Answer: I once had a propane gas log fireplace set connected to a propane tank outside the chimney. Only one chimney is still in use for a multifuel burner, one was sealed many years ago while the other two have vents into the bedrooms where fireplaces used to exist. In between the higher and lower pressure zones, there is a "neutral" pressure zone. We have also come across people insulating their chimneys using tea towels and newspaper in the past – which again as flammable materials are a really bad idea. Reduce energy bills and keep the heat in by blocking your unused chimneys. I need a bit of advice re the ventilation of unused chimneys. Save energy by sealing off an unused fireplace with insulation. Perlite would be a better choice as it absorbs less moisture. If you have a chimney without a clay liner/damaged liner, then moisture can migrate through the brick into the flue area. The most important part though is to stop the air flow, so again, what you mention would work, but always make sure to create a good air seal. Get the Chimney Bottom Insulated. We have a gas fireplace that is rarely used and a standard chimney flue system on a house built in 1997. As the fire burns down and out, heated room air continues to be drawn up the chimney. Drafty Fireplace. Yet having an open flue is like leaving a window open all the time. These often overlooked sources of energy loss and air leakage can cause heat and AC to pour out and the outside air to rush in -- costing you higher energy bills. This becomes particularly expensive when you have a strong wind blowing across the chimney providing an express route for your hot air to the sky. Sealing off the fireplace Apart from a chimney balloon, There are also woolen chimney insulators known as “chimney sheeps.” You can also try old pillows and stuff them in the chimney hole. However, it is often not difficult to insulate a liner (just adds cost) so it is up to you. This is to protect you from deadly carbon monoxide. minnow from Seattle on September 30, 2010: great hub! Posted on 25th November 2012 by Sally Phillips. Sealing and insulating the clay flue at the top and bottom of the stack will ensure the job will yield these desired results. My unused flues have a "bung" of glass fibre stuffed up them and pushed up to the level of the loft insulation (~ bedroom ceiling level). How To Reduce Your Energy Bills / Energy Conservation Begins at Home. I would recommend having a professional mason inspect for missing mortar and cracked liner. I consider this setup effective and safe. The fireplace flue can be a major source of energy loss. If the stone or brick is entirely insulated outside it will become part of the interior conditioned space, but if any of it is left exposed from the interior through to the exterior it will continue to conduct heat. When retiring a chimney, many chimney experts recommend using Roxul, a hydrophobic mineral wool insulation, which means that it will dry out if it ever gets wet. Near the top of the chimney, the pressure is higher, near the bottom it is lower, and in between is the "neutral" zone. Use an x-acto knife to trim around the text. It's hot outside and you turn on your air conditioner. Hold in position, and then pull the connection band around the liner, securing it to the top plate. That is where your damper seal will be installed. 5. Now think about the cooling season. You should then secure th… It seems to me that without sealing the chimney off and insulating at the attic level, my unused chimney is virtually like having a 5 inch diameter hole in my home's outside wall. Sealing and insulating the clay flue at the top and bottom of the stack will ensure the job will yield these desired results. EarSlaps Tue 17-Nov-15 18:59:50. 37 sold. Using a long stick a pushed the first one about 4 m ( 12 ft) down the chimney. Save energy by sealing off an unused fireplace with insulation. Now use the rectangular select tool and select the text you just created. There are so many different options nowadays to cap off an unused chimney. Choose carefully between Polyisocyanurate, EPS & XPS or Mineral Wool & Hemp as the wrong choice can reduce insulati…, Crawlspaces are becoming rare for new home construction in USA & Canada. Unsealed fireplaces can really burn through your wallet. Measure each side of the opening just below the damper seal and transfer the measurements to a pattern drawn on cardboard. Cover the entire stack of bricks with a layer of rigid insulation (rockwool or expanded polystyrene) and half inch-thick plywood, which can then be covered to match the rest of the house. One of he best methods for closing up the bottom of the chimney depends on whether you want it sealed permanently or temporarily. Having an insulated chimney plays an important role in any chimney construction or modification. It is often installed in gaps around the chimney and flue to prevent airflow that can … Remember that if left unchecked, fires present great risks to your personal safety and your belongings. Now you have two options: Use Text to type in Caution: Fireplace Sealed. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and an attic access door. Rigid Foam Insulation Whether to insulate it on a permanent or temporary basis. If you have one or more masonry fireplaces in your home, you can save big money on your heating bills by sealing them off when not in use (or permanently, if you never plan to use them). One of the best ways (in my opinion) is to use a Chimney C Cap. Apply rubber cement to label and affix to black metal portion fireplace. Spray Foam insulation Asked by Jim Simmons. The glass fibre will slow down the draft up the chimney but not seal it and the chimney breast will be within the thermal envelope of … Another study estimated that the effective leakage area of closed dampers averaged about 30 square inches—equivalent to a square opening 5.5" x 5.5" in size allow continual flow of heated air to the outside. Insulate your chimney. By installing batt insulation in the chimney and not using spray foam, it is easily disassembled if needed so you may be able to use the existing chimney for a wood stove or a gas or wood fireplace insert in the future if you so desire. This leads to a slight difference in air pressure between the higher and lower zones in your house. Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Messages: 2 Thanks Received: 0 Location: North Dakota Country: Hello Xerxes, thank you for your reply. Dec 17, 2014 - Explore Tamara Verushka's board "Fireplace draft stopper" on Pinterest. Our plan is to remove an existing 4 pot chimney down to the bedroom roof joists. 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