What is a Chimney Balloon?
Chimney balloons are reusable membrane devices designed to fit into chimneys and save energy when the chimney is no longer in use. There are a variety of uses for chimney balloons and can be an effective way of regulating the temperature in your house and prevent other problems from occurring inside unused chimneys.
A chimney balloon is a device that is inserted into your chimney during times of the year when the chimney is not used. This is an energy saving device that is particularly useful during warmer months or when a house's chimney is no longer being used. Chimney balloons can also be used in the winter to prevent cold drafts from coming in the house. As long as chimney balloons are used properly, these devices are an easy and affordable way to make a home more energy efficient.
Physically, chimney balloons are flexible poly-membrane materials that can easily expand into nooks and cracks of the chimney flue. Chimney balloons are reusable devices and come in an array of sizes. Actually installing the chimney balloon is a simple process.
- Roll out the chimney balloon and attach it to the provided inflation tube.
- Check that the lever on the handgrip, which will act as an air valve, is parallel to the tube, meaning it is in the open position.
- Blow into the tube to blow up the chimney balloon. You do not need to blow it up all the way, just about halfway.
- Guide the balloon up into the chimney, taking precaution not to let the balloon puncture on any sharp edges.
- Once the balloon is in place, continue blowing into the inflation tube until the balloon is completely full.
- Turn the valve off, this time rotating it so it is perpendicular to the air tube.
Removing the chimney balloon is even easier than the installation. Simply turn the valve next to the tube so it is open and parallel to the air tube. Allow the balloon to deflate then gently pull it out of the chimney and store until the next time it is needed. Chimney balloons should always be removed before using a fireplace or chimney. If you do forget to take the chimney balloon out before use, it will deflate when it comes in contact with heat and should then be removed immediately.