You’ve spent a lot of time, energy, and money making sure that your house is airtight and energy efficient. So, it can be frustrating when you have a draft coming through your fireplace. A drafty fireplace means that your home’s heating and cooling systems have to work harder to keep your home at the desired temperature. This leads to lower energy efficiency and higher energy costs. Also, drafty fireplaces allow unpleasant odors into your home. However, you don’t have to live with a drafty fireplace. We here at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney can remedy your issues with drafting and have your home running efficiently once again.
Downdraft Issues
There are a few reasons that your fireplace might be drafty. A downdraft is one of the most common reasons. Having an airtight home is a good thing, however, it sometimes comes at a cost. When air can’t flow freely in and out of your home, the air pressure outside of your home can become greater than the air pressure inside your home. This causes the inside of your home to become a vacuum and suck air back into the home. If you own a fireplace, this means that air from the outside will be sucked in through the chimney and enter your home via the fireplace.
Although downdraft can usually be solved by simply opening a window and allowing your home to depressurize, you can also solve your downdraft issues by making sure that you have a damper installed. At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we recommend installing a top-sealing damper. Top sealing dampers are more efficient than a traditional throat damper. If home efficiency is a priority, this is what we recommend.
Masonry Issues
Downdraft is usually the culprit when you have a drafty fireplace. However, if your masonry is in poor condition, it may also cause your fireplace to be drafty. If your chimney system is located on the outside of your home, air can be pushed through tiny cracks in your masonry and into your home.
Masonry issues should be inspected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technician. A certified technician will be able to determine if your masonry is the cause of drafting issues and will be able to give you guidance on how to repair your masonry.
We Can Help!
At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we can help you with your drafting issues. Our CSIA-certified chimney and masonry technicians are experts when it comes to ventilation issues. You don’t need to live with a drafty fireplace, so call Northeastern Masonry & Chimney at 518-767-9315 or visit us online to set up an appointment with one of our expert technicians today!