Is this any good to help with chimney draw

cem

We have an open fire. Chimney was swept recently and the chap suggested something like the below to help with the draw

Has anyone used something like this? Would you get an electrician to install this in?

Are there are any cheaper alternatives available?

Very new to this so apologies up front for any silly questions

Thank you

Norman_Castle

I'm assuming an older property with a chimney which originally worked. Has the property been draught proofed? To draw air need to enter the room. Does it improve by opening a window?

cem

Norman_Castle said:

I'm assuming an older property with a chimney which originally worked. Has the property been draught proofed? To draw air need to enter the room. Does it improve by opening a window?

Thanks. I have no idea if it has ever worked.  I am in the process of setting up up the open fire and just want to be on the safe side.  The chimney has not been draught proofed from what I can see on the top of the chimney.

So to answer your question, I am unsure what the 'draw' status is currently and what I am trying to avoid is the room filling up with smoke if the draw is really crap.

Rosa_Damascena

Have you consulted YouTube, OP? This seems pretty niche but there's bound to be someone technically inclined with a solution.

stuart45

cem,  Norman_Castle meant has the room been draught proofed, as a air starvation will cause a poor draw.  
If the fire hasn't been used for a while the flue really needs a sealed smoke test.

FreeBear

Rather than messing around with a flue fan, I'd seriously consider fitting a stove. An open fire is at best, 20% efficient on a good day. A half decent stove is 70-80% efficient and much safer. No hot embers spitting across the room.

Bendy_House

cem said:

So to answer your question, I am unsure what the 'draw' status is currently and what I am trying to avoid is the room filling up with smoke if the draw is really crap.

Surely the thing to do is to try it out? I'd only fit one of these as a last resort.

Probably also worth getting a CO alarm - one with a digital readout - as this should also be a good indicator

of a poor draw.

Aren't there any passive cowls that could also assist?

Has the roofline changed at all from when the house was built? Any new developments surrounding you, particularly at a higher level?

Norman_Castle

cem said:

Norman_Castle said:

I'm assuming an older property with a chimney which originally worked. Has the property been draught proofed? To draw air need to enter the room. Does it improve by opening a window?

  The chimney has not been draught proofed from what I can see on the top of the chimney.

If the room the chimney is in is airtight the chimney cannot draw air from it. Nothing to do with the chimney being draught proofed.

silverwhistle

Just to add that the need for air is reflected in the regulations: if you have a stove rated over 5kW then you need a vent in the room.

Active cowls like the one illustrated above are really only needed in exceptional circumstances.

Eldi_Dos

Op, the device you show is like something you would be upsold if getting pizza oven or garden room with a firepit,did chimney sweep say why he suggested it.
In the era of open fires it was commonplace to have a metal shield with a substantial handle that you would place over fire opening when fire was being lit, with a bit of practice you learned how to control airflow till fire was well lit and downdraft was not an issue, occasionally you would have to re use shield when stoking up the fire if fuel was wet or poor quality. As others have said ventilation is important use trickle vents in window or get some installed.
It's a nice thing to sit in front of a open fire on a winter evening in the company of Mr Bushmills, the world can seem a better place then.

twopenny

Tall chimneys tend to draw better.
Do you have the original grate ie correct depth off the floor.
Do you remove the cover in front of the ash tray while you are waiting for the fire to get thoroughly going and embers to glow? 
Never heard of one of these gadgets for a fire. I'd find someone of the older generation who is used to laying fires to help you start from scratch. 
There's always the possibility that something has been done to the chimney in one of the bedrooms or, if it's a semi or terrace, one of the neighbours.
Check all that before you consider gadgets.
What happens if you light a match and hold it where the smoke should draw through?