Smoke Coming into Room


We have a working fireplace and a recently cleaned chimney. We have just started lighting fires again this year, and we always find smoke comes into the room. We find that it takes about two or three hours before the room clears, once we have a good bed of hot coals. I had one chimney guy tell me I need one of those spinning caps because all my chimneys on that line are at the same height, but we’re the only fire lit, and to be honest, every time I get my chimney cleaned the guys always find something that costs upwards of $600 that I ‘need’ to do so I am suspicious. I always crack a window when it happens to make sure there is enough draw. Also – we’re using last years wood which is so dry now its burning fast and hot. Anyone have any ideas on why this is happening or what i need to do to stop it.

By CGman | | Comment

Electric heating upgrade


We have electric heating in our Brownstone duplex – not baseboard, but large elements under grills recessed in the floor. There are 6 on each floor, one under every window. They were installed in 1973. We’re thinking that we could replace the elements with more modern and efficient ones and cut down on our bills. Anyone have any ideas who would be able to advise us and take care of the installation?

By CGman | | Comment