Anything handier out there than Chimney Balloons ?

Jellicoe

Anything handier out there than Chimney Balloons ?



I find a Chimney balloon is a great job for a fireplace that’s not being used, but a pain for a fireplace thats being used roughly once a week / fortnight.



Is there anything out there that’s as simple as a Chimney Balloon, but handier, cleaner to work with, and more suitable for a fireplace thats used once a week, that has a standard fireback, flue starter and flue ?

Avns1s

An insert stove perhaps??

Jellicoe

I like insert stoves, but I can't justify spending that kind of money to cure a simple draft on an occasionally used fireplace.

Avns1s

There are cheap enough insert stoves available now that would cut down your draught all the time including when the fire is lit so you would be making a saving on the fuel as well.

Bar something like an insert, I cannot think of anything thats going to be much better than a chimney balloon.

There was a product called chimney closer (or similar) that allows you to close a cap at the top of the chimney that may be suitable for your chimney but from memory, it was nearly as expensive as a cheap insert stove.

DGOBS

Blocking a chimney is never a good idea, what do you think would happen if someone (as in your child) lit a fire without knowing the chimney is blocked?

ltdslipdiff

I have a lightly used one of these for sale if you're interested?

http://www.eurocowls.com/chimneycontrol.html

Make me an offer !

Worked a treat!

Lackagh1970

I am def getting an insert stove next year, my prob is that my actual insert of fireplace is not huge, will it need a lot of work done to actually get a stove in there

Avns1s

It might not need a lot of work. Some of the inserts are made to fit into a 16inch fireplace with a standard fireback. If the fireback has to come out, it's no big deal. Best to have a look at some options. I remember looking at some last year that were sub €500.

Lackagh1970

Thanks for reply, so who do I contact to come out and look at it before going buying one to fit

Avns1s

Lackagh1970 wrote: »

Thanks for reply, so who do I contact to come out and look at it before going buying one to fit

How about taking measurements of the base and back?

Or better still, take templates of the space you have and bring it with you when looking!

Lackagh1970

Thanks for that , when I was cleaning fire this morning I see this on insert 16OH, so maybe thats the measurements you quoted

DGOBS

You could always ask one of the installers to come out and discuss options

vicwatson

DGOBS wrote: »

Blocking a chimney is never a good idea, what do you think would happen if someone (as in your child) lit a fire without knowing the chimney is blocked?

Eh the bag just deflates.

There is also a piece of paper one puts in the fire to remind you.

Also some of the inflating pipe hangs down which you'd see before lighting.