What is a Chimney Balloon? (User’s Guide)

A Chimney Balloon is a device that attaches to your chimney and stops the smoke from entering your house. It acts as an airlock, so when you light a fire in your fireplace, all of the smoke goes up into the balloon instead of filling up your home. This guide will explain how to install and use a Chimney Balloon for cleaner air indoors!

A chimney balloon is a device that attaches to the top of your chimney and helps prevent cold air from entering into your home. In the wintertime, this allows you to have a fire going while still maintaining a comfortable temperature in your house. The best part about these devices? They are completely safe for use! Here’s how you can get one of these awesome devices for yourself!

What is a Chimney Balloon?

A Chimney Balloon is a cylindrical net that’s used to block the flow of heat through your chimney. You can use it for both older and modern chimneys, but its primary purpose is to regulate airflow. When you install one on an active firebox, it creates negative pressure inside the fireplace itself which means fireside heat won’t escape. This is the opposite of what happens when you install an exhaust fan in your bathroom, where hot air exits through a vent and cold air enters from outside.

Place the Chimney Balloon near the base of your chimney with its flat surface facing up against any soot or creosote buildup that may have formed. You can also attach it to the top of your flue using a cord or rope, but this method is usually less effective because you’ll have trouble keeping its surface clean and intact.

When there are no fires being used in the fireplace, keep it stored away somewhere dry so that creosote doesn’t accumulate on its surface.

When you’re ready to use it, simply slide the Chimney Balloon into your fireplace until there is only a small hole left between its edge and the top of your chimney flue. At this point, just light your fire as usual! When you’re finished with an evening or weekend bonfire, remove the Chimney Balloon before you turn on your exhaust fan or switch off the fire.

The best way to keep it clean is by placing a small amount of water inside its opening (about one cup) and letting it sit for four hours at least once every week. This will prevent creosote buildup from becoming an issue in the first place.

The Chimney Balloon comes in three sizes:

Small – Recommended for wood burning stoves with a single opening and small diameter chimneys (up to 12 inches). Can hold up to 13 gallons of water.
Medium – A great option if you have a wood stove or fireplace that uses both wood and gas, or if you have a medium-sized chimney (up to 16 inches). Can hold up to 19 gallons of water.
Large – This Chimney Balloon is recommended for stoves with two openings and larger diameter chimneys (up to 24″). It can hold up an impressive 34 gallons of water!

Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that can be created when burning any fuel. The Chimney Balloon helps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by preventing the buildup of harmful gases in your chimneys and fireplace, which can easily seep into your house.

Inflate the balloon with a small amount of air whenever you are using your fireplace or wood stove. The Chimney Balloon will remain inflated for several days, depending on the intensity of use and local weather conditions.

When you aren’t using your fireplace or wood stove, deflate the balloon completely by removing all air inside it to avoid any potential risks caused by overinflating.

Store the Chimney Balloon in a clean and dry place when it is not being used. You can also keep your Chimney Balloon inside its original storage bag that comes with every order, to avoid possible damage or scratching.

Benefits of Using a Chimney Balloon:

Protects you from hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide
Helps improve the effectiveness of your heating system
Prevents fireplace accidents and spills
Allows you to light up faster than before by creating a better draft.

How does Chimney Balloon work?

By creating a chimney effect, the Chimney Balloon draws heat and toxic gases from inside your home – which helps lower energy bills.

The Chimney Balloon is filled with air or helium depending on what you choose. In warmer months it will rise as hot air escapes through your fireplace into the colder outdoors where it dissipates.

In winter months, the Chimney Balloon is filled with helium which helps keep your warm air inside!

The Chimney Balloon is installed at the top of your chimney. Just use a standard clothes hanger to hang it from your fireplace damper handle – no tools necessary!

The Chimney Balloon will last for years, but if you do need to replace it the company offers a multipack of three at a discounted price.

Why do I need Chimney Balloon?

The average wood stove emits 175g of CO every hour. That’s more than one pound!
A chimney balloon can help reduce this dangerous emission by 90%.
It can also reduce creosote buildup in the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and becomes extremely toxic when burned.
Chimney Balloon has been tested by an independent third party to be able to withstand high heat up until 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to use your Chimney Balloon?

When there are no fires being used in the fireplace, keep it stored away somewhere dry so that creosote doesn’t accumulate on its surface.

Maintenance and storage of your Chimney Balloon

As with any good thing, Chimney Balloons require some work to keep them in top condition. The most important consideration is that they are stored flat – never rolled up or bent into a tight shape. This will avoid creases and kinks which can then cause damage to the balloon when you’re trying to use it again (see below).

Store them in a cool, dry place such as your wardrobe or another cupboard. Avoid keeping them on the window ledge where they may be exposed to direct sunlight and heat for an extended period of time. This can damage the fabric causing it to become brittle and weaker over time.
If you’re not going to use your Chimney Balloon for a little while, it’s probably best to fold them up and put them back in their box. You can then store your Chimney Balloons hanging up instead of folded on the floor or somewhere else out of sight.
If you have used one of your balloons but want to keep using it over time rather than buying another one, it’s best to wash and dry your Chimney Balloon at least once every few months.
If you have a large number of Chimney Balloons from us or another supplier they may turn dusty over time if left in the original packaging where air cannot circulate freely around them. In this case we recommend that you open up all the boxes and allow the air to circulate around them for a few days before storing away again.
If you have used one of your Chimney Balloons but want to keep using it over time rather than buying another one, wash and dry it at least once every few months.
Store them flat to avoid unnecessary creasing or damage.
If you have used one of your balloons but want to keep using it over time rather than buying another one, wash and dry it at least once every few months.
Fold blankets instead of rolling for storage if possible so they maintain their shape better when stored away.
SAFE – uses no chemicals or propellants, unlike other chimney treatment products. It’s gentle on your family and pets.

Top reasons to use a Chimney Balloon

Energy Efficiency – Heating costs are reduced by up to 60%, which means fewer trips outside in the dead of winter.
Carbon Footprint Reduction – Using less fuel results in reducing your home’s carbon footprint, thus helping protect our environment.
Safety is Key – The Chimney Balloon does not emit an openy flame, so there is no risk of chimney fires.
Another reason to use the Chimney Balloon: it helps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home!
The final reason: it is easy-to-install!
Burning Wood – The Chimney Balloon can be used when burning wood in your fireplace or stove.
Gas Logs – You will not need a Chimney Balloon if you are using gas logs, as there is no fire.

Environmental Protection

Carbon Monoxide Protection – Without a Chimney Balloon, carbon monoxide can seep into your home. This product helps protect against this deadly gas.
Easy to Use! – The Chimney Balloon is easy-to-install and does not emit an open flame or risk chimney fires—which means you are helping to protect the environment and lower heating costs.
Another reason to use a Chimney Balloon: it helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home!
Eco-Friendly – The Chimney Balloon can be reused year after year without emitting an open flame or risking a chimney fire—which means you are helping protect the environment and lower heating costs.

Safety Tips for Chimney Balloon Users

It is important to take a few safety precautions before using your chimney balloon. First, you should always wear gloves and protective eyewear when working with the insulation material as it can cause skin irritation if touched directly. It is also wise not to let children or pets near the unit while in use. If there are children or pets inside the home, do not use it as you may block their escape route.
If your chimney is open and does not have a cap on top of it, we strongly recommend that you place some kind of protection over the opening so bugs and debris don’t fly into it.
When clearing out your fireplace before using your chimney balloon, it is best to wait until after the fire has been extinguished. Chimneys have a tendency to be smoky and hot when in use so if you try clearing them before extinguishing the fire, not only do you risk getting burned but also inhaling large amounts of smoke which can lead to respiratory problems.
If you have an electric fireplace, the Chimney Balloon will block all airflow to your unit so it is not recommended that you use this product with them for safety purposes. If you are unsure if your fireplace is gas or electric, please contact a professional contractor in your area who can help determine which type of unit yours falls into.
If you have a gas fireplace, it’s best to turn the unit off and let it cool down before using your chimney balloon.
When installing your Chimney Balloon, be sure that there is no excess fabric hanging over the opening as this will only create more creosote build up which can cause chimneys to catch fire.

FAQs

How long does it take to inflate the balloon?

It takes approximately two minutes to fully inflate a Chimney Balloon. You’ll find that you can breathe normally while your chimney is being cleared too! Keep in mind, this time may vary depending on how much use there has been of the fireplace before using the Chimney Balloon. If it’s been a long time since the fireplace has been used, you can expect to have about five minutes added onto that two-minute period because of how much soot and grime is built up in your chimney.

How often should Chimney Balloons be replaced?

As with most products, Chimney Balloons should be replaced when they begin to show signs of wear. There are no hard and fast rules about how often you should replace your chimney balloon, but we recommend that it’s swapped out every six months for best results.

How long can I keep my Chimney Balloon inflated?

You will find it more difficult to keep your chimney balloon inflated for longer periods of time. However, if you are using the Chimney Balloon as a quick fix before an occasion where you must have the fireplace on (for example), it’s okay to leave it inflated throughout that period. Just know that after this use, you will likely need to replace your Chimney Balloon.

How does the Chimney Balloon stay inflated inside my chimney?

The patented design of our products is what allows them to work so well in all kinds of situations. The unique one-way nozzle that goes into your fireplace creates a seal, which means you won’t lose any air at all when you are using the Chimney Balloon. As this nozzle is designed to fit into most standard fireplaces, it will also create a seal in any other type of appliance that uses an airtight design.

What happens if I lose my one-way valve?

If you do happen to misplace your one way valve or find that it has been damaged in some way, there is no need to panic. You can contact our customer service department and we will get a replacement shipped out straight away! In the meantime, you should continue using your Chimney Balloon as normal without an airtight seal. It’s important that you note this though: once you have replaced the one-way valve, you must allow 24 hours for it to reach its full airtight seal.

What is the best way to clean my Chimney Balloon?

Chimney Balloons are very easy and safe to clean because they’re made of a unique fire-resistant material that cannot be burned in any flame or fireplace. You can either wipe your Chimney Balloon down with warm, soapy water or you can use a special brush designed to clean the Chimney Balloons.

Where should I store my Chimney Balloon?

You don’t need to worry about storage because our products are specifically made not to lose their shape over time! Our patented design means that your Chimney Balloon will always return to its original shape, whether it’s been in storage for a few weeks or even months.

How much does the average Chimney Balloon weigh?

One of the most popular questions we get asked is about weight because people are often worried they won’t be strong enough to lift the Chimney Balloon. Don’t worry though! Our products are designed to be easy for everyone, regardless of whether you have a lot of strength or not. You will find that one average sized person can lift our largest Chimney Balloon without any issues at all!

Conclusion

This was a short article about what is a chimney balloon. It can be used for many different reasons, but the most common one is to protect your fireplace from water damage during winter months when it’s not in use. That way you don’t need to worry about costly repairs!