For homes with either a traditional fireplace, a wood burning stove nestled inside a fireplace, the chimney is often the worst area for air leaks in your house.
Traditional Fireplace and Chimney Air Leakage
With a traditional fireplace and chimney, the flue connecting the two is a beacon for air travel. Whether lit or unlit, hot air rises and travels to the top where the openings for air are more abundant than other areas of the house.
Wood Burning Stoves, Chimneys, and Air Leakage
With the case of a wood burning stove inside of a chimney, the problem can be even worse. In order to utilize the stove with an existing fireplace, a metal pipe is installed from the stove to the top of the chimney. Then a cap is made that connects the makeshift piping to the top of the chimney.
In the case of the piping, it is important to understand that metal expands significantly just from the temperature change in the seasons. This expansion can cause significant leaks, because the chimney materials do not expand as much as the metal.
How to Fix the Leaks
One way to fix this problem, with either a traditional fireplace or the aforementioned set-up, is to install an air-tight chimney cap. These are very efficient, and are opened and closed before and after use. They come in a variety of forms, including a flip-top, and an expanding open-and-close top.
Projects like these are tough to take on yourself. In the San Diego area, if you think you have an issue with excess air escaping your chimney or stove piping, a wise decision is be to call the professionals at Fresh Air.
Contact Fresh Air to Inspect Your System in the greater San Diego & Temecula area.
Air Duct Cleaning – Chimney Cleaning
Call Fresh Air Today – in San Diego & Temecula
1-800-980-2777
