Chimsoc - Medium Rectangle - Balloon For Chimney Up To 60cm x 30cm (24"x12")

In my original review of this product, I gave it two stars because it would not retain the air properly and I returned it. I then reconsidered that it could have been that I was blowing it up manually as opposed to using a pump - the instructions warn that if blowing it up by mouth, the warm air from your breath will cool and condense and allow the balloon to collapse slightly when you first inflate it and that topping up may be required. I still suspect that I had a duff one, but having said that, I was contacted by Chimsoc immediately and they offered a replacement, so I can't fault their customer service. The replacement one arrived promptly and this time I inflated using a pump. I can report that it seems to be staying up very well and doing the job - ie reducing updraughts.I also have to say that the plastic is much thicker and of a more robust construction than other brands of chimney balloon I have purchased, so in conclusion I would say it is a good product - subject to the usual caveats about getting one that fits your chimney flue - but would recommend the pump!

I bought two of these last week and was pleased when they arrived the next day.I installed one in the dining room. It was quick and easy, I stood in the chimney and pushed the balloon up to a point where I hope it will stay put for years keeping out the drafts and birds' mess - 5 stars.The one in our bedroom was more difficult, due to the small Victorian fireplace being set into a much larger chimney. The balloon replaced a filthy old piece of thick foam and once in, looked much tidier. All was well until it rained heavily last night. The plastic balloon amplified the noise of the rain dripping down the flue like a drum. It woke us up and kept us awake for hours, until my befuddled brain figured out that I didn't have to wait until daylight to deal with it and I pulled it out in a trice. I reckon I can buy a new piece of foam and paint some spare mdf black to support it on at less than the cost of the balloon - 1 star.

This is a mixed product. When they work, they are fantastic. We now have 4 in our house, and they have made a noticeable difference to the warmth of the place, and have eliminated drafts from the chimneys altogether. The problem is, getting one that works right. We have had 5 in total. Of those, one simply deflated overnight, falling out of the chimney. We sent it back, and received a prompt refund. The other problem has been suffered by all 5, and it's a manufacturing and quality control fault. The valve through which you inflate the sock isn't made properly, and certainly isn't inspected. That means that the hole is either too small or covered up altogether by plastic flashing - a thin piece of plastic which covers the hole and is caused by the halves of the mold being a bad fit. Pretty poor show. It's easy to fix with a very thin blade or narrow screwdriver, but I don't expect to have to do this to EVERY one of the 5 I bought. Shame, because that poor quality control spoils what would otherwise be a fantastic product.

The unit was a little bit smaller than I needed but but managed to find a way of putting it further up the chimney than I wanted to . Make sure you get your head up your chimney and measure first as once they are used I don't think they could be returned as they get scratched by the chimney breast. But it has worked for the job it was built for stopping the draught coming down the chimney into the lounge

I have ordered the wrong size, but it is entirely my fault. I should have checked further up the chimney as it only requires a 1 foot square balloon. I inserted this just inside the chimney breast where it does fit but the valve and inflation tube hang down, as it should be inserted higher up, but as already mentioned it's too big. That said I tried it just inside where it does fit, but it kept deflating a bit overnight and falling down. I ordered 2 unfortunately the other one is still brand new in it's box. I have now ordered the 1 foot square balloon, and I am hoping it will be ok,if so I will order another one 1 foot square.

I have installed this and it seems to be doing the trick. It's fairly easy to install, there's no getting round the fact that you will probably be lying on your back in the fireplace to fit it, but it's ok.It's supposed to have a rounded end to let a small movement of air to stop damp build up, but I'm not sure that it worked out like that with my chimney so (as suggested in the instructions) i will place a small piece of garden hose at the side to let the air through a bit. The major draughts (felt from across the room) have definitely gone though. I would say it's worth the money.

I need another one. The ballon in the chimney has a puncture so now I'll have to purchase another smaller one the next time.

Easy to fit and inflate, came with tube to inflate the item, simple to install I half inflated the item, them put it in the chimney hole where the draft was coming from and inflated it. It comes with a valve and admitedly you do have to reinflate a little, but no big deal. This has made a massive difference to retaining warmth in the room, where once their was a gapeing hole blowing in cold air. It completely blocks the hole and you can get this item in a range of different sizes.