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Expert: - 1/3/2009


Question
I have just started using my fireplace this year. i have an older house (1952) and my fireplace is stone with 2 vents on either side and a vent on top. just today figured out that this is a heatform via the web. now, i have questions. it doesn't look like this has any type of fan, unless i can't see it. there is no switch anywhere for any type of blower...do they usually come with these? also, i just purchased glass doors as my fireplace has no doors. can i keep them shut while the fire is going for the warm air to come out the top vents? also, if i buy a heat grate that would be ok? I am really looking for the best and most efficient way to use my fireplace
thanks so much!!!!

Answer
Hi Jodi,

Fans are optional on many heatform units as they can also work by convection heating.

Regular fireplace door glass can break under the extreme conditions you're referencing.  Be very careful doing this.

That fireplace will never be very efficient due to its design.  It needs a lot of air moving through it (and therefore out of the house) to work correctly.

There are many "heat grates" available, and I don't know what kind you're referencing.

I recommend you contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do some on-site inspection and to give you some particular advisement on efficiency options for this particular fireplace.  I would also recommend a Level 2 chimney inspection to get a baseline on the condition of this system.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice 316-265-9828
Fax 316-265-9890
www.HomeSafeKS.com

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2653
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #10
NFI Certified Wood Specialist
NFI Certified Gas Specialist
NFI Certified Pellet Specialist
NFI Master Hearth Professional
NCSG Technical Advisory Council Member

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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