Jun 18th 2020
Chimney Balloon Draft Eliminator Sizing
There are 3 different types of chimneys. In order to select the Draft Eliminator that will work most effectively for you just refer to the 3 diagrams located on the right side of this page. Once you have determined which type of chimney you have, just follow the simple steps and you will know exactly which product will work out best for you.
Important Note: On any measured flue opening smaller than 12" X 12" you should order a Draft Eliminator within 3" of either dimension. On any measured flue opening larger than 12" X 12" you should order a Draft Eliminator within 6" of either dimension.
How to Choose the correct size Chimney Balloon Draft Eliminator if there is no damper (straight chimney with no closing mechanism) in my chimney:
- Before sizing your chimney please make sure that your fireplace and chimney are cold and that there are no embers that could possibly harm you. If you sweep up your ash or use an ash vac it will make the process much cleaner. Never vacuum up hot ash!
- Look into your chimney and find the narrowest section within arms reach.
- Select an area to install the Chimney Balloon Draft Eliminator. Make sure that there are no sharp edges or hardware that may interfere with the installation. The area must have parallel or slightly sloping walls with significant texture to allow the balloon to grab and lodge during inflation.
- Measure the length and depth of the chimney in the location you have selected to install a Draft Eliminator. A very useful tool to measure your chimney is a foldable carpenters ruler. You can unfold this ruler into an L-shape to use it as a ruler on a stick. If you do not have a folding ruler, you can also use a tape measure.
- Finally, go to our Draft Eliminator page and select which of the three will work best in your situation. Example: If your opening measures 6" wide X 9" deep. You would go with a 12X12 Draft Eliminator.
How to choose the correct size Draft Eliminator if there is a smoke shelf/chamber or if there is a damper (metal flap closer) in my chimney:
- Same directions as if you have no damper. (See above)
- Look into your chimney and identify the damper (a metal flap with lever that closes the chimney) if you have one. Then find the most narrow section of your chimney above the damper, within arms reach. This is where the Eliminator will be located.
- Select an area to install the Draft Eliminator. Make sure that the area you select is not interfered with by the damper flap or any hardware. The area must have parallel or sloping walls with significant texture for the balloon to grab and lodge during inflation. Just above the damper is an ideal location to install a Draft Eliminator. The damper or smoke shelf (smoke chamber) acts as a ledge to grant a little extra support to the weight of it. A Draft Eliminator can also be installed well above the damper, so it is possible to close the damper below it.
- Measure the length and depth of the chimney in the location you have selected to install a Draft Eliminator. A very useful tool to measure your chimney is a foldable carpenters ruler. You can unfold this ruler into an L-shape to use it as a ruler on a stick. If you do not have a folding ruler, you can also use a tape measure.
- Finally, go to our Draft Eliminator page and select which of the three will work best in your situation. Example: If your opening measures 6" wide X 9" deep. You would go with a 12X12 Draft Eliminator.
If after reading this section you are still unsure which size Draft Eliminator you need, just give us a call and we will be more than happy to help you determine which size will work best for you. Remember, it is always best to go with a larger Draft Eliminator if you are unsure which size you need.
