Why is my family room cold?

Question

My family room is way to cold in the winter. On one side is the garage and on another is a fire place. I feel as if my fire place is the place where all my heat is lost... How can I stop this

Answer 1

You are probably correct - all the heat is going up the chimney. You need to close and insulate the fireplace area. Friends of ours converted their fireplace to an inset airtight wood stove and insulated the area and it made a huge difference. That is a big project, but may be what you want to do for the long term.

Caulk and/or insulate around windows, light switches, plug ins, etc. They can be major sources of heat loss. We found one light switch in our house where the contractors had failed to insulate properly and we could actually feel the cold air coming in.

Use those tube things (you can make your own from socks stuffed with rags, or even just use a folded thick towel) to block drafts at the bottom of doors.

Consider using those plastic kits for windows if you have windows in the room that may be a source of heat loss.

Consider adding an extra layer of insulation all around. You can get some special kits made to do basement walls easily - they may work for your family room.

Answer 2

Fireplaces remove heated air from the living space because they need that air for the burning of fuel. Install a outside air supply to the fireplace and it will no longer draw the necessary air from the family room. A pipe can easily be installed from the outside wall and into, or near the combustion chamber. Be sure this duct has a damper (an air valve to prevent cold air from entering when not needed) and a screen on the outside (to prevent critters and insects from entering).You should be able to D.I.Y. for under 50 dollars.

Answer 3

CAN U GET INTO THE ATTIC AND SEE IF THE INSULATION WAS INSTALLED IN THE CHIMNEY CHASE BOX, PROPER INSULATION IN THE ATTICE CRAWL SPACE AND CAN U INSULATE THE GARAGE WALL NEXT TO THE LIVING QUARTERS IF NOT DONE ALREADY. CONSIDER THE AMOUNT OF VENTS IF THE SPACE IS LARGE, ARE THE DAMPER CONTROLS CLOSE OR CAN BE OPENED MORE FOR THAT ROOM, IS THE DUCTING SUFFICIENT FOR THAT AREA, HOW FAR IS IT TO THE RETURN AIR U MAY HAVE TO ADD ANOTHER TO GET THE COLD AIR TO UNIT QUICKER. SOME OF THESE ITEMS U CAN VISIUAL CHECK YOURSELF, THEN U PROABLY WILL NEED TO CALL YOUR HVAC SERVICE COMPANY OUT TO RUN A CHECK ON YOUR UNIT, THE AIR PLACEMENT, RETURN,EFFICIENTCY AND IF THE UNIT AIR FLOW IS BALANCED, GOOD LUCK.

Answer 4

Make sure the flue in your fireplace closes properly. It is also possible that the wall on the garage side is not insulated. Go on the garage side and drill one or two test holes to see what is in the wall cavity (do it from the garage side because closing the test holes will be simpler) If you can't find insulation then it may be necessary to insulate the wall.

Answer 5

Heat loss through the fireplace is vey possible. [I'm assuming you aren't using the fireplace] To check for this, hold something that smokes in front of it, down near the floor and watch where the smoke goes. If it's going up the chimney, be sure the damper is closed...if it is closed but the smoke still goes up the chimney, you may want to temporarily block the front with a large piece of cardboard or whatever.

Answer 6

May want to check your flue. Also check for drafts. Easiest way to do that is with a match or lighter. The flame moves, then you have a draft. If it is the biggest room of the house, you may need more duct work in that room.

Answer 7

Sixteen thirteen-12 months-old boys? Excellent good fortune! ;) You would always put out snacks and meals and stuff and allow them to work out what they want to do. They're going to more commonly in finding anything on their possess. :) otherwise you would arrange pillows for a gigantic pillow combat. (enjoyable!) i am now not the best at planning parties, confidently you are going to get some good recommendations from different answerers though. Good good fortune with the party- and let's hope the climate will get sunny for you! :D

Answer 8

That's usually the result of poor duct-work in the attic. A heating/ac company can repair it, but it will cost you about $700 or so.

Answer 9

check to see if there is a draft of cold air coming in

Answer 10

erm dont really know what to say to this but its probily someone wrong with your fire place. probally got some vents that arnt ment to be there...get it checked out by a speashalist.