During the cold weather months, you can save energy by keeping your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warm air back into the room. Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper, and make sure it as snug as possible.
Grates made of C-shaped metal tubes will draw cool room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room, and caulking around the fireplace hearth will also help to seal air leaks.
Find out more techniques to improve your fireplace or wood-burning appliance’s efficiency.
Learn tips for safe and efficient fireplace installation and wood burning.