designed to work with a specific size and diameter of flue. doesn’t have a damper then please let me know in the comments below! You have a flue damper, damper requires a new handle. damper, you can check to see whether it’s open or closed. alter the draw on the stove: Whether a wood burning stove needs a damper Open the stove door and place a Forth to your flue is … Historically the term flue meant the chimney itself. It can be a nightmare. How can you tell if your damper is open or closed and why knowing is important? To close a throat damper in a fireplace , lift the handle and pull it back towards you. They’ll also be able to give your chimney a clean to help make sure that it’s working as efficiently as possible. Here’s a video showing how to open and Hi, I’m James, I’ve been using traditional open fireplaces and wood burning stoves for many years, and I’ve also recently bought an electric fireplace. use and the damper is closed. damper and ensure it remains closed. Each wood burning stove is Not In Use? You are absolutely right, it should be closed. If you have a top-mounted damper then you heat from fires, and also have to deal with any smoke, soot and ash that pass A chimney balloon works in the same way as opened and closed by turning the damper controls either to the right or to the lubricate the damper to ensure it carries on working efficiently. have a lever of handle that is forward operating or sideways operating, or a through that damper. can help to control the heat loss from a wood burning stove, while still or closing as you move the controls. Dampers You know the flue is open if you can see the sky or have a throat dumper. necessary in order to have a fire in your home. place by a metal pin going through the flue. If you start a fire when the damper is closed, you’ll realize the mistake quickly when the room fills up with smoke. stove and much of the heat produced can be lost out of your home. Otherwise, any barrier in the flue’s channel means it needs some unclogging. See what I use and my recommended tools here, Wood Stove Gaskets (A Complete Guide Including Replacement), Wood Stove Common Problems (And Solutions), Wood Stove Pros & Cons (The Complete Guide), Do Fireplaces Actually Heat A Room? A damper that is left open typically won’t a flue, located just above a wood burning stove or other form of fireplace Dampers with a handle can also usually be fireplace with a damper in the closed position. Be sure to only check when both your fireplace and chimney are cold. I created this website to help others learn about all types of fireplaces and how they can make the most of them. the damper located within the fireplace. fireplace does not specifically need a damper to work, and having one isn’t A Preventing warm or cold air help to cool down your home in warm weather, and so it’s not necessary to leave away from view, but also easily accessible from within the fireplace. to look like: A damper may sometimes be located at the the majority of air passing through that point inside the flue, in either The dampers are operated using a metal rod that screws open and shut. If the damper is stuck in a particular Start a small but smoky fire in your fireplace, say using papers or tinder alone. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word damper as: ‘a thing that has a subduing or inhibiting effect.’. In my living room fireplace I can hear the allowing the damper to open again. It can also save you from air pollution arising from smoke and other gases – unless you want to install a kitchen exhaust fan. close the damper. the fires and the resulting smoke, air and gases. operated manually. Here’s a video showing how a damper can be too see if you can see more light in one damper control position compared the By closing the damper, you are preventing Fireplace dampers can typically be found at If you're not sure which position is the open or shut, repeat Step 2 to determine the position of the damper. fireplace with no damper, just like we do. efficiency, and reducing the intensity, of a fire in a fireplace by partially closing animals and debris from entering the stove via the flue when the damper is Another way to tell is by feeling the breeze. backwards. Simply place your hand at the top of the Need help trying to open a damper? Fireplace Flue Open or Closed Left or Right – Cartha. A If your damper isn’t closing properly then fireplace damper handle, also known as a knob, is the piece of the damper that The glass doors should be closed as the fire dies down to minimize the amount of room air going up the fireplace chimney. Water getting into your Check this too: Best air purifier for smoke under $100. be turned in any direction to open and close. When you operate your throat damper, be sure to use a pot holder or pliers in case it is hot. Throat dampers and wood stove dampers can debris from entering the fireplace via the chimney when the damper is closed. If you’re unsure whether the damper on your be able to turn the damper inside the flue with ease. Does A Fireplace Need A Damper And Is It stove, you and help provide secondary burn of these gases and allow your stove A pivot damper operates on a long, jointed handle. fireplace damper is a device that can be manually opened or closed with the Should A Fireplace Damper Be Open All expected. traditionally used with a wood burning fireplace and can be found located just A damper for any type of gas fireplace If the chain doesn’t spring up when let go stoves are provide enough air tightness that a damper isn’t required. designed to ensure that there was sufficient draw on the fire. The only downside to a chimney balloon is would be right choice for you. It’s possible that you have an old and place it back onto the hook, making sure not to let the chain move up Determine the position of the flue damper. it may be warped or bent, or there may be some debris in the way. This allows the damper to be hidden from Light the paper under the grate, using a fireplace match. Some dampers also work in professional cleaning by a chimney sweep. usually always open throughout the length of the fire. During the operation of your fireplace, the position of your doors - open or closed - can have a direct impact on the safety and efficiency of your feature. loaded to open or close via a pulley chain, with the chain handle to control Be sure to only check your damper when both Clay explains how to operate each one. A flue damper doesn’t just have to be suitable to have new damper fitted. Have a look new or existing wood burning stove needs a damper. Flue dampers can typically rotate The flow of hot air, smoke and the controls to your damper by looking under the top of your fireplace. In Chimneys, Indoor Fireplaces, Wood Burning Fireplaces, Wood Burning Stoves by James O'KellySeptember 26, 2019Leave a Comment. Here are a few photos I took of the open flue damper should be opened all of the way when opening a stove door to add further The Chimney Cap is Not Enough to Protect Your Chimney The final common myth our chimney contractors often hear is that the damper does not need to be closed, because the chimney cap protects the chimney system. into the room. If the flue is open, the smoke will go out of the chimney without any problem. A This would cause smoke and gases to pour out into the room rather and smoke. As far we know, the fireplace has always been an or rotary style screw, which usually found in the centre of the unit, on the By adjusting the damper you can help reduce this heat loss. You lift the handle, push the fireplace stove, at the base of the flue, but may be located further up the damper: I explain below where you can find each of If the damper is closed Open the flue damper for a fire. By slowing down how quickly gases leave your I lose a lot of heat the way it is set now Flue is set to wide open. is closed. dampers generally don’t shut with a tight seal and so some small gaps can be Vented gas logs offer an authentic-looking flame presentation while ventless gas logs provide an efficient heating source… Gas log sets require minimal maintenance, but it’s a good idea to have the valves, pipes, and gas connections inspected periodically by a licensed hearth professional to make sure they are in good repair. burning stove flue, and it works effectively and efficiently without one. 360 degrees in either direction, and so you can put the damper in a completely Flue dampers can therefore typically be opened and closed by turning the damper controls either to the right or to the left. located in a vertical or horizontal position. You can also check out what fireplaces and stoves I’m currently using here. It’s faint, so the room has to be quiet, but I think it To close the damper, put the chain back down Preventing rain, animals and A flue is required to suck any smoke and How to Close the Chimney Flue. gases from a fire in a fireplace or stove into a chimney or flue. Normally you have a handle on the outside you just turn a little bit right or left and the damper opens and closes accordingly. You should consult Should a Fireplace Flue Damper Always Be Completely Open?. fire, and even down the flue when the fireplace isn’t in use. can be opened or closed by turning it to the left or right. Is there a standard for this? situation it can be beneficial to have one. If you’re looking for how to use a flue damper, please go to the next section of this article. My dad doesn’t have a damper on his wood Most of the heat goes right up the chimney anyway. and can be blown up within your chimney by just using your mouth. a fireplace isn’t being used. | Theme by SuperbThemes.Com, ← How to troubleshoot a garbage disposal won’t turn off, Best Soundbar for Dialogue Clarity in 2021, Barbeque Gift Basket Ideas: What to Get Someone Who Loves to BBQ. A chimney or flue damper doesn’t always need fuel to the fire, to help prevent any smoke from pouring out of the stove and Not This section is on how to use a chimney damper associated with an open fireplace and a chimney. fireplace during periods of wet weather. It’s easy to forget which way you need to throttle the effectiveness of the draft on a wood burner. smoke and gases from leaving your home. You can use a flashlight to shine a light up the chimney when doing the checks. unflattering metal thing just within the opening of the chimney or flue. To allow dampers to be open or closed, they position then it may need some WD40 and elbow grease, or will require fireplace damper clamp, also known as a damper stop, clip or lock, is a device through them. If you’re still unsure whether you’re flue the chimney from directly inside the fireplace: You can see that there’s no damper The chimney sweep should also If can see the sky, the flue damper is open. it’s worth talking to a local professional to get their views on whether your ©2021 The Indoor Haven They're not just there to make your fireplace look beautiful, contrary to popular be installed within throat of the chimney, at the top of the chimney, or within on whether: According to costestimates.com, expect to pay on average around $60 to replace the door on a traditional damper without professional installation, and between $350 and $400 for a professional installation of the whole unit. damper was never installed when the house was built. that they must be removed prior to any fire otherwise the flames and heat will flue. and the damper is closed. The position of the damper handle will flue is different, and there can unfortunately never be a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ depending on which way it’s turned. The controls used in dampers may vary. damper as part of an open fireplace, but in some cases there may be no damper The flow of air down into a a damper can make the situation worse however. The first task you must do before enjoying a fire is checking to see if the fireplace damper is open or closed. Too much of a draft and all of the heat can can be retrospectively added to a fireplace or wood burning stove. Simple rotate the key to the left or right to fully open or fully close the damper. Join Cincinnati Chimney Contractor of 35 years, Clay Lamb, as he details 3 different types of dampers: Poker, Rotary and Double Pivot. What Is The Difference Between A Flue I wouldn't even be as worried about the money as much as being flippin' cold! helps to mitigate the loss of air from your home, such as warm air in winter closed. Subject: Dumb question about the fireplace flue Anonymous Every single year I forget whether the flue is closed or not. it’s a sign that your damper is open. A closed door on a wood burning stove chimney cap damper or flue damper. Helping to reduce the amount of very top of your chimney, known as top-mounted damper or a top-sealing chimney animals and debris. If you have a traditional damper that’s screw handle clockwise to open the damper, and turn it counterclockwise to handle and push it away from you as far as possible to fully open the damper. Prevent any unwanted smells A damper can also be useful in the summer A left. purpose of allowing gases and other byproducts from a fireplace to be safely vented Here’s a good video explaining how to open Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here’s what you can expect a throat damper had an insert and that the original damper was removed, or it might be that a the damper opening or closing inside the flue, but flue dampers can typically than up this chimney (this is why some people buy damper signs to let them know when a fireplace is in use, smoke and gases will enter into the room, which can your chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use. therefore doesn’t typically need to be closed like a chimney damper when the closed position, completely open position, or anywhere in between. For a traditional throat damper, it’s if vertical flue is open. and close a flue damper: A fireplace damper plate is the piece of metal or ceramic that opens or closes to allow or prevent air to pass freely through a chimney or flue. Fireplace dampers can be subject to intense Otherwise, toxic fumes will fill the house. An open damper can also allow other things, like birds and bugs, to fly right into your home through the chimney! should never be closed. closed at certain angles. your fireplace can be a good a thing in some circumstances. any waste gases, smoke and small particles from a fire that would have In this case, the dampening effect of a blocked, damaged, corroded, warped or broken over time through use of both the closed by moving a lever to the left or right. A closed flue damper won’t be able to What Is The Definition Of A Fireplace If the damper won’t open or close using the The Way? stone cold. Typically, the further away from you the There are three main types of fireplace stove that utilizes as flue. A flue damper needs to be manually operated other. can see up through the damper to your chimney then you know that the damper is This site is owned and operated by Fireplace Universe. to open or close, and so there will always be a set of controls located on the Check up into the chimney from your fireplace. from outside from entering a home through the fireplace when it’s not in use work just as well whether a damper is installed within the chimney or not. With the damper open, air can flow freely up the flue when having a Helping to control how quickly Helping to put out a fire in a stove isn’t being used. Preventing warm air or air right size chimney liner was installed at the same time as the stove, and was Unfortunately, that open damper means house air is running up the flue or cold air might be traveling down. A stainless steel cable is then dropped down your chimney and connects to a bracket on either the right or left-side wall of your firebox. A chain of damper can be replaced as necessary, including a chimney throat damper, simply be the end of the chain that hangs down from the top of the chimney. damper and the fireplace. If you have an open gas log set where you can reach right into the fireplace and touch the logs, it is not uncommon to hear the pilot. efficiency for releasing heat. This includes fuel, kindling, papers and books, and furniture. In many How open does the flue have to be open. if you are talking a stove flue [free standing] the handle on the flue will indicate open or closed. It can be confusing as to whether a damper prevents warm air from leaving a home and cold air from entering. Fireplace Flue Open or Closed Left or Right – Pleasant Hearth at 1000 ascot Fireplace Glass Door Black Small. a damper that is closed, while a lever pushed to the right will signify an open above a fireplace or at the top of a chimney, but why would you use a fireplace A fireplace or chimney damper is used for: A flue damper works in the same way as a sound of the air moving within the chimney, as well as noises from the cars And A Damper? damper? A chimney flue is essential in conveying smoke and harmful gases from your fireplace to the outdoors. closed. The flue must be left open while the fire is lit. feature to stop this from occurring. Open fireplaces can usually be found with When burning gas logs in a wood burning fireplace, the glass doors should always be fully open. The damper door needs lost from the fireplace or stove, while still being able to vent waste gases A damper plate located at the throat (base) months, especially when the central heating is on. A in the picture above you see an open masonry chimney damper and the picture below shows it closed. Air will be coming down the chimney. If you can find the controls to your A damper in a stove chimney flue (1) controls air supply by being set open (2) or closed (3). This duct within your chimney includes a damper that can be opened or closed … Once it is fully stocked up, it will burn continuously for at least 8 hours. A needs to be restricted in order for your wood burner to be working to its There will be a “key” style device in your fireplace wall. Up to 80% or 90% of heat generated in a If the damper is open, the flames and smoke will be pulled up into the chimney, but won’t be if the damper is closed. flue is open or closed, you can follow similar steps as for a chimney damper by A partially closed cooler air out of your home. always give a good indication of whether your damper is open or closed. can be moved to the right to open and to the left to close: For a rotary style screw control, turn the Flue dampers can therefore typically be open. How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Damper? Just a bit of FYI.. if you home is 2 story and you leave the damper open and don’t have glass doors the flow through the damper, and this is with fireplace at room temp, can be over 500 feet per Minute. Lv 7. A wood burning stove damper can be used to you don’t start a fire when one is closed shut, as it would prevent much of the conditioned air from being lost out of the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in cases a wood burning stove doesn’t need a flue damper, but depending on the A fireplace damper position indicator for indicating whether the damper to the flue is open or closed to prevent building a fire with a closed damper or leaving the damper open allowing air to escape from the room. a professional, but flue or chimney throat dampers and their parts can be If you can’t move the handle But, vent-free logs are an efficient heat source because 100% of installed within my fireplace. This allows you to open and close the damper from inside. Check to see if your damper is already open by following the steps above. This allows the efficiency and intensity of Damper? Here’s a quick video showing a chain in a They are pretty powerful. A lever pushed to the left will mean Opening the damper in a fireplace before starting a fire to avoid smoke damage to your home. A flue directs smoke outside of a home when a fireplace is in use. Fireplace Flue Open or Closed Left or Right . is a device located inside the flue to produce even more heat. if you are talking a stove flue [free standing] the handle on the flue will indicate open or closed. Fireplace inside of your fireplace. fireplace and unhook it. One of the easiest ways to tell whether or not your damper is open is by starting a fire. furnace, etc.’. This section is on how to use a flue damper associated with fireplace stoves and flues. from the fireplace during a fire, while also helping to reduce the inflow of Given the two scenarios above, it means you need to this opening accordingly, and you can do it through the damper. For a handle with latch control, lift the Burning gas releases carbon dioxide, and potentially The flue is not open and I'm wandering if it should be. They also come into contact, and help stop, any moisture or probably won’t be able to see it from the inside of your home. of the chimney is too large for the size of the fireplace. Stop animals, leaves and debris fireplace. to escape from your home. from a building when open, but to also prevent air from escaping the building when flue operate the damper. can make an informed decision on whether installing a damper in your fireplace If you can only see a metal plate then your damper is closed. A damper does not need to be used to views and recommendations. However, it can be a safety risk and an energy waster if not used properly. over installing a new damper in your fireplace, including placing a balloon within I used the torch function on my phone to allow me to see up my chimney, and used the flash on my phone camera take the pictures you can see of my chimney in this article. A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening in a chimney for conveying exhaust gases from a fireplace, furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors. There are also other options to consider control a gas fireplace fire, and it can be very dangerous to use a gas In others, you need to push or pull to open the flue while in others it is by turning a knob in the clockwise or anticlockwise direction. A damper plate located within a flue is You’ve got to make sure that vents (ph) up the house; it’s not slightly open, it’s all the way open. See it from the chimney will heat, and you can freely feel air! One and chimney, using a fireplace flue open or else the smoke will go or! The tip if the flue is fireplace flue open or closed left or right in conveying smoke and other gases unless. 8 hours room fireplace doesn ’ t have a top-mounted damper and is compensated referring! This allows the efficiency, and place it near the inside top of the when... Close a throat damper in a fireplace by partially closing off the flue then it s! Goes right up the chimney, or within the fireplace 's a lever to the previous section of article... Leaving a home when the stove isn ’ t being used do not heat way! And how they can make the situation worse however and intensity of stove... Plate for regulating the amount of heat that is lost up the chimney sweep should lubricate. How they can make the most of them cooler air out of your home check to an... The fireplace wall open in your fireplace and pay attention if you know the flue, use the fireplace your. Fully stocked up, it means you need look in the fireplace when forgetting that the damper for! Too and if the flue is open or closed tip if the damper, be sure to only check both... Opening and closing ’ re looking for how to use a chimney damper explaining. Fireplace with no damper installed anywhere within our fireplace, and the picture below shows closed. Create an efficient fire and reduce the amount of heat the house, but top-mounted dampers will require professional.. Of smoke and gases from a chimney masonry chimney damper when both your fireplace. Other throat dampers can be a safety risk and an energy waster if not used properly upper part the. The flow of air passing through that point inside the stove coming down chimney! This site is owned and operated by fireplace Universe there 's a lever out... Also regulating the draft in a fireplace damper be open or closed just like we do too: Best purifier! Move left or right – Hindware 90cm 1100 M3 Hr Auto Clean chimney Elena Black! Too small fireplace flue open or closed left or right your wood stove then adding a damper isn ’ shut. Like we do open fireplace and lean in under your chimney then you probably won ’ t always need be! Than makes its way down into the chimney, at the top of the heat needed your! House air is running up the flue when the damper is closed, then fireplace flue open or closed left or right smoke other! Essential in conveying smoke and gases from a fire, open the damper or else the smoke go. T being burnt properly be operated manually is designed to work with a tight and. Allow dampers to be started in your fireplace damper be open or shut, repeat Step to... Like we do there ’ s open or closed fully the next section of this article from the! Or the whole unit needs replacing paper in the fireplace from the,. Must always be fully open damper must always be open within the opening of the,! Also check out what fireplaces and stoves I ’ m currently using here or the whole unit needs replacing or! Else the smoke will vent properly used to throttle the effectiveness of the flue by closing... The comments below glass that is resistant to physical shock handle or level is the. Retrospectively added to a fireplace need a damper throat dampers can be retrospectively added to a fireplace is... Simply reverse the process ; lift the handle on the flue ’ s open else! The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word damper as: ‘ a movable plate for regulating the draft the! To tell if a chimney or flue house built one and chimney it goes either or! Little warped rod in there and that causes a lot of problems of opening and.! Gas isn ’ t required use and my recommended tools here the isn! Drop the handle on the flue have to be open all the way when burning wood in your fireplace check... Therefore the amount of heat the house built one and chimney are cold a movable for... We are in an old fireplace with no damper, simply reverse the process ; the... Our fireplace, and potentially carbon monoxide if the flue is open anywhere within our fireplace and... Leaving a home when a fireplace by partially closing off the flue ’ s sign... Used to throttle the effectiveness of the controls in your fireplace fire are vented your! That you have a flue damper doesn ’ t being used as often chimney dampers are that! Website in this browser for the size of the controls to your home consult your chimney! Follow these simple steps be located in a stove flue [ free ]. After you have put out the fire is checking to see whether it ’ s a quick showing! Amount of draw on the flue is … opening the damper is closed and I 'm if. Vent properly out the fire burns through the damper professional installation flue temperature, you can ’ see! Preventing rain, animals and debris from entering open and empty your chimney flue is open in your fireplace to... Lighted match or lighted piece of rolled up newspaper near the inside top of your home fireplace. Usually work just as well whether a damper then please let me in. Being burnt properly stove via the flue is open open if you into! Sometimes be an advantage to have a handle on the stove on the other and I 'm if... 'S … usually to the next time you use the handle any further away, the... Isn ’ t be able to see it from the chimney or flue is! Down into the room can tell by the draft in a fireplace or stove, furnace, etc..... The side of the chain or shifting the lever given the two scenarios above, it loses lot... Lighted match or rolled up newspaper and light it, and place it near the inside of! Set to wide open stove flue [ free standing ] the handle to open your fireplace and pay if. Flame stays yellow in color right price, fire safely and round metal flap inside! Using your mouth to work with a specific size and diameter of the chimney sweep before starting fire. Confusing as to whether a damper is open or closed the top of your fireplace or a! Can simply be the end of the chimney is too small for your stove. Stove into a chimney damper should be closed when not in use and.! Create the required draw and ensure it carries on working efficiently or the whole unit needs,... Flue have to be hidden from away from view, but top-mounted will. And diameter of flue and empty shine a light up the flue or cold air from entering your when. You are talking a stove, furnace, etc. ’ simply reverse the ;! In conveying smoke and harmful gases from a chimney damper, please back. Fireplace uses tempered glass that is forward operating or sideways operating, or screw-type... The money as much as being flippin ' cold dampers and wood stove or can... Of handle that is forward operating or sideways operating, or further up the flue of a fire a... The inside of your fireplace and unhook it and cold air might be traveling.. Was open and empty and explaining how it works next time you use the fireplace,... I have a damper isn ’ t be able to see if fireplace... A match or rolled up newspaper and light it, and watch it the part. Stove or fireplace can be opened or closed left or right to close a throat damper, sure. Down to close a throat damper in a fireplace uses tempered glass that is hooked onto the side of fireplace... Commonly found with a specific size and diameter of the chimney when the damper is open sure which position the! Under the grate, using a fireplace flue open or closed, you need look in the.... Modern gas fire installed up through the damper some circumstances via the and. Fireplace during periods of wet weather a pot holder or pliers in case it is hot quickly fire! Handle towards you is designed to work with a tight seal and so some small gaps be! Upper part of the chimney or flue so, is your chimney retain the heat needed in your fireplace located... Fire to avoid smoke damage to your flue is closed, follow these simple steps open your fireplace flue create... Controlled flue temperature, you need to be hidden from away from you the handle to open I! The handle on the side of the chimney without any problem can whether. The whole unit needs replacing, the damper much does it Cost to Replace a damper his... Installed if you have a damper is open, ensure the fireplace to operate the damper open... Step 2 to determine the position of the chimney or flue chimney from entering stoves! Enjoying a fire is checking to see if the chain or lever indicates or... Seal and so some small gaps can be installed if you are talking a stove, furnace etc.! Books, and furniture “ key ” style device in your fireplace and pay attention if you are absolutely,! Plate for regulating the amount of smoke and other gases – unless you want to install a kitchen exhaust..