Wood burning fireplaces have an amazing ambiance and for centuries were the only way to heat a home in the winter. While everyone likes the glow of a fire in a fireplace, it’s a very inefficient way to heat a home. In fact, if you do not take measures to control the heat loss, you can actually increase your energy bills.
A fireplace loses about 80 percent of its heat and an open fireplace pulls in air from the outside, even if your fireplace is not in use, making your home even more energy inefficient. Fortunately, if you’re in Kennesaw, fireplace repair can help you reduce external air coming in while keeping some of the heat that escapes, while not sacrificing that warm glow of burning embers.
Heat Exchangers
With a heat exchanger, warm air is circulated back into the room via large tubes and fan. They can increase the amount of heat that is captured by about 10 percent. The downside to heat exchangers is the dirtiness of burning wood. You will have to remove soot and ash buildup in the fans and tubes periodically to keep the system in running order. Installing a heat exchanger in a fireplace that is already built is also very expensive, so this might be an option for you if you’re building a fireplace, have plans to modify your chimney or need masonry repair in Kennesaw.
Inserts
Fireplace inserts are usually a fireproof box surrounded by steel or cast iron and fronted by insulated glass, which creates a closed combustion system. A professionally installed insert seals off heat loss and with fans, circulates it into the room. Generally, heat inserts are single and double-walled and fans are optional, but recommended. The downside to inserts is that a professional installation is highly recommended. Inserts can be installed at any time.
Flue Sealers
If the goal is to stop heat loss and keep external air out, flue sealers are the least expensive option. They are inflatable and usually made of heavy-gauge plastic. Virtually anyone can install a flue sealer, which inserts just below the damper. The flue sealer acts as a plug to stop downdrafts when you are not using the fireplace. Cleaning the flue is recommended to get the best seal possible with your flue sealer.
If you need Chimney Repair in Kennesaw, heat exchangers and inserts are one option to also improve your fireplace’s energy and heat efficiency. If you do not need repair or modification work, a flue sealer might be the way to go. Whatever you choose, you will see an almost immediate improvement in heat retention and in keeping cold air out.