I have a fireplace insert (Harman) with a metal panel surround. When not in use I get the typical odors throughout the house. I would love to install a top sealing damper, but due to the metal panels I do not have access to the interior of the fireplace. I tried to find top sealing dampers that are remotely controlled without luck. Any suggestions?
Remote control top sealing damper?
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Does your insert vent into a 6" liner, connected at the stove, the extends to the top of the chimney? Or does it vent into a length of pipe that extends only above the smoke shelf ( a "direct-connect') or just vent right into the chimney from the stove, with no pipe (a "slammer")?
With a liner system, if you install a block-off plate, you shouldn't be experiencing odors. The will also provide the best system to ensure good draft and prevent heat loss, let alone to maximize safety and a clean chimney.
Personally, I would NEVER install a top-sealing damper in your situation, for risk of letting CO build up in the house when there are still any trace of live coals in the stove. A little dab will do ya in.
Does your insert vent into a 6" liner, connected at the stove, the extends to the top of the chimney? Or does it vent into a length of pipe that extends only above the smoke shelf ( a "direct-connect') or just vent right into the chimney from the stove, with no pipe (a "slammer")?
With a liner system, if you install a block-off plate, you shouldn't be experiencing odors. The will also provide the best system to ensure good draft and prevent heat loss, let alone to maximize safety and a clean chimney.
Personally, I would NEVER install a top-sealing damper in your situation, for risk of letting CO build up in the house when there are still any trace of live coals in the stove. A little dab will do ya in.
It is a slam in. The panels are removable yes, but not a permanent solution unless I'm not understanding you (which is very possible). How would I mount the chain to pull the damper closed? It's the only fireplace. Tile lined flue that is in good shape.
I would clean the fireplace and the terracotta and install a liner, that would be your best bet. Are you burning coal or burning wood in an old coal insert?
To answer your question directly, the only product I know of to do what you're looking for is the Flue Sentinel, only problem... it is for gas. I never have found one for wood/coal burning appliances.
(broken link removed to http://fieldcontrols.com/flue-sentinel.php)
Check out the Chimalator for a manual chain closure: (broken link removed)
(broken link removed to http://fieldcontrols.com/flue-sentinel.php)
Check out the Chimalator for a manual chain closure: (broken link removed)
You need a liner whether it is for coal or wood it is dangerous to burn either the way you have it setup now
Mellow, the metal surrounds would prevent the arm coming out from the fireplace-my stove looks similar to your avatar. It's a coal burner that I burn wood in. Spoke with Harman back when I bought it (15 years ago) and the setup was fine with them. Tile is the liner, but I am not going to argue the point (it wasn't even made for a liner, you have to find an adaptor for it. I never have a problem burning, it's just on wet cool days that I don't burn I get the odor from the down draft. CO monitors have never gone off. It's not a primary heat source, just keeps the lower section of my spit entry warm.
And you wont have a problem till you do. And with those when there is a problem it is a big one. It is no longer to code and is absolutely unsafe which is why i will no longer even work on one if i get called out to clean one. I have put liners on many of them i just fab up a boot and go with it. You are going to do what you want but you will get very little support here for that install. And i have talked to harman many times and i am positive they do not condone an install that is not to code and they also are probably not ok with burning wood in a coal stove. Unless it is a combo unit which i have never seen in an insert but that doesnt mean they didnt make them
Harman told me directly that the only reason they cannot classify it as a woodburner was EPA Regulations.
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