After years of constant exposure to heat, ashes and moisture, many fireplace dampers will become stuck, warped or inefficient. Over time, the extreme heat and rapid change in temperature. A chimney damper prevents conditioned (warmed or cooled) house air from escaping through the flue when you’re not using the fireplace. Traditionally, there are two different types of fireplace dampers. Close it when it's not it use. These dampers are open by lifting the handle up, pushing the damper upwards, and pinning the damper in the upward position by setting one of the notches on the handle onto the mounted ratchet on the frame of the fireplace. This way if you forget to open the damper; the handle and the plate will be very hot. … And in fact, in some gas log situations where it’s conversion from a wood burner to a gas-burning log, they put a bracket on a damper to prevent you from ever being able to close … How to Close Fireplace Damper – Wood Fireplace Flue Fireplace Flue Pipe . If you hear the wind howl through the chimney, or get annoyed by the sound of rain beating against the metal, a fireplace might not be for you. It is important that a damper is in good operating condition so that air cannot freely pass through the damper doors when they are closed. If you haven’t used your fireplace before, you might need to investigate your damper to see what type of damper it is and how it operates. Look up into the fireplace opening and note the shape of the opening just below the damper. Simply close the damper (or door) tight, and the heat is contained in the house. Doing so will keep some of the warm air from your heating system from escaping up the chimney. A pivot damper operates on a long, jointed handle. You lift the handle, push open the damper, and prop … Make sure to close the damper whenever your fireplace is not in use! Stop by our Main Showroom at 210 Pennsylvania Ave., Westminster, Maryland 21157; or give us a call at 301-695-6991 to schedule chimney services. Close it when it's not it use. The timing of opening and closing your damper affects the effectiveness of your damper. This is done to prevent warm, interior room air from being pulled into the firebox and up the chimney. Measure each side of the opening just below the damper seal and transfer the measurements to a pattern drawn on cardboard. After the fire has started, close the damper as far as possible without causing smoke to back up into the room. Close it when it's not it use. Typically, you will close the damper by turning it counterclockwise all the way, which causes the rod to hang down low. Fireplace dampers are metal “doors” inside chimney flues, and they help to control ventilation. Although heat rises, cold air sinks in the direction of the gravity pull. The damper can be opened and closed through a few different mechanisms, including a latch, a pull chain, or a handle. If you start a fire when the damper is closed, you’ll realize the mistake quickly when the room fills up with smoke. The damper is designed to be shut when the fireplace is not in use and can be easily opened when it is. There are two basic ways to open and close a throat damper. Unless you have a vent-free fireplace, the first step you should take before lighting a fire in a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace is to open the damper. It should not accidentally close. Yes, close the damper once all of the fire has died out. To open the damper, turn the knob clockwise as far as it can go, which pushes the rod upward. The gap between the round plate and the flue pipe is small, so there is less air lost to the chimney than a masonry throat damper. Look for evidence that the damper is jammed by debris, nests, or dead animals that have fallen into the chimney. This will allow the heat to be pushed more into the home and heat the house without concern over fire hazards. You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out. If you are interested in adding a new solid-fuel heating appliance to your home, visit our showroom. When we get calls about dampers at Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps, we are always happy to provide answers. While the idea of a fireplace is romantic, it might be a nuisance in practice. The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. A chimney can act as a wind tunnel even when the damper is closed, sucking cold air down into your home through the fireplace opening.. A fireplace draft stopper is an efficient way to prevent this from happening. Fireplaces are constructed fairly simply. Another type of damper is a screw-type or rotary control damper. Step 5 - Install New Damper. You may, on the other hand, have a top-mount damper, which is located at the very top of the chimney flue. The most common damper style for prefabricated fireplaces is a factory-installed pivot damper. The real danger is if there are gas logs in the fireplace. The damper is a rotating metal trapdoor that when closed, can keep heat inside your room, while keeping cold air out. Learn all about fireplace damper basics below. The handle has grooves in it to hold the damper in place. Damper operation depends on the type of damper you have. If your damper is located at the top of your fireplace, you have a traditional throat damper. Functionally, this is what that means: Start your fire before you “need” it. How to Close Fireplace Damper – Stovax Vogue Small Wood Burning Stove with Cast Iron top. After the fire has started, close the damper as far as possible without causing smoke to back up into the room. When the embers are cold to the touch, pull the cord or lever to close the damper. Some models feature a stainless steel cap atop a diagonal spring wire. | Privacy Policy | Service Areas, Factory-Built Fireplace Dangers You Should Be Aware Of, Fireplace Considerations for Landlords, Property Managers & HOA’s, Fall in Love with Wood Burning Fireplaces. Its job is to seal off the firebox from the rest of the chimney, and can be opened or close with a lever. How to Open Your Chimney Damper. There will be a “key” style device in your fireplace wall. Keep a fireplace poker or metal rod close to the fireplace. Push the lever up slightly to disengage it from its support tab and then pull it away from the tab horizontally as the damper lowers into a closed position. A fireplace is a huge source of drafts from the cold outdoors. How to Close the Chimney Flue. Leave the damper open overnight. The operation of your damper will depend on the type of damper you have. Practice opening your damper with the rod by pushing up on the damper plate itself. It can be opened or closed through several mechanisms, including a latch, a handle, or a pull chain. This will allow the heat to be pushed more into the home and heat the house without concern over fire hazards. • Pivot damper. © 2021 Fluesbrothers Chimney Service. Its job is to seal off the firebox from the rest of the chimney, and can be opened or close with a lever. The frame is mortared in place just below the smoke shelf. A fireplace damper, chimney damper, or “throat damper” is a metal plate located at the top of your chimney’s firebox. When there are coals and embers still in the fireplace, close the damper to stop heat from escaping through the chimney. If the damper is not opened, potentially deadly fumes from fires will billow into the home instead of going up the chimney. Open the doors completely to your fireplace. If you suspect a jam, it’s best to let a chimney sweep clear it. The second type of damper is a top mount, or top sealing damper located at the top of the chimney. A lever that’s pushed to the left will close the damper whereas a lever pushed to the right will open it. How to Install a Fireplace Damper Step 1 - Open the Fireplace Doors. Typically, you will release the chain or cable, which should result in the damper springing up to an open position. Every minute that the damper is open, when the fireplace is not being used, up to 600 feet of heated air can escape. Step 6 - Open Damper. Simple rotate the key to the left or right to fully open or fully close the damper. Read on to learn details about the important functions of dampers: There are two types or locations of dampers. You’ll be able to enjoy the warmth and wake up to a warmer house in the morning because the coals will last well into the night. In many cases, this is a round plate that is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the flue pipe. It’s designed to seal your fireplace closed when you’re not using it. When there are coals and embers still in the fireplace, close the damper to stop heat from escaping through the chimney. But, what do I do with my older home’s fireplace that has a missing or badly damaged damper? That isn’t dangerous, just inconvenient as the house will fill up with smoke. These dampers are opened and closed by a ratcheting push or lift rod, or a screw-type rotary control. This type of damper is spring-loaded and has a default position of open. If you only need to replace the damper plate, these cost around $50. Put on goggles and a dust mask. They usually feature mesh guards to keep critters out of your flue and a leak-proof gasket to keep moisture at bay. If you run into problems with your damper, call Fluesbrothers Chimney Service to help! The plate pivots open and closed and is operated by a handle. A damper must be in one piece that is snug to the flue in order for it to work properly. Wear safety goggles, work gloves, a hat, and old clothing. Here’s how to Tell. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you have to be sure that all of the embers have burned out before you close the damper; smoldering embers can put off dangerous carbon monoxide. You may be able... 2) Look for the controls. This means in the winter, cold air increases your heating bill and, in the summer, the hot air makes cooling more difficult. Shut Off the Pilot. This can warp and damage the fireplace damper, thus needing replacement. The damper is a vent that controls airflow in and out of the chimney. If this is the case, most dampers can be cleaned with minimal effort. Closing a top-mounted damper involves attaching the chain tightly to the hook. Make sure your fire is completely out or else residual smoke could fill your home. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts and remove the metal rod. The damper is a door of sorts, that when closed, separates the firebox from the chimney. A fireplace throat damper is comprised of two main components: the Frame and Flapper. Close it when it's not it use. If you have a new fireplace, you might be wondering how — and when — to open and close your fireplace damper. Occasionally they're operated by turning a knob which rotates a worm gear to open or close the damper. • Rotary dampers. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. The flap is located inside the chimney flue found inside the chimney. Location. If you have a throat damper, you'll likely have either a lever or a knob. Keeping your damper closed when your fireplace is cold will help you keep down your heating costs. Locate the damper and remove it from the chimney. Most dampers are constructed of cast iron or steel and will be black or rust-colored. That means your furnace will be working overtime to replace the air running up your chimney. If you want an easy way to temporarily block and unused fireplace flue to stop a draft, you should consider installing a top sealing damper. The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Using a Fireplace Draft Stopper. A fireplace flue is designed to lead smoke outdoors when your fireplace is being used. Every minute that the damper is open, when the fireplace is not being used, up to 600 feet of heated air can escape. It’s normal for dampers to warp or rust out and lose their metal-to-metal seal. If it’s a fireplace the only problem I can imagine is if somebody builds a fire without verifying that the flue is open. We’ve got a few tips to help you find out if your damper needs to be opened and how to do it. Why is this so important? By pushing up on the plate itself it will open the damper and the poker control should just catch by itself. Its purpose is to control the amount of smoke and air ventilation that drafts upward through the flue system. Doing so allows the chimney to exhaust all the smoke that is created by the fire, without losing all the heat. It’s a simple technology, but it does take some know how to properly utilize your damper, and there are various types of dampers with different types of operation. The same danger exists if someone hooks up a gas appliance to the unused flue without verifying the draft. Dampers must be opened before getting fires started so that combustion gases can escape through the chimney. A damper is a small mechanism that is built into your fireplace that is designed to seal up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. Fireplace dampers are made from metal or ceramic to withstand the intense heat of the fireplace. That means your furnace will be working overtime to replace the air running up your chimney. The wire expands to open the damper and compresses to close it. Place a dollar bill between the two doors of the damper as it closes. You will need to wait several hours after the fire has extinguished to close the damper. For top-quality chimney maintenance services, including damper repair and replacement, contact Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps. It's just a small flap inside the flue, which can be adjusted manually to allow smoke to escape or air to enter.Fireplace dampers are Close it when it's not it use. Step 4 - Purchase a New Damper. The damper frame is fabricated from heavy cast iron or steel and has an opening that allows the smoke to travel up through the chimney. If the damper isn't opened properly or is clogged with dirt or debris, it may make it difficult to start a fire or to keep a fire going. Can I partially close the damper on my wood-burning fireplace so less air goes up the chimney? A flue directs smoke outside of a home when a fireplace is in use. Many homeowners know their chimney damper, aka fireplace damper, needs to be opened before starting a fire but don’t know how to tell if the damper is open or closed. Here’s what you need to know. The primary purpose of a damper is to seal off the firebox from the chimney. | Web Marketing by Brandtastic! (If the damper handle is not stuck, but you just aren’t sure how to open or close the damper, click here for directions.) Typically, to open the damper, push up or lift the rod all the way. However, most throat dampers allow some heat to go up the chimney. You must open the damper every time you start a fire. © 2020 Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps | Service Areas | All Rights Reserved | Web Marketing by Brandtastic! Pull down on the chain or cable and use the rigging to secure it to close the damper. Included as part of this conduit within your chimney is a damper that may be opened or closed as needed. Some of the most common types of dampers include: • Poker dampers. 5. Cut out the pattern and put it in place to see if it fits. It sits just above the firebox at the base of the chimney. A closed damper can restrict airflow and become a safety issue since smoke would fill your house. A stainless steel cable runs down the chimney into the opening of the fireplace allowing you to pull on the cable which opens or closes the damper. With an unsealed chimney, utility costs will typically spike because air warmed by central heating in winter will go up the chimney instead of staying inside the home. Is My Chimney Damper Open or Closed? • Pivot damper. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. When to close a fireplace damper is simple – when the fireplace isn’t in use. Pull the lever to open and close the damper. A chain or cable is used for top-mount chimney dampers. If you have gas logs in your fireplace, let the smoke and fumes dissipate for a few moments before closing the damper. A damper in a fireplace is located at the top of the firebox. The damper is a crucial piece of hardware for any fireplace. The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Vent-free Gas Fireplaces The exception to the open damper rule is in a vent-free gas insert. Poker dampers operate on a long, curved handle. Knowing when to open the damper is simple enough: The damper needs to be open before you light a fire in your fireplace. Use the directions below to help with opening your damper, depending on the one that matches … To close it, you simply lift the handle up again, pull the damper shut, and set the handle back into position on the ratchet. The opening in the frame is typically 3" to 8" wide and 24" to 36" long. Occasionally, you may need to replace a fireplace damper. Top-sealing dampers come in two basic forms. Toward the end of the evening, let the fire die down instead of adding more logs. There will be a rod that is fixed inside the chimney by nuts. A fireplace damper is a set of flaps in your fireplace that helps to prevent heat from escaping. Filling your living with smoke isn’t the best way to find out that the fireplace damper is closed. Do not close a fireplace damper until the fire is completely out. The glass between the firebox and your home prevents cold or heat from coming down the chimney and by leaving the damper open at all times, you eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home. Another study estimated that the effective leakage area of closed dampers averaged about 30 square inches—equivalent to a square opening 5.5" x 5.5" in size allow continual flow of heated air to the outside. Close the damper when the fire is extinguished. Wait 5 minutes before closing the damper on gas fireplaces. Fireplaces tend to be simple to operate, but the damper is the one crucial element you need to know how to use to keep your fireplace functional and safe. A cast-iron damper with opening mechanism costs an average of $150 to $250, depending on the size. The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. You may want to use an ash shovel to move around the ashes at the bottom of the fireplace floor to be sure they aren’t still smoking or smoldering before closing the damper. To open or close the damper, lift the handle and push or pull to move the damper to the desired position. Adjusting a top-sealing fireplace damper requires getting up on the roof, a job best left to a chimney professional. As you push or pull the handle, the counter-weight moves, helping to open or close the damper. Step 3 - Remove the Existing Damper. When you aren’t using your fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping. This way you (or the next owner) have the option to have it open or closed at will. Replace the handle when the damper is in place. And while older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without a damper (gas fireplaces cannot), a chimney without a damper is just a gaping hole in the roof of your house. If the bill slips or easily falls out, the seal is insufficient and repair or damper replacement is needed. All Rights Reserved. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. When properly installed, dampers should create an airtight seal that prevents airflow between the chimney and the rest of the house. A spring pulls open the hinged damper top. The damper must be in the fully open position when using a wood-burning fireplace. Most masonry fireplaces are equipped with a standard throat damper just above the firepit, which is the opening into the chimney flue. You can follow these easy steps to block off your fireplace or even to close it up completely. The top of the damper stays horizontal the entire time, so in the “open” position, the damper also serves as a chimney cap. Fireplace Damper Cost and Installation. The electronic-ignition models are much more energy efficient because they burn only when they are turned on. Pull it down to close the damper. How to Close a Chimney Flue. If you have a chimney top damper, you'll likely see a lever with a chain attached to it that runs up to the damper. You may want to consult a professional in choosing a new damper, but if you do not want to, simply taking your existing damper with you when yo… Because fireplace dampers are a mass-produced product by dozens of fireplace manufacturers, there are several different types of damper open and shut designs. You lift the handle, push open the damper, and prop the damper open by setting the handle into a groove. There will be a “key” style device in your fireplace wall. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Closing the damper is done by turning the knob anti-clockwise or by pulling the rod so that it hangs down low. We know that cold air is heavier than warm air. The wire expands to open the damper and compresses to close it. Look up inside the fireplace with a flashlight. In fact, it’s estimated that top-sealing dampers can reduce heat loss by 90 percent! by Jeremy Biswell | Oct 12, 2018 | Fireplace Maintenance. Doing so allows the chimney to exhaust all the smoke that is created by the fire, without losing all the heat. Your damper may have a ratcheting lift or push rod that you push up or pull down. A pivot damper operates on a long, jointed handle. Typically, you will close the damper by turning it counterclockwise all the way, which causes the rod to hang down low. Close the throat damper after the fire has cooled completely. Keep the damper open until all open flames are gone. The damper itself will now be able to be twisted off. To start a fire, you must have the damper in the full-open position. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Leaving the damper open will cause warm air to be sucked up the flue, drawing in more cold air. Other models feature a low-profile frame that fits the very top of the damper. Dampers are, after all, a crucial part of fireplace safety. If the damper cracks while being rapidly heating and cooling, it will no longer work properly. As you push up or lift the rod upward shape of the damper should closed. Control should just catch by itself under your chimney rod to hang down low a... Best left to a chimney professional which causes the rod to hang down.! In use a new fireplace, close the damper partially closed will not generate more.... 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