How to Make an Existing Masonry Fireplace More Efficient

A glowing fire in a fireplace

A masonry fireplace creates a warm and cozy atmosphere in any room. However, fireplaces are a major source of heat loss, even when in use. Although the room with the fireplace will feel warmer, the draft from the burning fire actually pulls warmed air from the home. There are many ways to improve fireplace efficiency, reduce the heat lost from the home and use an existing masonry fireplace as a more effective heat source.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Masonry drill bits
• Masonry screws
• Fireback
• Grate with blower
• Inflatable chimney pillow
• Fireplace doors
• Chimney fan
• Exterior fireplace vent

Instructions

1. Install a fireback, which is a sheet of thick metal, such as cast iron, to help hold heat and radiate it back into the room. The fireback is positioned on the back of the masonry fireplace and secured with masonry screws.

2. Place a grate with an attached blower on the fireplace floor. The blower will pull in cooler room air, heat it in a chamber and blow the heated air into the room. Place the blower in position and plug in to an outlet.

3. Insert an inflatable chimney pillow into the base of the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. This prevents air that was heated from another source, such as a furnace, from going up the chimney. Be sure to remove the chimney pillow before starting a fire. Press the chimney pillow in place and inflate.

4. Install tight-fitting fireplace doors to seal the draft pulling air from the room and up the chimney. Use during operation as well as when the fireplace is not in use. Attach to the fireplace opening with masonry screws.

5. Place a chimney fan on top of the chimney to help improve draft to the fire to make it burn hotter. Remove the chimney cap and place the chimney fan in position. Attach to the chimney with masonry screws. Replace the chimney cap over the chimney fan to prevent water and birds from entering the chimney.

6. Install a vent from the outside of the fireplace to the firebox to pull cold air from outside for combustion rather than warmed air from inside. Drill through the masonry with a masonry hole saw from the inside of the firebox. Insert the vent through the opening.

References

• Northern Illinois University: Improving Fireplace Efficiency
• Mother Earth News: How to Make Your Fireplace More Efficient