Expert: James Ball - 11/24/2010

Question
Dear Mr. Ball,

Can you please confirm for the benefit of my dependents about opening/closing the flue. I keep telling them after they use it and when the fire is completely out to CLOSE THE FLUE to save energy. Keeping it open lets the heat inside the house escape. Thank you for your expert advise!

Louella

Answer
Hello Louella, you are correct, when the fire is out you need to close the damper (a 2' x 3' fireplace opening will pull a box of air 48' long up a chimney every minute), if it is not pulling you hot heated air up the chimney then it will pull cold air down (just as bad)
just remember to re open for your next fire
James