Expert: James Ball - 11/5/2008

Question
I have a wood burning fireplace that the previous home owner had put some gas logs in. We have taken the logs out and was inspectiong the Chimney, and just above the damper valve there is insulation sticking out so we were told that we could get a liner to line the chimney and begin using our fireplace as a wood burning fireplace again. We have a electric heat pump that has went out and are trying to find the cheapest way to heat our house.

Answer
Hello Ashley, 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. There should not be exposed insulation in your chimney if it is metal that could be very dangerous, in a masonry chimney it could be a hole?
when I hear "cheapest way" I think short cuts and it could cost you home or life....please don't take that chance.
James Ball