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I ordered a 12X12 chimney balloon for my flue, which is 12" round. I also ordered the extension tube, since my fireplace is tall.
The balloon comes as a square balloon. Well, it's almost square, but two of the corners were bulged out. This to me looked like the balloon was just poorly put together when seamed.
I put it into the flue with the extender wand, which was not long enough. So I had to get some additional hose and reach far up into the chimney to get the balloon to the right place in the lower part of the flue. It was difficult, but I did manage to get it centered and inflated.
Exactly what I expected happened it was like putting a square peg in a round hole. The balloon did seal most of the flue, but no matter how I adjusted it there remained a small slit on two sides of the balloon where air can pass. These slits are probably about 1/4" thick in the center and about 4" long.
Very disappointing. When I order a product to fit into a circular space, I would expect it to be shaped as a circle or an elipse. Would not recommend this product for a round flue.
I will say that the balloon appears to be made of good material, and once inflated it has held air very well.
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Like many other reviewers, I was skeptical about how effective this would be. But our chimney damper does not close all the way and it was making our family room very cold in the winter. So I decided to try this, and it works! The key is to make sure the balloon is fully inflated, so it has good contact along the entire inside of the chimney (so make sure you purchase the proper size for your chimney diameter). It took some contortions to get it fully in place above the damper, but we no longer have a draft by the fireplace and the room stays several degrees warmer in the winter. An innovative and cost-effective solution to a common problem.Best Deals for Chimney Balloon Fireplace Damper 12"X12" Draft Stopper Pillow Plug
We were looking at $300-$500 per unit to install glass doors on two fireplaces; we're in Alaska and when it's cold all our nice, expensive hot air was leaving via the chimney. The dampers stopped probably 95% of it, but at $4/gallon for heating oil even a 5% loss was too much. Our chimney service mentioned "chimney pillows."For about $150 we got these ballons and extender handles for both units. I was surprised to learn that testing shows the R-factor of the balloons as good as a damper with glass doors. They are not visible when installed and quite affordable.
I highly recommend going to the company website and reading the measuring instructions thoroughly. We had a 9.5" diameter chimney so went up to the 12x12. You could, if needed, order a custom pillow. I ordered a 23" extender that turned out to be a little long, an 18" would have been fine, but it was sufficient with the fill tube attached.
It was awkward to install but I am confident it's working. I wish I had done a before-and-after of the lit match test I preformed to show you. They work. Buy it.
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I have a gas fireplace in the family room that leaks so bad that it causes a noticable draft in the room. Even though the damper closes, it is warped so bad that I can see big gaps around much of the 12" opening. I made several DIY attempts to plug the leaks, but nothing game me good results. Chimney guy told me I would have to install a new damper outside at top of chimney for $$$$.Found and installed the 12" Chimney Balloon in 2010 and it has done a great job ever since. It makes a good seal all around the opening. Our room is now much more comfortable and the heating bills have been significantly reduced. Best of all, my wife no longer constantly complains about the cold draft in winter!
Because I had to install it up above the existing damper, I got the extension with it. (It's pretty short without the extension.) I can take it in and out, but don't do that much because I really don't like to use the gas logs now that I know they cost so much. Also, it takes some care to get the balloon in and out from above the existing damper.
Company has a very helpful website and great customer service. If you are having this problem, I say give it a try!
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Honestly I have had an issue with my Chimney during the winter for a couple years and after watching a "this old house on PBS", I thought I would give it a shot. Highly surprised (positively) how effective this product works. Be sure to verify opening dimensions. So far has held up very well after being taken out several times. Surprisingly durable product. Also really recommend watching that show for other energy saving ideas.
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