We installed a new higher-efficiency furnace in December. The house and chimney are old, and there is currently no chimney liner. Now the chimney doesn't draw properly and there is condensation causing leaching and staining on the inside of the chimney in the attic. We have looked into having a new liner or (cast-in-place) Supaflu. The liner would cost much less than the (cast-in-place) Supaflu, which is a molded flue (poured around an inflated tube, which is extracted later). We like the idea of the increased structural support of the Supaflu. We were told by the Supaflu guy that with the liner, loose stone could fall and cause problems with the liner, and that it would be too tight to put insulation around the liner. On the other hand, should we be concerned that the molded flue will crack when the house shifts? Does anyone have any experience with Supaflu?

Just bought a new home and noticed that on the drop down vent cover on the bottom of the gas enclosed fireplace (where the pilot light and controls are) there seems to be a lot of cold air flow blowing into the room. Obviously this should be insulated but how do I do this? Do I simply shove some insulation into the area behind the controls? The area does not get too hot due that there are controls and lines for the gas here, however I don't want to start a fire. Any suggestions? Hoggman