Wood-burning fireplaces are a timeless addition to any home, providing a warm and cozy atmosphere during the cold winter months. However, as charming as they may be, traditional open fireplaces can be incredibly drafty. Many homeowners complain of cold drafts in their homes, even with a roaring fire in the grate.
If you, too, are troubled by a drafty open fireplace, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll discuss why open fireplaces can be drafty and what steps you can take to fix the draftiness and ensure your home is warm and comfortable all winter long.
Why are open fireplaces drafty?
Open fireplaces are drafty because they draw air from the home into the firebox to fuel the flames. This air comes from wherever it can find an opening, including around doors and windows, through crawlspace vents, and up through the chimney.
When cold air enters your home through the chimney, it can create an unwelcome draft that takes away the warmth from your fire. Additionally, open fireplaces don’t hold heat as efficiently as other heating options, so much of that warmth is lost through the chimney, leaving your home feeling chilly instead of cozy.
Subheader: Fixing a drafty fireplace
If you’re tired of feeling chilly every time you light a fire, there are several steps you can take to fix your drafty open fireplace. Here are some of the most effective methods:
1. Install a fireplace insert or stove
One of the most effective ways to fix a drafty open fireplace is by installing a fireplace insert or stove. Both options are designed to renovate an inefficient, drafty fireplace while creating a low-emission, efficient source of heat.
Inserts are designed to fit snugly into the existing fireplace and prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney. They use a heat-exchange system to draw in cool air from the room, heat it up, and then release it back into the room. Depending on the model, inserts can triple the warming efficiency of your open fireplace.
Stoves are freestanding units that can be placed anywhere in the room. They’re more efficient than traditional fireplaces and have a much lower risk of causing chimney fires. Some models can also heat up large areas of your home, dramatically reducing or even eliminating your reliance on other heating sources.
2. Improve the insulation in your home
Another way to improve the performance of your open fireplace is by improving the insulation in your home. This can be done by adding weatherstripping to doors and windows, sealing up gaps in your crawl space, and adding insulation to your attic and walls.
By improving insulation, you’ll reduce the amount of cold air that enters your home. This will reduce the amount of warm air that gets sucked up through the chimney, making your fireplace far more efficient.
3. Install a Chimney Balloon
Another low-cost solution to prevent the draft coming in from the chimney is to install a chimney balloon. It works by inflating in the chimney, blocking air that is coming in. You can deflate it and take it out when you want to start a fire.
Concluding thoughts on open fireplaces drafty
A drafty open fireplace not only steals heat away from your home but also steals a bit of cozy ambiance, making your living space feel less warm and welcoming. By incorporating these solutions to address the draftiness of your fireplace, you can not only keep the room warm but become more energy efficient as well, resulting in a bigger impact on environmental sustainability.
We recommend contacting a professional to help determine which option would be the most effective for your home before installing, as each home is different and not all solutions may work for every circumstance.
FAQs about open fireplaces drafty
1. Can the cold air that comes in the chimney also cause health problems?
While uncommon, cold drafts and air coming in through the chimney could cause health issues such as respiratory problems and worsen asthma symptoms to some individuals.
2. Are fireplace inserts better than stoves in reducing draftiness in open fireplaces?
Both fireplace inserts and stoves are effective solutions for addressing draftiness in open fireplaces, but each home is unique and different solutions may work differently based on your design.
3. Will an open fireplace with a glass door get rid of the draftiness?
Adding doors to your open fireplace can help reduce draftiness but may not solve the problem entirely. The draft can continue even with glass doors on, although it is not as bad as it would be with an open hearth.
In conclusion, fixing an open fireplace’s draftiness takes careful consideration of the right solution that suits your home while ensuring efficient and clean heating. Incorporating these options to make your fireplace more efficient is an excellent initial step for anyone who wishes to add value to their home and increase their comfort in winter.
