Chimney downdraft

Spotty100

I don't know if anyone can help but I'm tearing my hair out and hoping I get a solution.

We have a dual heating system, coal and oil. The fireplace we have is a Baxi Burnall which has an air intake below the floor and the ashes drop into a pan which holds about 4 days worth before needing emptied.

Since we moved into this bungalow 10 years ago we've made modifications: the fireplace is new and it reduced the size of the opening. We put a whirly thing on the chimney because we were getting smoke filtering into the house. It didn't cure the problem so we took advice and fitted a cowl. It partially worked but the major issue now is great billows of smoke puffing out in sudden downdrafts.

Does anybody know anyone who works at fireplaces and chimney and could possibly diagnose and fix the problem? I'm in the Gilford area.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or solution.

Ticked

We had the same problem, tried all shapes of cowls to no avail. We’re told that it was our location, prone to down drafts when the wind was from the west, that’s most of the year. Also, because it’s a bungalow, they said the chimney didn’t have enough height to ensure a continuous updraft. Couldn’t add to the height, and eventually we gave up and installed a gas fire. Not much comfort to you and I hope you do get it sorted, a live fire is lovely.

Cortez

You've probably resolved this by now but the best anti-downdraft cowl is the Vedette cowl. There are different sizes and two types (for different fuels). I'm not an expert but saw it recommended by one on another website and it solved my downdraft problem.

Spotty100

Thank you so much. You're right in that I don't need it anymore but not because I've resolved the problem, I've sold the property and am moving on. This information could well be useful in the future however as I'd never heard of a Vedette Cowl before.