Wind-Kat flue pipe topper....wonder if this thing works????

[imacman]

Just happened to stumble across this thing from an eBay search. Supposed to use wind to help draw out flue gases.

Curious what the forum members think...will fit 4" - 8" pipe.

www.windkat.com

(broken link removed to http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350268426920&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123#ht_500wt_963)

So, what say you all....good product, or money making gimmick???

 

[jtakeman]

My vote! Money making gimmick.

 

[Dr_Drum]

Interesting find Macman. I have no idea if that would work, but would offer up that there is a such thing as too much draft effectively pulling heat out of the unit and lowering the efficiency. Not sure that applies to these low stack temperature/power vented pellet stoves though. On a furnace there is a draft control which is supposed to be set to balance the draft pulling on the stove, and pull air from the room instead, leaving more heat in the stove.
Mike -

 

[defield]

Macman,

Your dilligence in bringing the latest in technology to our attention is without equal. ( Seriously, I look forward to your posts.)

I like the, "Solves all fire-place and chimney problems" hmmmm . . . . so it will fix cracked liners, leaky dampers, and glazed built up cresote . . . . .??

"Lowers heating costs by 5-20%" Could write paragraphs about that one. Short answer, IMO . . More likely to raise heating costs.

"Recommended by the chimney sweep." I have met chimney sweeps ( and many people in other occupations) who will recommend about anything including relations with close relatives for a few beers.

In addition, the English translation reads like the infamous e-mails from Ugandian prince who needs help getting his millions out of the country and just happened to pick you.

I have seen draft inducing chimney caps in this area, but they are not common.

Ranger

 

[hossthehermit]

I gotta vote "gimmick" on this one,mac. Tip-off for me is the "permission-freely" part of it.
BUT, (as you know), that's just MY opinion.

 

[krooser]

geez... I bought a "Tornado" for the intake system of all my cars... this looks like it must work, too. At that price I could afford to put up a couple extra chimneys and save even more.