Expert: James Ball - 3/23/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi James, We are in a house built in 1980 with an older model fireplace insert. It has a vent in the door and then 2 knobs on either side of the door for the flue.....problem is that we aren't certain about what is open or closed. I think the knobs pushed in is open and pulled out is closed? Does that sound right? On really windy days we cannot seem to build a fire cause it all backs up in the house and we spend an hour clearing smoke....can you enlighten us on that? Thank you very much.

ANSWER: Hello Lisa, can you find the owners manual? can you find a model # I might be able to, as far as what is open/closed, 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 maybe you need a wind deflection cap
Hope this helps
James


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No manual and previous owner is clueless about it....not sure how old it is, no name on it, no model #, nothing. There is a wind cap on the chimney but we've come to the conclusion that on windier days we just can't use it. Thanks for trying to help.

Answer
Hello Lisa, if you live in a condo the other units might have a manual, also the certified sweep might be able to find a make and model to help locate the manual and see if it is a wind issue. next take a flash light and look up to see if the levers open or close the damper be carful not to get soot in your eye's
James