block draft?

Would it make sense to somehow block off the pipe-chimney during times I do not use my stove to keep oil-burner warmed air from escaping up the chimney? (I've sealed up all the exhaust fans in the house in the baths and kitchen - no risk of too much humidity in winter).

Attached is a photo of my stove showing the pipe that goes up and then bends to exhaust out the wall.

This stove has no damper to close. I can slide the metal bar across the top front air holes to control air inflow from there (but assume it is not air tight as no gaskets). I understand that there is a secondary air intake from the back that lets air come in from the top into the stove to perform a secondary burn, and that is an area I cannot reach so assume it is always "open".

Your thoughts?

My stove is always in use unless we are away for a few days..even then there is usually some hot coals left..lol.

I doubt there is much going up it if the stove is cold.
But I would shut the intake down if I thought about it.

I still use the exhaust fans in my bathrooms in the winter for showers.

Some folks do stuff insulation in the flue when it is not in use. That works well. However, should you do this I'd highly recommend putting something on the firebox door or some cardboard in the firebox with a message as a reminder to pull that stuffing out of the flue before lighting a fire. It is easy to forget.

+1 . . . almost always in use in the Winter . . . but even if it wasn't I would guess that I also lose a lot of heated air every time I open up the outside door to go outside, use the vent in the bathroom, etc.

I wouldn't worry too much about it . . . my real concern would be someone rigging something up to block off the flue and then forgetting to remove the blocking before use.

During the summer I will block my outside air intake and I will close my stovepipe damper. This is to prevent humidity from entering the house. I run a dehumidifier all summer to help keep the AC from having to work too hard.

MnDave