Chimney Balloon fireplace damper

After 1 year it is still stopping the smokey fireplace smell.

Jason, We have used the[Chimney] Balloon for over a year now and it is like a weight lifted off our shoulders. We have tried many things to get rid of the smokey smell from our fireplace. We had even duct taped plastic sheeting over it. That worked for awhile until the duct tape lost its hold eventually and we were constantly pressing it down again to get a tight seal.

We had the chimney cleaned and a locking top [damper] installed. Even after spending several hundred dollars we were left with the same smoky smell. It was really bad on hot humid days!

Your [Chimney Balloon] product has been the perfect solution and now we have one less thing to worry about. Thank you so much!

Anna Marie B.
Lake Forest, IL

Compare and review the Chimney Balloon vs Fireplace Plug Draftstopper

Q: Jason, I've been comparing the Chimney Balloon product to the Fireplace Plug Draft Stopper online. Can you tell me why I should consider the Chimney Balloon over the other?- NM

A: Dear NM, I'm glad you asked this question and I will be real frank in my reply and try to show you both sides.

In 2003 (Two years before I came on board with Chimney Balloon as a Rep), I had a drafty fireplace in my own home. I looked online and found the two products you found in your research, the Chimney Balloon and the Fireplace Plug Draftstopper. I ordered up the Fireplace Plug first since it was available in the US. I tried it out and was not satisfied with the seal. I ended up ordering a Chimney Balloon next (at that time in 2003 it was not available in the US yet, so I had it imported) and compared the two. I'm going to draw on that experience because at the time I was simply reviewing the products as a customer, and could have been swayed either way.

Here are a few of the unique features of the Chimney Balloon that I took note of.

1) When the Chimney Balloon is installed in the flue it is not visible in the hearth or firebox, and you can remove the inflation tube or leave it on as a visual reminder that the balloon is installed.

2) The Chimney Balloon is available in a variety of sizes. This allows it to fit the dimensions of the fireplace exactly. This provides a wall to wall seal in the flue.

3) The Chimney Balloon installs above or below the damper, so you do not have to cut or slit it to make room for damper hardware. It also works in applications that have no damper at all. In my application above the damper was an easier install.

4) The Chimney Balloon - balloon material- is flexible enough to bend to the contour of the chimney surface and durable enough to not harden or puncture under use and time.

It is fair to mention the disadvantages as well...

1) You have to measure your flue area in order to purchase a Chimney Balloon of the proper dimensions.

2) Standard sizes ship same day, but custom sizes require a 14 day turnaround.

It was from my Chimney Balloon purchase back in 2003 that I came to appreciate the Chimney Balloon product as a customer first. Later in 2005 I approached the Chimney Balloon LTD in the UK about marketing it in the US and Canada. The rest is history... - Jason

Green Bloggers talk about the Chimney Balloons

The Chimney Balloon has become quite a topic of conversation for green energy and green tech bloggers.

The Chimney Balloon is referred to in so many ways. People call it: "an inflatable baffle, chimney seal, flue baffle, inflatable damper, chimney plug, chimney draft stopper, even a draft dodger!

Here is a link to an article that was written by a very well respected green blogger on the Plant Green website, his name is Josh Peterson:

"...That is where a Chimney Balloon comes in. A chimney balloon or chimney pillow is a reusable, durable plastic balloon that fits in the chimney under the flue and blocks out the cold air. Inflate the balloon and wedge it up near the flue. A chimney balloon can save you about $200-$500 dollars a year in heating costs.

Don't forget to remove the balloon before you start a fire. You should put a note on the fireplace door to remind you that the balloon is up there. If exposed to heat, the chimney balloon will deflate. I assume it just falls into the fire at that point. It's like a chimney balloon Icarus..." Click here to read the whole article

TomsGuide.com reviews the Chimney Balloon

Chimney Balloon USA provided a 9x9 Chimney Balloon to the editors of the popular Green Technology Website TomsGuide.com. We wanted theirhonest opinion on the Chimney Balloon product. They installed the Chimney Balloon, took some pictures, and like it! Here is a brief quote from their review:

"...With the balloon in place, there was an immediate stop to the air leaking into my basement from my wood stove chimney. I anticipate this will also keep odors from soot at bay (I have not experienced any since it has been in place). The balloon can easily be deflated for removal, and should I happen to forget it’s there when starting a fire, the balloon will deflate and fall out to allow for proper evacuation of smoke and heat..." Click Here to read the rest of the article.

Displayed image and text quote is property of TomsGuide.com, ©2009 All Rights Reserved by Copyright holder.

Can i get some replacement red reminder tags for the fireplace?

Q: We just recently ordered two chimney balloons (a couple of weeks ago) and they work fine. However we lost one of the red plastic tags that warns of the chimney balloon's presence in the fireplace. Could you please mail one or two of these to us? - RS

A: RS, I am glad you are happy with your chimney balloons. I will get a couple of those red reminder cards to you in the mail. - Jason

If this Chimney Balloon works, im gonna...

Q: Jason, I am going to place an order with your company and if it works, I am going to place your company’s information in every mailbox in my neighborhood. I never would have thought of such a simple solution. And I am serious, if this balloon does what you say it will do, you will have some free advertisement here in I***, California!!
Wish me luck!, KB

A: KB, Thank you for your interest and exhuberance in Chimney Balloons. If you have any questions on measureing your fireplace for a properly sized Chimney Balloon please feel free to call our customer help line 608-467-0229, or you can email customer service through the website www.chimneyballoon.us/contactus.html for assistance. Chimney Balloons have been helping hundreds of thousands of fireplace owners worldwide since 1989 save heat and energy. We are certain you and your neighbors will have a positive experience with our product. If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to contact us.

Dont forget to review the sizing page before ordering http://www.chimneyballoon.us/Chimneyballoonsizing.html