A chimney is more than just a passageway for air and smoke to exit your home. It consists of several components that ensure the proper functioning of your fireplace. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep these components in good condition, but with proper chimney inspections and cleaning, you can stay ahead of the game.
One crucial component of a chimney is the chimney damper, also known as the fireplace damper. It is a metal or ceramic sheet located inside the chimney that can be manually opened and closed. When the damper is open, smoke, gases, and other byproducts of the fire burning in your fireplace can escape your home. On the other hand, when it is closed, it prevents cold air from entering your home and warm air from escaping, making it beneficial during both winter and summer seasons.
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The chimney damper not only controls the efficiency and intensity of a fire when partially closed but also acts as a barrier to prevent animals and debris from falling into the fireplace when fully closed. Although it is not essential, most fireplaces have a chimney damper. Its location can vary, either just above the firebox at the base of the chimney, at the top of the chimney, or at the base of the flue.
How A Chimney Damper Works
A chimney damper can be opened or closed using a handle, a rotary-style screw, or a pull chain. Dampers with handles may include latches that allow for partial opening or closing at specific angles.
By partially opening the damper, you can control the intensity of the fire and allow smoke and gases to escape your home. It’s worth noting that a significant amount of heat, up to 80 to 90 percent, can be lost up the chimney during a fireplace fire. Adjusting the damper helps reduce heat loss and increase efficiency.
Opening And Closing A Fireplace Damper
For fireplaces with traditional dampers, you will find a handle located under the top of the fireplace. The handle can be moved forward, sideways, or may have latch control. If there is no handle, a screw-style handle is used instead.
To fully open the damper, push the handle as far away from you as possible. Lock the handle into the latch to keep the damper open. Pulling the handle towards you will close the damper.
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Some dampers have a lever that moves sideways to open and close the damper.
If your damper features a rotary-style screw control, turn it clockwise to open and counterclockwise to close.
For top-mounted dampers, there is usually a chain attached to the side of the fireplace. Unhooking the chain will allow the spring to open the damper. To close it, pull the chain down and place it back onto the hook. If the chain does not spring up to open the damper, there may be an issue with the damper.
Determining That Your Chimney Damper Is Open Or Closed
Before using your fireplace, it’s essential to know whether the chimney damper is open or closed. If it is closed when you start a fire, smoke, gas, and other byproducts will enter your home.
There are several ways to determine the position of the damper:
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Visually: Lean in and look up the chimney. If the damper is visible, you can determine its position visually. In case of limited visibility, use a flashlight to illuminate the area.
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The Controls: Depending on the location of the damper, check for handles, levers, or chains that indicate if it is open or closed. Move the handle, lever, or chain accordingly to adjust the damper position.
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Check For A Draft: Place your hand at the top of the inside of the fireplace. If you feel a draft, the damper is open. If not, it is closed. Alternatively, you can light a rolled-up newspaper near the top of the fireplace and observe if the flames and smoke are drawn up into the chimney, indicating an open damper.
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Listen For Moving Air: Stand quietly next to your fireplace and listen for the sound of moving air inside the chimney. If you hear it, the damper is likely open. However, note that some dampers may not have a tight seal, so you might still hear air movement even if the damper is closed.
Never start a fire solely to determine the position of the damper, as it may result in the room filling with smoke and gases.
We’re Here To Help
If your fireplace damper doesn’t open or close properly, is damaged, or requires maintenance, do not hesitate to contact CSI. Our skilled staff specializes in chimney inspections, chimney damper repairs, and other general chimney issues. We also offer chimney cleaning services on an annual basis.
Additionally, we provide a range of wood and gas fireplaces as well as fireplace accessories.
Comments:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of fireplace dampers, their purpose, and how to operate them. It also highlights the importance of regular maintenance and the consequences of improper use. The sections on visually determining the damper position and checking for a draft provide practical insights for readers.
To enhance the value of the article, it would be beneficial to include some illustrative examples. For instance, explaining how adjusting the damper can impact the intensity and heat output of a fire, or sharing anecdotes about the importance of chimney damper maintenance. Adding these real-life scenarios will make the content more relatable and valuable for readers.
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