Hi AT - We moved into a 2 story apartment in Pasadena about 6 months ago. The building was built in the early 1930s (think single pane drafty window). We have a lovely fireplace in our living room. During this cold weather, we've lit up a few fires to keep us warm. Yet, I've noticed a couple of problems with our fireplace: (1) there is no flue to open or close, so the fireplace is a source of huge drafts (and smoky ashes when wind blows down the chimney) and...
...(2) the landlord has no idea the last time the chimney was cleaned. I'm concerned about heat loss and creosote build up in the chimney. Should I ask the landlord to hire someone to clean the chimney, especially if we are going to use the fireplace regularly in the winter? Do you have any suggestions for preventing heat loss from a fireplace?
Definitely get the chimney inspected and likely cleaned before using. If the landlord isn't sure about the last time it's been cleaned, it would be a smart precaution to have it cleaned to minimize any hazardous occurrences when all you really want is the company of a warm fire (and we're extremely envious that your rental includes a fireplace; most rentals close up the chimneys or fill them in with an ugly modern gas/electric heater).
In regards to fireplace efficiency, you one could consider using a fireplace throat damper, which installs just above the firebox and will reduce heat escaping from your interior or cold air entering. These dampers are made completely of metal and will help lessen a draft, but will not give an airtight seal. Throat dampers are typically installed when the fireplace is first built, and require some major renovation work to the chimney if added later, usually involving hiring a mason or fireplace expert to install. Over time damper plates warp or rust causing air to escape and may require replacement, making this more of a house owner's option than renter.
A glass fireplace doors are likely an easier and more affordable install, are effective at keeping heat in and cold from entering, and there are many options to choose from.
And last, there is something called a chimney draft eliminator, which is an amusing bit of hardware that seals your chimney as an inflated balloon.
[Creative Commons Image: gliuoo]
Chimney in a rental? in LA? ooo I'm jealous too.
view a6sinthe's profile
Where I live in the North Bay Area, it is against the law to burn wood on smoggy days, even if you have an highly efficient, non-catalytic EPA approved wood stove or insert. And these devices cut particulate emissions by 90% or more. A wood fire in a fireplace is way worse.
Sorry, but if air quality is already poor, you may be in violation of the law by burning wood in a fireplace. Check out the South Coast Air Quality Management District guidelines here. http://www.aqmd.gov/news1/2008/HealthyHearths.html
Good news: Looks like your landlord can get a rebate on a cleaner burning gas log. In any event, Try to convince him to pay for a chimney cleaning....it is good investment to protect his and your property as chimney/attic fires are no joke. Good luck.
view mimits's profile
Thanks for the feedback. The landlord stipulated in our lease that we can only burn wood - no wood alternates. The fireplace is hooked up for gas, but she won't allow us to use it. It's a good reminder about the air quality and pollution. Perhaps I will pitch that we hook up the gas after all.
view heh1212's profile
Thank you so much for that link! I'm in Pasadena as well and we too rent and have a chimney that is just a big open column to the sky. I knew about the restrictions on using the fireplace on bad air quality days, but wasn't sure how I was supposed to know when the air quality was too bad to use the fireplace.
view payzlee's profile
Hi, when I was a kid we had a 2 fireplaces that had dampers, one woodburning and one gas. Despite the dampers, they both let out a lot of heat, especially when we had to leave the damper open overnight because we'd had a fire going.
My dad had a large piece of glass cut to fit the opening of each fireplace and stuck a strip of magnet around the entire edge. When it was time to retire, he simply put the glass over the fireplace, essentially sealing it from drafts.
Hope this helps!
view enviromodernist's profile
Heh--
How can your landlord stipulate that you not use the gas in your fireplace if it's already there and you pay for the gas?
That's like renting you a house w/ 2 bathrooms and telling you not to use the tub in one of the bathrooms...
...there's something fishy to this landlord's motivation.
view bepsf's profile
The "flue" is the duct part of the chimney. The "damper" is the metal door above the firebox that closes to seal out drafts when the fireplace is not in use.
I had a stuck damper in a rented 20's bungalow in Florida; I simply wedged a piece of foam insulation into the opening when not in use (actually had a pigeon get into the house through the chimney once...). Worked well enough, along with a glass door over the fireplace.
I had a fireplace in my 1952 apartment in South Pasadena. Burned nothing but Duraflame logs every night it dipped below 50. Loved it.
view nashdp's profile