u/CLErealtor

So I have a previously wood fireplace, when it’s hot and humid outside, and my ac is on, it is sucking air through my chimney and making the entire first floor smell like smoke!
I installed the best top damper, still smells! I left the flue damper in and closed that also, still smells.
I assume it’s a negative pressure issue, because when I turn on the gas starter, even a small flame, the smoke smell is gone in 5 minutes.

How do I fix this? An HVAC company said my ducts may be too small or leaking, my fan may be too high, and they need to balance the system.

Could I just install a fresh air vent in the basement to counter act the negative pressure?

My basement is freezing, main floor has the fireplace and normal, and top floor is 5 degrees warmer than main.

I also considered a ducted fireplace insert but not sure it would seal the fireplace enough to prevent smell leaking in.
HELP!!!

Hello all,
I’m coming from Apple HomePods to the soundbar world, and would love a nice 3.0 bar. Is there any issue tucking one into a custom built white wood fireplace mantel with autistically transparent fabric for the front?

I’d prefer a bar without top and side speakers, just 3.0 straight speakers, is that even a thing?

Thoughts on this idea?

Does anyone have one of these they want to sell? I’d like to have one for a center speaker instead of the dedicated center, and can’t find any that are not in a pair. I just need one

Does anyone have one of these they want to sell? I’d like to have one for a center speaker instead of the dedicated center, and can’t find any that are not in a pair. I just need one

Hello all! I’m looking at my first setup with used gear and would love your opinions! I have a living room I may put it in for now with a tv, but will probably end up with the basement and my cheap projector.
Living room is 17x17 with fireplace, and hardwood. I’ll probably end up with a tv and my two HomePods there.

My basement is concrete with brick walls, so working out if I can just add rugs and curtains or finish with carpet and drywall eventually. This will be theater / workout space. Thoughts on that?

I have a limited budget so I’m starting with a a stereo pair then going to 3.1 as soon as possible. The gear I’m looking at now is below.

This is primarily for movies, and I’ll have a cheap tv behind the projector for games.

AVR - Yamaha RX-v4a 5.2 about $350 on eBay
LR - KEF Q150 about $500 on eBay

Eventually
Center KEF Q150 - $180
And a SVS SB-1000 or SB2000 sub for $500 eBay

I’m hoping to start under $1000 and add the 3.1 to be under $1500.

I have a cheap 1080 projector and 120” screen for now that works but will upgrade eventually too.

Am I crazy off or does this sound like a good start? I’m coming from a trash 5.1 Black Friday setup for $200 lol so this is a huge improvement. I’ve never used an AVR and really excited to add a true subwoofer to my system!

I have a brick fireplace and chimney, built in 88, and when it’s really hot outside the down draft brings a ton of smoke smell into the house!
I’m converting it to gas logs, but want to get rid of the smoke smell into my house first.
A chimney company said they’ll spray concrete in the flue and smoke chamber for $5000 and that’s the only way to remove the smoke smell.

Has anyone done a concrete spray in their flue or firebox?
I’ve read about PCR cleaning but he said that wouldn’t get rid of the smell as it’s baked in.

I sealed the interior damper with caulk to see if a top damper would help, and it stopped a little smell but I can still pick it up when in the room.

Any suggestions or thoughts on the concrete spray lining everywhere?