Improving Fireplace Efficiency

photo credit: Conanil

Fireplaces are known to be inefficient ways of heating a home. Some rate fireplaces as being -15% efficient as they suck more heat out than they create. They can create a convection current that can pull heated air out of the room and up the chimney, causing your regular furnace to work harder. Fireplaces also generate a lot of air pollution.

When a fireplace is not in use, make sure you close the damper and that it is shut tight.  Cold air can leak into your home through leaks in a fireplace.  Consider adding a Top Sealing Damper on top of your chimney to prevent heat loss.  A fireplace glass door will also help prevent heat loss from a fireplace. You can also buy blow up Balloon Draft Eliminators that stick in the chimney and prevent air from leaking out.

If you want to optimize your fireplace’s energy efficient, consider adding a fireplace insert that will prevent hot air from escaping when you are using your fireplace.

Related posts:

1. Amish built fireplace heater Advertisement
2. Federal Tax Credit – Wood Heat Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Fireplace Inserts
3. Is Nitrogen in Tires Green or Eco Friendly because it increases fuel efficiency?
4. How to Check your Home for a Water Leak
5. Improving Indoor Air Quality
6. Pollution and Wood Burning Fireplaces
7. Green Pest Control
8. Home Energy Audits – Home Energy Assessments

Posted on January 21st, 2009
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