, WI 53545 Send only the Chimney Balloon itself (not the inflation tube or the instruction card) and a note saying you request a repair or replacement and describe the trouble you have been having with your current Chimney Balloon and the corrective actions you have already taken. Also include your address and contact info or your original reciept. The returns department will get back to you promptly. – Jason
