QA

Question: How To Fix A Drafty Fireplace

A Fireplace Insert Can Fix Your Draft They help eliminate drafts. It is certainly an option to consider and can even freshen up the look of your home. Gas inserts are another option that completely prevents drafts. They are convenient and bring a modern appliance to your fireplace without being wildly expensive.

How do I keep cold air from coming in my fireplace?

Keep cold air out Along with the common throat damper located just above the firebox, some homeowners add a top-sealing damper at the top of the chimney to double their protection. Another great way to block cold air is with a chimney balloon or plug.

How do you fix a draft on a gas fireplace?

One way to help minimize the draft is to install glass doors on the front of your fireplace opening. These glass doors will still radiate heat throughout the room, but will not allow the open flue to let in the cold draft. Another great solution for preventing these drafts is to install a direct vent gas insert.

Why does my fireplace have a draft?

What Causes a Drafty Fireplace? When there isn’t a fire in the the fireplace, then the fireplace and chimney are just another opening to the out doors. Both indoor and cold outside air will flow in the direction of high-pressure moving to low-pressure.

How do I stop my fireplace Backdraft?

How to Prevent Chimney Downdraft Shut Off Exhaust Fans: When your fireplace is in use, turn off your exhaust fans, as they naturally increase negative pressure by pulling air out of the house. Adjust Your Damper: If your damper is warped, you might need to adjust it slightly to get the right airflow.

How do you stop a downdraft in a chimney?

Adjust the Damper You can oftentimes fix and prevent downdrafts by adjusting the damper. For a fireplace to function properly, the damper must be at least partially open at all times. If it’s fully closed, smoke and hot air will accumulate inside your home rather than venting out through the flue and chimney.

Why does my gas fireplace have cold air coming out?

Cold air comes from the gas fireplace when there’s a flue or air intake in the firebox. This is designed to maintain airflow but can lead to cold air coming in. To fix this, find the flue in the firebox, inspect the clamp, and remove it. Now close the flue to make sure air does not come in.

How do I make my gas fireplace warmer?

How to Get Maximum Heat Output From Your Gas Fireplace Setting thermostat to the maximum value. Ensuring flue damper and fireplace are well sealed to prevent warm air from escaping. Using a blower to spread warm air evenly throughout the room.

How do I stop the wind from blowing smoke down my chimney?

Wind Noises A chimney balloon and a flue blocker are two fast and easy solutions. A chimney balloon is placed inside the chimney and is then inflated. It gets rid of the noise, keeps the cold air out and the warm air inside. A flue blocker works in the same way, except it’s easier to install than the chimney balloon.

How do you fix a chimney draft problem?

Solutions for a Draft Chimney Keep the damper open whenever a fire is burning. If your damper doesn’t work properly, get it replaced. Leave a few of the windows cracked to allow fresh air into the home and smoky air out. Limit your use of green wood or wet wood straight from the outdoors.

Will a chimney cap stop downdraft?

It is not uncommon for winds on a rooftop to create a downdraft, which causes smoke to back up into a home. A chimney cap can stop the frustrating effects of downdrafts, which also means cold blasts of air are prevented from creating a chilling effect in your home.

Why is smoke blowing back down my chimney?

One of the most common causes of a fireplace smoking back into the home is due to poor quality firewood. Damp firewood produces more smoke than a flue can handle and will cause back-puffing. On the other hand, firewood that’s too dry and old can also cause problems with smoke blowing back into your home.

How do you insulate behind a gas fireplace?

Apply insulation (batt or spray foam) within the framing of the wall up to the ceiling or roof line. Install a thin structural sheathing material (e.g., drywall, rigid insulation, lightweight steel or aluminum sheeting). Bend the liner at the corners or seal seams with a bead of adhesive.

How do you seal a fireplace vent?

If you want to seal your fireplace off for good, the easiest way to do so in a hurry is to cut out a foam insulation plug, place it at the bottom of your chimney, and caulk or weatherstrip it in place.

How do you redirect heat from a gas fireplace?

Draw heat from the fireplace to another room in the home, up to 20 feet away. When a Heat-Zone kit is run continuously, it can redirect up to 25% of the heat to another area, also reducing wall temperatures above the fireplace. Two Heat-Zones run continuously will redirect up to 50% of the total heat output.

Do fireplace reflectors work?

Fireplace heat reflectors will maximize gas and wood use, and protect your firebox from heat damage. Using a heat reflector will reduce the amount of heat reaching the back wall of a fireplace by as much as one-third, which can mean less damage over time. And, fewer repairs as well, which can be very costly.

Can I use my fireplace when it’s windy?

Fireplaces shouldn’t be used during high or extreme wind (above 40 mph). Doing so could pose a danger by trapping smoke inside or spreading embers from either the top or bottom of the chimney. When wind speeds are low to moderate (below 40 mph), using a fireplace shouldn’t lead to any issues.

How do you find a chimney draft?

Turn on your appliance and place your smoke stick near the vent hood. If the smoke goes up the hood, your vent passes. If the smoke appears to be being blown into the house, the you have a down draft, and should repair it (especially if the down draft persists after your device has been on for several minutes).