Fireplace Energy Conservation Tips
by Larry Cummings
04/02/07
- If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
- Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper
open is like keeping a 48-inch window wide open during the winter; it allows
warm air to go right up the chimney.
- When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom
of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly-approximately
1 inch-and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to
between 50 and 55 degrees F.
- Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed
air back into the room.
- Check the seal on the flue damper and make it as snug as possible.
- Add caulking around the fireplace hearth.
- Use grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cool room air into the
fireplace and circulate warm air back into the house.
Larry Cummings is a staff member of Earth911.com.
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