Prevent Drafts from a Fireplace
Nobody ever installs a fireplace with the anticipation that it will produce chilly drafts when it is done. What kind of warmth is that meant to provide?! The warmth and joy that may be derived from fireplaces can be shared with family, friends, and significant others. People may not anticipate that more heat will be lost up the chimney than will be released into the area surrounding the fireplace (also known as the hearth), yet this is an issue that occurs frequently with many fireplaces.
Down draft chimney issues are the second most common complaint about fireplaces (chimney leaks are the most common complaint), however they should be ignored. The most common complaint is about chimney leaks. You have some control over how cold the air coming from your fireplace is, and with little research, you might be able to make your fireplace room warm and inviting once more.
What are the Reasons That a Fireplace Has a Draft?
When there is no fire burning in the fireplace, the chimney and fireplace become only an additional opening leading to the exterior of the building. Both the warm air within and the cold air outside will travel in the same direction, which is from high pressure to low pressure.
If the room that the fireplace is located in is below the neutral pressure plane, then outdoor air will leak in (frequently past the fireplace/chimney damper), and it will continue to do so until the pressure at the fireplace matches or exceeds that of the top of the chimney. If the room that the fireplace is located in is above the neutral pressure plane, then the pressure at the fireplace will match or exceed that of the top of the chimney.
The following are some factors that contribute to the difference in pressure:
-Where the wind is blowing (wind induced down draft)
-The height of the chimney in meters.
-Where the fireplace (or fireplaces) are located within the home
-The difference in temperature between the inside of the house and the outside of the house
-What exactly is the function of the chimney? (gas furnace flue or wood burning fireplace)
-How well the home seals against air leaks (at the level of the fireplace and the home above it)
You will be able to more accurately evaluate the problem and come up with a solution to your chilly fireplace if you have a better grasp of what causes the cold air to come through the chimney.
Here Are Three Simple Solutions You Can Test Out to Improve Your Cold Air Problems
If we have command over the air, we will also have command over the cold that accompanies it. A few options to consider:
-Put a stopper in the Damper.
-Put Locks On The Glass Doors
You should hire a professional to install fireplace doors (Note: some units cannot have doors; consult your local chimney sweep or fireplace store for more information.) Some homeowners are unaware of how the fireplace damper operates and would get some relief if it was operated properly and left in the close position when the fireplace was not in use. Examine the damper of your fireplace using a flashlight and protective eyewear to see whether it is in the closed or open position.
If you are unsure how to operate your damper, have your certified chimney sweep walk you through “The ABC’s of Damper Operation.” It is essential to Acquire the Knowledge Necessary to Determine Whether or Not Your Damper is Open or Closed.
It is essential that you know how to check the status of the damper on your fireplace and whether it is open or closed. When you are attempting to block fireplace drafts and prevent chilly air from entering your home, the status of your fireplace’s damper—whether it is open or closed—is the single most important factor.
In support of knowing these essential information, it is for the best that you also have a company you can count on to help you with Chimney Cleaning Antioch and repairing like Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning.