A: Chimneys operate on the basic law of physics, which is: Heat rises.
When the inside of the chimney gets hot, the rate of the upward draft
will increase
as well. If the backdraft only happens when the fire is first lit, then
the problem may correct itself as the inside of the chimney gets warmer.
When
lighting
the fire, use newspaper and small kindling to produce a high flame to
raise the chimney temperature faster and jump-start the draft effect.
Also, you may need a combustion air source to help maintain
the draft. Try partially opening a window in the same room as the
fireplace. Also,
make sure no exhaust fans (kitchen or
bath)
are running in the house while you have a fire.
There's also a correlation between the diameter of the flue
opening and the height of the chimney. The larger the flue diameter, the
taller
the chimney should be to ensure a good draft. If the backdraft is still
a problem after the chimney has had time to heat up, then you may need
to add an
extension on the top of the chimney to increase the draft.
**********************************************************************
This message and its attachments may contain legally
privileged or confidential information. If you are not the
intended recipient, you must not disclose or use the
information contained in it. If you have received this e-mail
in error, please notify the sender immediately by return
e-mail and delete the e-mail.
Any content of this message and its attachments which
does not relate to the official business of Eraring Energy
must be taken not to have been sent or endorsed by
Eraring Energy. No warranty is made that the e-mail or
attachment(s) are free from computer virus or other defect.
**********************************************************************
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
