Chimney Dampers Versus Stovepipe Dampers
Anyone who grew up back in the day warming to Grandpa’s wood stove probably learned about adjusting the stovepipe damper. So, understanding a masonry chimney damper versus a stovepipe damper may be confusing at first. There is a distinct difference between the two. The function of the damper is different for a fireplace than it is for a woodstove with a metal pipe. Learn more below.
How to Operate an Old-Fashioned Stove Damper
Modern heating appliances are markedly different from those used in former times. However, wood stoves that have dampers inside metal stovepipes still exist. Of course, it is important to know how to operate the damper correctly.
The purpose of a damper in wood stoves is twofold: to allow combustion gases to escape to the outdoors and to adjust heat output. In general, the damper is kept open about one-quarter of the way. Open it more than one-quarter of the way only when a fire is being started and when more air is desired to fan flames and produce more heat.
The Purpose of Chimney Dampers
If you have a masonry fireplace, the chimney damper should be fully opened when the fireplace is in use. It should also be fully closed after fires have gone out. This is true whether you have a throat damper or a top-mount damper, which are the two primary types of chimney dampers used today. So, the only function of these types of dampers is to fully allow airflow or to fully seal off airflow.
When the chimney damper is opened, the purpose is to allow hazardous combustion gases to be drawn up and outside of the chimney. If the toxic fumes created by fires are released into the home, there is a possibility of being exposed to carbon monoxide (CO), which is potentially deadly. CO is known as the Silent Killer because it is invisible, odorless, tasteless, and symptomless until exposure has been significant.
Your home’s energy efficiency can be greatly reduced if your chimney damper is left open when not in use. An open or unsealed chimney damper is like having an open window in your home.
More details follow on the operation of chimney dampers.
How to Operate Throat Dampers
Masonry fireplaces are usually built with throat dampers, which are installed directly above the fire pit. The operation of a throat damper depends on its style. One type has a knob which must be turned to open and close the damper. There is also a ratchet type damper that utilizes a handle to open and close the throat damper. Throat dampers in general tend to warp and rust, which means that the airflow in the chimney flue can’t be sufficiently closed off.
How to Operate Top-Mount Dampers
When a throat damper is in disrepair, homeowners often choose to replace it with a top-mount damper. This type of damper is installed at the top of the chimney, where it also serves as a chimney cap. The operation of top-mount dampers is considered easy. Simply pull or release a chain or cable that opens or closes the top-mount chimney damper.
The CSIA-certified chimney technicians at Chimney Solutions offer first-rate services, and we are happy to answer questions. Knowing about chimney dampers versus stovepipe dampers is just another way to maximize the operation of your heating appliance. We offer dependable top-mount damper installation as well as chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, flue liner replacement, and much more. Call us today or fill out our online form.
