How to Plug Drafts in Fireplaces

A fireplace easily can bring cold drafts into you home. There are several ways to plug fireplace drafts, but many are not fully effective. Follow these directions to successfully block that cold air passing down through your chimney.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy a good quality chimney draft stopper such as the popular urethane pillow, which is easy to assemble. Choose a product that matches the size of your fireplace.

2. Inspect the fireplace chimney with a flashlight. Look for any sharp metal or screws sticking out of the damper or accumulation of soot and rubble. Remove obstructions with a long stick or brush or scrape off the soot and dirt. If you spot a problem with the chimney damper, hire a technician for a professional repair or replacement.

3. Assemble the urethane pillow according to the directions on the box. Fill it with air using an air pump to give it a shape. Use the support handle of the pillow draft to plug it tightly below the damper. Inflate the draft with the air pump until it seals off the airway near the mouth of the fireplace.

4. Before using the fireplace, deflate the draft by opening the valve of the pillow. Remove the draft with the handle and place it in a bag for future use. Reinsert the draft after using the fireplace--wait until it has completely cooled.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use newspapers or fiberglass as drafts to block the fireplace. They catch fire easily and leave unwanted residue.
• Do not use bricks as fireplace drafts because cold air can squeeze through the cracks. In addition, is not advisable to completely block the fireplace with cement bricks.
• Do not seal off the fireplace chimney at its highest point. Block it by using the draft as close to the hearth as possible so that hot air does not travel down once it cools.

[batticdoor]

on 10/31/2008 How To Reduce Your Energy Bills / Energy Conservation Begins at Home

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the heat loss, cold drafts and wasted energy! If your home has a folding attic stair, a whole house fan or AC Return, a fireplace or a clothes dryer, that may be just what is occurring in your home every day.

These often overlooked sources of heat loss and air leakage can cause heat to pour out and the cold outside air to rush in -- costing you higher heating bills.

Air leaks are the largest source of heating and cooling loss in the home. Air leaks occur through the small cracks around doors, windows, pipes, etc. Most homeowners are well aware of the benefits caulk and weatherstripping provide to minimize heat loss and cold drafts.

But what can you do about the four largest “holes” in your home -- the folding attic stair, the whole house fan or AC return,