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A fireplace is often considered the heart of the home, offering warmth and a place to gather together. But what happens when the opposite starts to happen? What do you do when cold air is coming from the fireplace?
There are more than 17 million fireplaces in the US, but not all of them offer the same level of comfort. It is time to take action when you notice issues with your fireplace, such as cold air sneaking in.
The good news is there are several ways to stop any drafts and enjoy your fireplace once again. Read on to learn what steps to take when cold air comes from your fireplace.
Why Cold Air Is Coming From the Fireplace
It can be frustrating when your fireplace begins to let in cold air, changing it from the heart of the home to an inconvenience. However, there are several causes of cold air coming from the fireplace which can be addressed. Reasons include:
- Poor airflow
- An old fireplace
- The wrong-size chimney
- Poor installation
A home with poor airflow can impact your fireplace, as the chimney can then struggle to pull air up and out of your home. Sometimes there is an issue with the chimney, such as it is the wrong size or the fireplace needs an inspection. When the fireplace is old, parts begin to rust and warp, which can also cause a cold draft.
Solutions To Protect Your Fireplace
Sometimes it is evident why cold air is coming from the fireplace, whereas other times, it may not be clear. If you are sure of the cause, you can address it with a specific tip. However, you can also follow these tips if you are unsure of the issue, so your fireplace can be a source of comfort once again.
Change the Fireplace Damper
Your chimney has a damper to control ventilation in its flue. It is the first line of defense against cold air sneaking into your home, which is why it needs to be in top condition. When the chimney damper is not sealed correctly over the chimney hole, or it begins to wear down, it can start to act in reverse, letting cold air in and warm air escape.
You may need to repair or replace your chimney damper. It is worth considering a top-sealing fireplace damper to help prevent similar issues in the future. This type of damper is installed on top of the chimney and can be opened or closed as required.
A top-sealing fireplace damper is a great solution to prevent cold air, debris, and other items from entering your chimney when you are not using the fireplace.
Use a Chimney Plug or Other Solution
There are several ways you can stop cold air from entering the fireplace by focusing on your chimney. These chimney items can be effective solutions if you do not use your fireplace regularly.
For example, there are chimney balloons, plugs, and pillows. A plug or sheep can help prevent cold air from entering your fireplace, as long as you pick the correct sizing and install it correctly.
Chimney balloons are usually made of plastic and are inflated manually or with a pump. Once they are at full capacity, they should stop cold air from entering your chimney.
However, they can puncture easily and cause issues such as mold, which is why plugs or chimney sheeps are better solutions. Chimney sheeps provide more insulation for your chimney, which can reduce cold air issues.
Get a Fireplace Glass Door
A fireplace glass door can stop cold air from getting into your home without ruining the aesthetic of your fireplace. You need to check what types of doors are suitable for your fireplace and ensure they meet the sizing requirements to create a barrier between the cold air and your home. There are various options available to suit different design needs.
Use a Fireplace Draft Cover
There are fireplace draft stopper alternatives to a fireplace glass door. You can get less permanent options such as fireplace blanket draft covers or guards. These are less efficient at stopping cold air coming from the fireplace but can provide a temporary solution while you look for something more permanent.
Update Your Chimney
Most of the time, chimneys can be repaired, or you can use accessories that help prevent cold drafts. However, one of the last solutions is to update your chimney. You can also consider sealing it if you do not plan to use your fireplace again.
However, the fireplace is a great way to connect to nature and stay warm during colder months. Sometimes it can be hard to get outside during winter, but the fire can be a link to nature, improving your mental health and providing comfort when you need it most.
Upgrade Your Fireplace
A more permanent solution is to consider upgrading your fireplace to address cold air issues. If your fireplace is old or you have tried these steps and are still experiencing issues, it could be time to upgrade your fireplace.
There are several options available that can reduce cold air flowing into your home. Contacting a professional to assess what options work for your space is the best solution to guarantee no cold air coming from the fireplace. Fireplaces such as zero-clearance fireplaces can reduce the risk of cold drafts and keep your fires functioning at their optimum.
Stop Cold Air Coming from the Fireplace
There is nothing worse than your fireplace becoming a source of discomfort, such as when cold air is coming from the fireplace. However, follow these tips and take action quickly to address the issue. If you are unsure what steps to take, you can contact a professional fireplace service to help you find the best solution.
Are you based in Philadelphia? Dreifuss Fireplaces is here to help with your fireplace needs. We offer a variety of fireplace designs and installations, so you do not have to worry about cold air entering your home or other issues.
Contact us today to get started.
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