Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Fireplace making room cold

I am a new homeowner of a split-level. I currently do not use my fireplace and have no intention of doing so (have not gotten it inspected yet). My problem is the fireplace is in the family room, (lowest level) and that room is freezing cold. It makes most of the other rooms in the home cold as well. I made sure the heat vents are open in that room, but have no idea why it stays so cold in there. The laundry room is next to the family room and if I keep the door shut, the laundry room (which has no heat vents) is warmer than the family room! What can I do to warm up the family room?

Make sure the flue/damper is closed in the fireplace.

If it happens to be one of those brick fireplaces that is also on the outside, the brick is probably transferring the cold into the room also.

We just thought to check the flue and it was slightly open so we closed it and it still didn't make a difference. You are right though, it is brick and the house was built in 1969. I'm seriously considering buying a few of those "Cozies" they keep advertising! Thanks for your reply.

Hi 31, if your fireplace/chimney goes up through the middle of the house, I wasn’t sure from your answer, then it is required by code to have a two inch clearance around the chimney all the way up through the attic. You can inspect it from the attic and add metal flashing and fire rated caulk to close and seal that gap. If it is entirely on the outside of your house, then feel arounf the edges of the brick as there can still be leakage.

Try taping a sheet of plastic across the fireplace opening as most dampers still don’t close completely.

In all homes, the warm air rises and escapes through leaks on the walls and ceiling above some neutral zone. That air is then replaced by cold air leaking in below that neutral zone, and your basement is always below. Therefore, look for air leaking out as well as air leaking in.

Bud

It's along the outside of the house. I'll check for a leakage as you suggested and taping plastic over the opening since I don't plan on using it. Thanks for your help!

As you tape the plastic over it, you should be able to notice whether or not there is a draft, it will billow out. A better looking and more permanent fix is to build a wood frame inside the opening and cut a piece of plywood to fit. Seal it with some foam around the edges and wedge it in place. Then paint a fire scene on the front:).

If the cold persists, and it probably will, if you can access where your house rests on the concrete foundation, there is always air leaking in. Basements are normally a challenge, finished basements are almost impossible.
Here is some reading.

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/35017.pdf

Bud