When weatherizing the home, homeowners often consider sealing outlets, wall switches, windows, and doors. However, many homeowners never consider weatherizing their chimney, as with a chimney balloon. While Jolly Old St. Nick is sneaking in this winter (and eating your baked goods), heat is climbing right out. This can make winter a financially stressful time because of the increase in the energy bill, as the thermostat is being constantly manipulated to maintain a comfortable temperature during the colder months.
Chimney Balloons
Many homes have a chimney damper that is made of metal. Over time these can warp and break, allowing heat to get away, and drafts and odors to enter. Installing a chimney balloon is an efficient way to stop heat from entering through the chimney during the summer, and heat from escaping the home during the winter.
The simple measure of a chimney balloon allows you to save energy as well as money on heating and cooling bills.
A chimney balloon, also referred to as a chimney pillow, stops debris as well as prevents airflow and odors from coming in through the chimney. It is made from 3-ply poly membrane, and is flexible enough to close up open crevices in the flue while being able to resist the harsh setting it is in.
You may be wondering exactly how you are supposed to successfully stuff a balloon up a chimney. Well, you don’t. The balloon should only be inflated once it has been placed in the chimney.
Chimney Pillow Safety
Chimney balloons should be removed before a fire is started up. This can be accomplished by simply opening the tap on the balloon. A bright red card that is attached to the inflation valve will be visible, reminding you that the chimney balloon is still in place.
But don’t worry if you forget to remove the chimney pillow. These devices are designed to react to heat, so that it will not interfere if you forget to remove it before you use the fireplace. In fact, they will safely deflate in a matter of seconds, providing the opportunity for gasses and smoke to leave the chimney.
Chimney balloons come in different sizes, so it is important that you measure the depth and length of the area for installation. It is best to choose a chimney damper that is at most larger than each of the measurements you took. This chimney plug is installed by being held into place while inflated. Opening the tap on the chimney balloon will allow you to deflate it. This should be done before starting the next fire in the fireplace. The chimney pillow is flexible, able to sustain the chimney environment, and reusable, making it a very handy weatherization tool.
During the colder months of the year, a fireplace draft not only prevents you from making the most use of your fireplace, but it causes energy loss as well. Chimney balloons minimize these drafts by essentially blocking the opening for outdoor air to enter the home. Controlling when and where air leaves and enters allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home, lessening the burden on your residential energy supply.