Homeowners now have many options for reheating their homes, but in the past the fireplace was the only way to do this. With modern heating features, the fireplace has now become a point where the home can lose heat or cool air. A drafty fireplace can be a major problem, as it decreases the efficiency of your HVAC system, and increases your expenses. This causes even more concern when you think about the fact that the fireplace is not the main method of providing warmth. If this is a problem in your home, here are some ways to deal with it, and lower your energy costs.
- A wood burning insert – this is simply a wood stove that is installed inside the fireplace. The insert is airtight, so it will prevent heat from leaving the house. You can have it connected to a flexible chimney liner that reaches the top of the chimney.
- Wood pellet burning insert – burning wood pellets can provide as much heat as burning wood. This makes a wood pellet insert a good alternative if you want to prevent heat loss. These inserts have thermostats for managing the temperature, giving you more control over the warmth in the home. For tall chimneys a flexible liner of no less than 4 inches in diameter is recommended.
- Gas burning insert – if you would prefer to move away from wood burning but still want the charm and warmth of a fireplace, this may be the best choice for you. This is one of the easiest to install and it only needs two small chimney liners. If you get one with a thermostat you can control the heating levels with minimal effort. Some types come with kits that allow you to give them a more attractive look.
- Get a new damper – an old damper can cause air to escape even when it is closed. They can warp or rust after years of use and this will make them inefficient. You should also think about getting a top sealing damper. This is the best way get a complete seal inside the chimney to keep drafts from becoming a problem. These types also come with chimney caps to provide even more protection for the chimney and fireplace.
You might not realize that your fireplace is drafty until you start seeing increases in your energy bills. One of these solutions may work for you and help you improve efficiency in the home while managing your budget.
The chimney sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service are CSIA Certified and we have years of experience under our belts. We strive to continue our education as often as possible so we’re always in the position to offer you the best possible chimney services in Drexel Hill and all along the Main Line. Call us at 610-626-2439 to discuss your chimney needs or to schedule an appointment for a chimney cleaning, chimney inspection, or chimney repair.