Drafty Fireplace Insert

[ron d]

I have a Regency wood burning fireplace insert that pours cold air in the house. It is connected to a flex steel pipe to the top of the chimney.

I had a fireplace guy shove bunches of insulation up around the chimney above the stove and it worked okay.

However, I still have cold air coming in at the base through the holes in the removable blower unit.

Is there anyway I can stop the leaks completely?

The manufacturer can't fix the problem and my next step is to trash the stove.

[viceman]

did you try building a fire in it?

[ron d]

I can burn a fire fine but I am not burning wood this season.

Burning wood is not a fix.

[ron d]

I fixed the problem by pulling out the blower fan front and stuffed the holes with insulation.

Problem Solved!

[hearthman]

congratulations! You just voided the warranty and listing on your stove.

Is this insert installed into a masonry or factory built fireplace?

[ron d]

I can always take out the insulation if I ever decide to burn wood again which I probably won't ever again until someone can ever come up with a real fix.

[jtp10181]

Answer the question and maybe someone can help more.

Is it installed into a masonry fireplace or a metal prefabricated fireplace?

Whats the model of the regency? Whats the model of the prefab wood unit its installed in (if its a prefab).

Pictures?

[ron d]

The insert is a Regency 13100 installed in a brick fireplace with a flexsteel tube.

[jtp10181]

Is it a full length liner to the top, or a stubby?
Is it sealed with a metal plate at the top or bottom or both?
Was there an air intake on the old masonry fireplace?
Was there an ash pit in the old masonry fireplace?

[ron d]

I hope that I can answer the questions accurately.

The flex tube is one piece to the top.

I believe it is sealed with a metal plate at the top and bottom.

I believe there was an air intake on the old fireplace and as far as an ash pit, is that the cast iron door on the outside of the chimney?

It has one.

Hope this sheds some light.

[ron d]

Since I cannot get information on how to resolve the problem,

does anyone recommend an engineer or fireplace expert in the Charlotte area that can fix my problem?

Thanks to anyone who can resolve my problem!

[jtp10181]

It sounds like the chimney is sealed up well.
So the only other place air can be getting in would be through the air intake, through the ash pit, or through cracks in the masonry where it is separating from the rest of the house. From the outside you should be able to seal up the air intake outlet, and the ash pit door, It would be best if they could be sealed from the inside as well, but that might mean moving the insert.

[ron d]

Thank you for this great information!

Who would be a reputable business that can do this?

I am near Charlotte, NC.

Thanks again,

[adamzman]

I've seen this problem a lot. Most of the time the problem is the metal plate at the top of the chimney is not in fact well sealed. There are big gaps that leak a lot of air. The only way to know for sure is to climb up there and take a look. Have a chimney repair or HVAC professional take a good look.

[BobbyL]

Try Firehouse Casual living in CLT NC, they will have a pro who installs for them.
They may have the word"Patio" in their name?