Positioning:-
Normally, the chimney balloon goes about 1 to 2 feet above the fireplace opening, depending on your type of chimney and on the size of your chimney balloon. The smallest parallel section is the best position, as long as most of the handgrip is obscured and the chimney balloon fits snugly all round. It must not fret or rub once installed.
Installation:-
With the tap open (in line with the handgrip), blow a little air in to the chimney balloon - just enough to let you place it up into position without it scraping against the chimney. If you have a cast iron fire with a hole for the smoke to rise through you will need to push the chimney balloon through this before you start inflating.
With the chimney balloon in place and the white label facing you, complete inflation:
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- by mouth inflation tube, plugging directly into the tap
- by air bed pump, inserting the nozzle into the tube end
- by mountain bike or car valve pump, inserting the flexible connector end in to the rubber tube end. |
When inflated, turn the tap off. You may have to top it up in an hour or two because the air may have cooled.
Check while you are inflating it that the chimney balloon is positioning correctly - it may find its own position because it tends to move to where the chimney is widest. Continue until the balloon is gently firm, like prodding your thigh, but not drum-taut. You can test it by pushing the handgrip upwards - it should feel springy. The handgrip must hang free without restraint.
Put the "remember" notice in the grate or by the gas tap. If winds cause high chimney suction, tether the chimney balloon by its tap to the grate with a length of string. If you are leaving the chimney balloon permanently in position, check every 3 months that it is still doing its job. You may very occasionally need to top up the air.
Removal:-
Remove the "remember" card, then open the tap. Press the handgrip against the side of the chimney through the balloon, so that the air is forced out. Soon you will be able to pull the balloon free. Roll it in newspaper or a polythene bag for tidy storage.
Repair:-
Wipe abrasion holes clean and seal with Sellotape
Ventilation:-
The bag's unique shape should leave small air gaps in two corners, allowing air to ventilate the chimney. In some chimneys, lack of ventilation may cause build-up of damp in the wall. If this happens, remove your chimney balloon, let the wall dry out, then replace the balloon taking care that there are ventilation gaps.
Safety:-
If a fire is lit with the balloon in place, it will quickly shrink, allowing fumes to escape up the chimney. The bag is unlikely to burn if it remains in the chimney and the handgrip is not inflammable.
Caution:-
If you over-inflate your chimney balloon, the inflator will probably blow out before the bag bursts, but we cannot accept responsibility for any damage howsoever caused, except as covered by the Sale of Goods Act. |
