Fixing a Draft in Your Chimney
A warm, blazing fire on a cold or rainy day never felt better; however, some chimneys are so inefficient that the fireplace actually lets more heat out of your house than into your room. Gas and wood burning fireplaces can be astoundingly painful on the pocket book whether you decide to build a fire or not.
The following advice details some general information about detecting a drafty fireplace or chimney, how to fix it, and how regular maintenance can prevent your chimney from becoming a costly energy leak in your home.
The signs may seem obvious when you think about them, but they are commonly overlooked. Your energy bill will rise, and depending on the nature of the chimney problem, it may be a fast increase in your monthly cost, or a slow climb which you may not notice for several months. Other common signs are feeling cold in a particular room, hearing the wind howl, and even the unwelcome entrance of bats or other small animals.
After you have discovered the problem, hopefully sooner than later, look into a professional service to perform the repair. The job will almost always entail masonry work, or drywall, construction, and possible treating of moisture damage or a shifting foundation; all of which call for a professional to ensure the highest quality job.
Do not put off your chimney repair. A small amount of money wasted per day on inefficient heating and cooling adds up quickly and can grow at a fast rate. A slightly larger one time repair bill will always be lower than a damaged chimney’s climate leak over the long run.
Keep up on the maintenance of your chimney and fireplace. Get regular chimney cleanings, stick to burning wood only, and make sure the seal on the roof is tight with no leaking water. A well maintained fireplace and chimney can be a very efficient and enjoyable way to keep you and your family comfortable in your home.
