Just Can't Decide

AllNancy

This is a long one so please excuse.

Several years ago I demolished a large brick fireplace, removed the innards back to the original builder's square. I then put in an electric stove which lasted all of two years.

This year I decided to buy a log basket for the fireplace and light a fire. The fire poured smoke into the lounge so that was a no no....and I froze.

I tried again and it was working beautifully until I noticed that in the other room where I have a multifuel stove, the room was filled with smoke. Great.

A new house has been built next to me, four foot taller and that could be the problem....so I've been told.

I really have got to sort it out because life is very unpleasant and decidedly cold.

So my question is..... which is the best way to go? I like an open fire but which expert do I consult and is it the cheapest? Another stove? Have seen a lovely one and not expensive but would still have the chimney problems.....and two stoves?

Or abandon that lot completely and have a gas fire installed. That could prove expensive between fitting, bricking up the hole, and the last time I checked it was £500 to move the gas from the road to the house.

Now you can see why I need help!:eek:


Thanks for reading and I hope solving my problem.


Nancy

helenjg

Is there anything you can do to put right the flow of air up the chimney?

Also do the two fireplaces sit back to back? If they are going up to the same flue and only one is causing a problem then fitting a stove in the open fireplace may work.

In anycase it would be wise to get it checked out by a professional - just to make sure there is no blockage.

Barneysmom

Get a chimney sweep? It could be something simple?

AllNancy

Thanks for your replies.

I have two main rooms downstairs (Victorian cottage) The front has the stove and the back has the open fire. Both fire places back onto next door so are separate. The chimney sweep suggested that I put a strip of cardboard across the top of the opening, later to be replaced with glass, to stop the smoke seepage but this wouldn't stop the blowback through the stove.

I wish it was simple, believe me!

I did consider a canopy over the fire to 'guide,' the smoke but again there is the blowback problem.

I'm tempted to block the chimney and install a portable gas heater...it would be cheaper....and at least I'd be warm......but....it's not quite the same. lol


Nancy