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Chimney & Fireplaces/CO Risk with Closing the Flute

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Expert: - 10/26/2006


Question
Bart,

I have a gas chimney with ceramic logs, ie, we don't burn wood only natural gas.  The builder did not put a damper over the flute as he claimed this was a San Ramon Ca city code.  I would like to put aluminum foil and tape over the hole so that 1) When not in use, cold drafts do not come down 2)  When in use, the hot air stays in the house.  I plan to use a small fan to gentle blow the heat into the room.  

Do you see any problems with this?  Most importantly Carbon Monoxide poisoning?  I have a CO detector that I could plug in next to fireplace if that helps.

Thanks for your advice!  

Answer
Hi Ken,

The damper and flue should be completely open or open at least 1 square inch for every 1,000 btu's of input with gas logs.

You should NOT use aluminum foil to cover the opening.

Certain Municipalities and Jurisdictions require the damper to be clamped permanently and fully open.

I'm not sure how you're planning on using a fan to get heat off this unit, but you should NOT use anything that might pull or blow combustion byproducts out of the fireplace.

You should use a CO detector in the same room as the fireplace.

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

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

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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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