Expert: James Ball - 12/20/2008

Question
We purchased our current home in Colorado late last winter and were excited at the prospect of enjoying its two-sided fireplace. We have always enjoyed a wood burning fire. Needless to say we have been very disappointed to learn of the smoke going into the house syndrome. The only way we have been able to "enjoy" a fire is by burning with the glass doors on both sides completely closed, which to us defeats the purpose. Per the prior owner the chimney had been swept recently. The unit does have an outside combustion vent which we have been using. We have tried many variations of opening and closing windows in the house. The model is a Heat-N-Glo Model 225. i have a couple of questions i could use some help with. 1) is there even a remote chance we can get the unit to burn with the doors open without spilling smoke into the house? 2) If not, is there any way to seal off one side of the fireplace as we typically only use one side? Would appreciate insights and suggestions. Thanks!

Answer
Hello Terrell, 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 might be some thing wrong with this unit. What it sounds like is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home that is hot air raising in your home (and getting out through the attic vents, doors, lights) your house is a better chimney than your chimney. Also kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans, cloths dryers and the furnace all take house air out of the house (mechanical negative pressure) your house needs make up air, perhaps a open window in the basement? Or stop the air from getting out the attic.
Trail and error until you get this fireplace to work for you, maybe close off the room from the rest of the house to use it (close/install doors)
James