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Need Advice Cold air coming via the fire place vent?

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by Hershey, Dec 11, 2009.

  1. Hershey

    Hershey New Member

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    I am noticing the outside cold air is making its way in through the fireplace vent. Has anyone experienced this before? Any suggestions on how to stop this?

    Thanks.
     
  2. afgm

    afgm Ashburn Farm Resident

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    I assume the flue is closed, right? I have used a 3 to 4 inch thick piece of rigid foam. Cut to the size of the flue plus a little, and shoved up snuggly. Out of sight and seals the flue. Obviously don't use the fireplace while it is in place.
     
  3. JenCo

    JenCo New Member

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    We have this same issue w/our gas fireplace - it gets quite chilly if you're sitting right in front of it - with the fire on though it's not as big a problem
     
  4. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    My sister had the same issue with her fireplace and they always had a blanket in front of it to stop the draft. It was installed on an outside wall of their house. They had a carpenter come and remove the framework and discovered inadequate insulation around the housing. They had the carpenter reframe the exterior fireplace housing and properly insulate it. Their basement was unfinished as well so the carpenter added insulation under the unit. This solved the problem. Her living room is warm now since they got rid of the awful draft.
     
  5. Sunny

    Sunny Chief Advisor

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    I am certain this is what I will have to do...and keep putting it off because it sounds complicated and expensive. But it is FREEZING by the fireplace!!! (coming from the bottom, not the top!!)
     
  6. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Yes, her draft came from the bottom and it literally felt like she had a window ajar. It was ridiculous.
     
  7. Mike-and-Kim

    Mike-and-Kim Member

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    Ours also has a similar problem. On our fireplace, a few weeks back I pulled out the insulation in the basement (which is unfinished). Looking up from the basement there is a 1 inch gap that you can see in the bottom of the built out enclosure, from which you can see daylight.

    It allows cold air to come in from the bottom of the fireplace. On the list of things to fix...

    Mike
     
  8. BelindaTH

    BelindaTH New Member

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    We were wondering if there is a company out there that can come and determine what (IF ANY) insulation is in the walls/floors in our breakfast morning room and behind our kitchen cabinets. This area is freezing. Any suggestions?

    For what it is worth... We have the same issue with the fireplace, but use the magnetic strips that you can cover air ducts in the house and put them in there to block the cold/hot air from coming in from the outside. It works great. Of course you have to remove them if you want to turn the gas fireplace on.

    Thanks!
     
  9. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    we stuffed ours with cardboard and paper insulation years ago and haven't turned it on since. way to drafty when it wasn't being used, way to expensive TO use. if i had to score our fireplace, it would get 0 out of 5 stars.
     
  10. Hershey

    Hershey New Member

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    Any new suggestions for this issue? It is getting really cold by the fireplace this year :(
    Based on the one of the earlier suggestions, I tried the magnetic stips used to cover air ducts, but is still freezing..
     
  11. OSimpson

    OSimpson Certified Master Naturalist

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    I want to encourage all of you participate at this workshop our committee has just put together to learn how we can save money and energy. My problem is not only the cold or the heat during summer but the the air being very dry when the heat is on.

    Her is the info about the free workshop:

    Your Home Can Cost You Less
    JANUARY 6TH, 6:30P-BROADLANDS COMMUNITY CTR


    ENERGY AND MONEY SAVING WORKSHOP

    We teamed up with The Home Energy Detective Inc., the #1 Auditor in Northern VA by "Home Performance with Energy Star" to give us most up to date information about how you can do it yourself like a pro.

    Date: Thursday, January 6th
    Time: 6:30PM
    Location: Broadlands Community Center located at 43008 Waxpool Rd, Broadlands Va 20148

    DOOR PRIZES
    REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED
    $25 off if you participate
    $95 off if you sign up for Energy Audit
     
  12. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    I am wondering if the cold air is coming through the fireplace at the bottom due to the damper not being closed within our gas fireplaces in the Van Metre homes on Ridgeway Drive?? Do these fireplaces have dampers to begin with? Anyone know???

    Thanks!!!
     

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