Open fire moneysaving

MonkeySaving?

Hi folks, quick question, just moved into a lovely property in the middle of nowhere which has 2 open wood fireplaces with no dampers, does anyone have any tips on blocking the chimneys when not in use? I've heard about a potato sack stuffed with straw and the "inflateable balloon" option but are there any other options?
Boiler and/or damper fitting are not an option as rented.
TIA

Greenfires

If you want free - then the sack stuffed with straw works pretty well. A better option, though not free, is fitting something like a C-Cap to the chimney pot. This will cut down heat loss but still allow enough air to flow through the chimney to keep the damp at bay. They also keep the rain out. Fitting is simple enough for a DIY job if you can get to the pot (safely!) or your local chimney sweep will probably be able to sort you out.

Cheers,

Andy

MonkeySaving?

Thanks Andy, will take a look at the c-cap idea, might stop the brids from dropping Damson stones through the current chicken mesh dome affair

Greenfires

Ahhh - the chicken mesh dome - I hate those as a chimney sweep! They're only poked into the chimney and so you have to get the customer to stand outside while you inch your brushes up towards them, looking for the first signs of movement! Couple of inches too far and down they come!

C-Caps are great, and dead simple - and if you're renting there's nothing to stop you taking them out again and re-using or selling them if you move.

Cheers,

Andy

muckybutt

Greenfires wrote: »

Ahhh - the chicken mesh dome - I hate those as a chimney sweep! They're only poked into the chimney and so you have to get the customer to stand outside while you inch your brushes up towards them, looking for the first signs of movement! Couple of inches too far and down they come!

C-Caps are great, and dead simple - and if you're renting there's nothing to stop you taking them out again and re-using or selling them if you move.

Cheers,

Andy

Ahhh the dreaded "chip basket" I call them lol I too loathe the darn things