my house started to get very cold since a month ago and then i realized that an excessive amount of cold air is coming from my fire place which i never use....is it normal or i should call someone to close it somehow...
2007-12-09 14:20:27 · 19 answers · asked by michelle 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Reach up inside and make sure the flue is closed. This will keep cold air from pouring in. Just make sure to open it again should you ever want to build a fire.
To close the flue, there's usually some type of chain or latch that you can pull tight (inside the chimney). Avoid having your face up under there when you pull, or you could get a mouthful of soot.
2007-12-09 14:22:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Like everybody else has mentioned make sure the damper is closed. Some fireplaces also have a fresh air supply, usually at the front. It is a metal grate in the bottom of the firebox. It should have a grille on it that can be closed. If it is open close it.
If none of these things work you might want to install glass doors and block the top of the chimney.
If you never want to use the fireplace you can hire a contractor to close it up, this might have a negative effect on your house value though.
2007-12-10 00:22:24 · answer #2 · answered by mike b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inside the firebox, a little way up the chimney there should be a lever of some kind that closes your flu (damper to some of you folks). Find it and use it to close the flu ( a flap inside the chimney that blocks air from going up it) If you aren't using your fireplace an open flu is like having a hole in your roof for all the hot to get out.
But remember to open that sucker before you use the fireplace again or you'll have a house full of smoke.
2007-12-09 22:26:37 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Quackenbush 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know the technical terms, but there is some type of closure. Look up into the chimney from the fireplace and you should see some kind of lever. You can pull (or push) it yourself. Even if it is closed you will get some cold air coming down the chimney.
If you don't use the fireplace then put something in front of it that will block the cold air.
2007-12-09 22:25:43 · answer #4 · answered by chillsister 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should make sure the flue damper is closed.
It might also be a good idea, if you never use
the fire-place, to cut a few cardboard pieces to
fit the chimney opening and wedge them in to
draft seal the opening.
Flue dampers are not air tight.
2007-12-09 22:35:24 · answer #5 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi no need to call anyone, it's not unusual but can be very easily cured. if it's just an open fire place and as you say you do not utilise it then using rubbish bags filled with screwed up new papers, push them up into the fire place. and perhaps utilise the fire place for the purpose of a nice display..
perhaps also check the top of your chimney and cover the top if it hasn't a wind cap already on it.
2007-12-09 22:37:00 · answer #6 · answered by Wichard 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fireplaces are equipped with a damper: a metal flap at the top, operated by a lever. Verify that this is closed. Then get a fireplace screen (the kind with glass doors) to install in front of the fireplace. (Should cost less than $100.)
2007-12-09 22:24:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is normal. Try and close your damper for starters. If you are not going to use it you should consider sealing off the chimney. You could put a gas insert in it for heat if you want, and there are different types available with or without a chimney. A local fireplace shop could help you with any or all of this.
2007-12-09 22:26:09 · answer #8 · answered by William B music lover 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is there a flue? the flue is like a metal door about 4 feet above the fire, in the chimney. Is it closed? Is there a metal handle hanging down inside the chimney? Can you see sunlight when you look up during the day?
2007-12-09 22:23:31 · answer #9 · answered by hottotrot1_usa 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you don't use it you can seal it up/ I am leaving for Ireland in a week for a month and I stuffed some fibre glass insulation up the flue as I will use it when I return in January
Nollaig Shona Dhuit
Merry Christmas
2007-12-09 22:36:30 · answer #10 · answered by Bill 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋