Question: “Do fireplace doors help with chimney draft?”
Glass fireplace doors open and close to reveal an open masonry fireplace. They will often accompany wood, fireplaces or gas log sets inside of wood fireplaces. Frequently, we have folks asking about purchasing glass fireplace doors to help with the cold downdraft. Fireplace doors are perceived as an affordable option instead of a fireplace insert. Folks frequently ask us, “How do I stop cold air from coming down my chimney?”
Answer: No, glass fireplace doors do not help with draft.
In our experience, fireplace doors are a great aesthetic option, but do little to improve efficiency. They are also more costly than most folks expect and accomplish very little to warm up your living room.
Glass fireplace doors are not completely sealed. – Yes, fireplace doors can close. No, fireplace doors are not airtight. Glass fireplace doors will not keep your home any warmer, but they do make your fireplace look pretty! If you do not want heat and only want to improve your fireplace’s design, glass fireplace doors will meet your needs.
Glass fireplace doors can be dangerous if closed while your fireplace is in operation!
In our experience, folks in Pennsylvania often value bone warming heat in the dead of winter. Fireplace doors can not be closed while the fireplace is in operation. Never close your glass fireplace doors when operating a wood fireplace! Misguided consumers have been injured because they incorrectly assumed that glass fireplace doors can be closed during operation of a wood fire. The glass used for fireplace doors is not UL tested or approved. If you want to, “close a door” while burning wood, then purchase a wood fireplace insert or pellet fireplace insert.
Depending on your goals, you can also make use of propane, natural gas, or electric fireplace inserts to fill your fireplace and stop the cold draft.
Glass doors do not open on gas fireplace inserts. If you need to open a gas fireplace insert, please contact an NFI certified service professional.
Some options to get your fireplace to provide more heat:
1) Conduct a Level 2 Chimney Inspection with a CSIA certified chimney sweep to make sure your chimney is safe.
2) If you plan to NEVER use the fireplace again, stop the cold chimney draft with a damper or insulation.
3) Create more heat by installing a fireplace insert.
What fireplace fuel type is the best for my home?
- Pellet
- Pellet fireplace inserts serve homeowners that enjoy having consistent deep without having to frequently refill the hopper.
- Pellet heating appliances are wonderful for anyone who needs a warm home while they are away for most of the day.
- Wood
- Wood fireplace inserts are a great option for folks who are home often enough to refill the firebox every 2-5 hours depending on burn rate.
- Gas
- Gas fireplace inserts provide heat with extreme convenience making them an excellent option if you just want to “turn it on” and “turn it off” with the touch of a button.
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- Natural Gas
- Natural gas fireplace inserts are the most cost efficient fuel type, but have limited availability depending on natural gas availability in your area.
- Propane Gas (LP)
- Propane gas fireplace inserts are a great option if you can’t get natural gas, but still want the convenience of a gas fireplace insert.
- Natural Gas
- Electric
- Electric fireplace inserts seal off the fireplace and add some simulated ambiance with minimal heat output
