Expert: James Ball - 12/23/2008

Question
My children bought a house several years ago that has a brick fireplace. They use it during the Xmas holidays more than anyother time.  They seem to think that the heat from the house is being drawn up through the fireplace and it causes loss of heat in the house. My question is -is there something that can be done so that the heat remains in the house and not go up the chiminny?  The fireplace does give off heat for about 6 feet into the room.

Thank you for an answer if possible.  Amy

Answer
Hello Amy, first thing 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 they have to be sure it is safe. and they can regulate the damper (by closing it down , not all the way)to let out less air/smoke after the fire is going, glass doors also help reduce room air going up the chimney.
hope this helped
James