When autumn rolls in to a town in the northern part of the country most homeowners are prepared for it. They have good insulation in the walls and attic, windows with the best thermal ratings and a fuel-efficient heating system guaranteed to be miserly with heating costs.
What can really put a damper on any home's cold-barrier is a remarkably small item: drafts. Cold air funnels through tiny gaps in the door-frames, floors, window casing, electrical outlets and, worst of all, though the chimney damper.
In the fall homeowners will caulk and seal these small gaps but often dismiss the chimney of a fireplace because the damper is shut. Unfortunately dampers are metal and they warp over time leaving spaces. Since hot air rises a gap in the damper not only lets it escape but provides a jet stream-like exhaust of hot air. Your furnace knows this and will keep running as the temperature of the home cools.
The best solution if you like fireplaces is also the most costly: get a fireplace insert. Professionally installed this will provide heat for your home and the chimney will be sealed. Usually the installer will put a stainless-steel liner in the chimney and seal the masonry part.
If you can't afford this you certainly can't afford the heating costs. Stuff a large plastic bag full of the regular plastic grocery bags. Tie a long, strong cord around the top of the bulging bag and shove it down the chimney to below the roof line. Use a broom handle to really get it down there. The string is so you can retrieve it later so have hat frape over the top of the chimney.
Measure the top of the chimney and cut a piece of 3/4" plywood for the cap. Next, measure the inside of the flue and cut a piece of wood to fit this. Screw this flue piece into the center of the cap so you will have a plug that will make the cap stay on the top of the chimney. Caulk around the top of the flue and press the cap on the top. This seals the chimney. You can paint the cap to match the chimney.
Now you have a barrier against a major source of cold drafts.
The chimney really can be a huge leak for the house. It can lower the energy efficiency of the entire house and cost hundreds, or even thousands, on electric bills. If you have an old chimney or you feel a draft by your chimney, call some masonry services to seal up the brick. It will make a huge difference!
Claire Reynolds
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