Expert: James Ball - 11/17/2008

Question
Like the previous question, we also have a heatilator gas insert thats leaks cold air from bottom, top & sides. Gas has been turned off for 9 yrs. & converted to wood. It still leaks cold air all around it, we keep it sealed somewhat with plastic wrap, until usage, which is very seldom at all now. bottom has a slide lever to open bottom vents, which stays open all the time anyway. what gives?

Answer
Hello Alan, not sure what is going on you might have a very bad negative pressure problem pulling cold air down the chimney past the insert. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have. You might be able to install a top mount damper cap that will stop all air from moving in that chimney until you want to open it to use it.
James