by blogediter | Oct 3, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Fall & Winter
Q: Who can come out to measure the size needed for the installation of the Chimney Balloon? Do they install?
A: If you prefer not to do the sizing and install of a Chimney Balloon yourself, you can have your local chimney sweep do it. Most Chimney Sweeps are already familiar with the product. 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.
Installation of a Chimney Balloon is even easier than measuring for one, this page shows how it is installed. http://www.chimneyballoon.us/chimneyballooninstall.html
But you could call any chimney sweep to install it as well. That will likely cost you another house call though.
by blogediter | Jul 20, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
Fireplace damper open, or damper closed
Q: Jason, I bought a Chimney Balloon and have a question regarding installation …. When the Chimney Balloon is positioned in the chimney do I let the handle protrude down through the damper opening so that it is visible at the top of the hearth, (damper remains open) or do I make sure it is situated above the damper so that the damper can be closed. thanks – PM
A: Dear PM, That is really a personal preference. If you installed the Chimney Balloon to resolve some odor problems with the fireplace…the lower you install the Chimney Balloon the better.
Also, it is simply easier to install and uninstall the Chimney Balloon if it is lower.
Personally, I have a 9×9 in my living room fireplace and I install it nice and low, just above my damper, and leave the damper open (the Chimney Balloon works better than my damper anyway). Also, the handle hanging from the Chimney Balloon in the firebox reminds me of its presence so I (or anyone else using the fireplace) don’t forget it is in there. So, personally, a low install is what I prefer.
On the other hand, if seeing the handle bugs you and you really want it up above the damper far enough to close the damper. There is nothing wrong with that. The only trouble is… the install can be tougher to do (tougher installs can wear out your Chimney Balloon sooner), and if the Chimney Balloon is tucked too far up out of site you may forget about it being up there.
Hopefully, this answer gives you the pros and cons to make your own choice. – Jason
by blogediter | Apr 11, 2018 | Chimney Plugs
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.
