Expert: James Ball - 1/20/2010

Question
Hello,  I am battling with a smokey wood burning insert in my new house.  The insert and new liner were just installed a few months ago before I moved in.  I thought it was the chimney at first and installed a Windkat, which seemed to work then the other day I had a major downdraft again.  After reading and reading about this, I think I have it narrowed down to a negative pressure problem.  The room where the insert is also has a mud/laundry room where the clothes dryer is and a small forced hot air unit for that room and one other small room.  I'm thinking about putting some sort of fresh air inlet into the Mud room, like a 4" flapper or something so if I'm running the heater and dryer, they can pull in the air they need from the outside.

I already asked the mfg of the insert and they do not have provisions for a fresh air inlet, and I guess my question is, does this all make sense and seem correct or is there something else I should investigate before cutting holes and installing intake vents, etc...

Thanks.


Answer
Hello Jim, if you do have a negative pressure issue then the air is getting out of the house and it might be thee house it self, to you have attic louvers/whole house fan? pull down attic steps? if you stop the air from getting out of the house the down draft will be allot less, also is the chimney high enough, tall trees around the house? also can affect it's use. do you have a temp set exhaust fan in the attic (had one that was running 24/7)
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 they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James