Seal Fireplace Dampers With Weatherstrip Between Uses to Stop Drafts and Save Energy by Lowering Energy Bills
• When fireplaces are not being used, they should be sealed with weatherstrip to air seal the damper and prevent wasted energy. • Just like doors and windows, fireplaces require weatherstripping to prevent energy loss.
• Fireplaces are the LARGEST unsealed opening in the home. • Fireplaces cost US families over $6.1B (2005) of wasted energy. This is expected to be $10B by 2015.
• • • • Fireplace dampers ineffective Fireplace glass doors ineffective Study: 80% of dampers left open Scientific study – a home with a fireplace costs 30% more to heat than a home without.
• Single Family Dwelling Air Leakage by Type Fans and vents 4% Electrical outlets 2% Plumbing Penetrations 7% Fireplace 26% • Per D.O.E.
• Why do fireplaces lose energy? – Air leaks – Stack effect – Duct leakage (pressure differential) – Just like an open skylight, door or window!
• Not Just Heat Loss! – Air conditioning losses also occur (infiltration, exfiltration)
• Energy Codes require all openings (doors, windows, attic access, etc.) to be sealed.
• Other unsealed fireplace damper concerns: – Energy costs / Energy waste – Air conditioning losses – Downdrafts (Odors, toxins, IAQ) – Noise (used for airport noise reduction programs) – Insects
• Several solutions available: – Top mount damper (expensive, poor ROI) – Plug chimney from below (inexpensive, high ROI)
Experts have studied this – a recent study showed that by sealing the fireplace, up to 30% less heating and cooling energy is required.
• 2 sizes • Rectangular fits most any masonry fireplace • Round for zeroclearance fireplaces MADE IN U.S.A.
INSTALLS BELOW DAMPER – QUICK, CLEAN, EASY
• RESEARCH DATA EXISTS • SEVERAL STUDIES SHOW RESULTS
ENERGY CONSUMPTION LOSS DUE TO FIREPLACES KW/H CONSUMPTION 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July ENERGY CONSUMPTION TO HEAT UP FRESH AIR Homes With Fireplaces Homes Without Fireplaces A research study conducted in France found that during cold weather, fireplaces can allow 76 cfm of additional air leakage. The total increase in heating energy consumption is 3,500 kwhr/year.
Measured Air Leakage Through Fireplaces with Damper Open, Damper Closed, and Fireplace Plug in Place 120 Air Leakage Area (ELA) 100 80 60 40 20 0 1 2 3 Damper Open 4 5 House Number Damper Closed 6 7 8 Fireplace Plug in Place Fireplace dampers are energy losers. One remarkable documentation of that fact is an Eight Home Study which shows that an open fireplace can significantly raise over-all heating energy consumption.
• Energy Use for Single Family Dwelling • Space Heating/Cooling = 45% of energy use in the home Water Heating 8% Refrigerators 7% Air Conditioning 10% Appliances 30% Space Heating 45%
BENEFITS OF SEALING THE FIREPLACE • Save conservative average of about $300 per year in energy costs • Stop drafts (windows, doors, downdrafts) • Stop odors, toxins, asthma, IAQ • Stop Noise, Insects
• • • • FOR WEATHERIZATION EXPERTS Low Cost / High Return Easy, Quick and Clean to Install and Use Achieve target reduction in air leakage rate quickly, easily, and inexpensively. Scientific studies, numerous blower door test data, etc.
• • • • ADD THE FIREPLACE PLUG TO YOUR WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM Included in the MA Wx Manual DOE Recommends to plug the fireplace Fireplace Plug is durable, low cost Buy direct from www.batticdoor.com • 100% MADE IN U.S.A.
EVERY FIREPLACE SHOULD BE SEALED BETWEEN USE
• 2 MODELS • Quick, Clean, and EASY to Install! • 100% MADE IN U.S.A.
REDUCE HEATING/COOLING BILLS STOP NOXIOUS ODORS STOPS COLD DRAFTS STOP NOISE FROM AIRPLANES SUPPORT ENERGY CONSERVATION SAVE 100’S OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR
MORE DRAFT STOPPERS: • R-50 Attic Stair Cover • Whole House Fan Shutter Cover • Dryer Vent Seal • E-Z Hatch Attic Access Door • AC Covers • Insulated Switch Plate Covers, more!
R-50 Attic Stair Cover R-42 Attic Access Door Clothes Dryer Vent Shutter Cover Seal
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