Fireplaces are great additions to any home. They provide warmth and ambiance and serve as a focal point. However, to maximize your fireplace’s performance, you need to know how to use the damper. This component regulates airflow, prevents energy loss, and ensures proper ventilation. Check out our guide on how to use your fireplace damper and keep it in good shape.
What’s a Fireplace Damper?The damper is a metal plate or valve located in the flue that controls airflow. Dampers come in different forms, including throat dampers (sitting just above the firebox) and top-sealing dampers (installed at the top of the chimney). The damper’s main function is regulating smoke and gases and preventing outside air from entering the home when the fireplace isn’t in use.
You must open the damper fully before lighting a fire. This allows smoke and gases to escape through the chimney instead of coming back into the house. If the damper’s closed, you risk carbon monoxide buildup, which can be dangerous.
Use the handle or lever inside the fireplace to open the damper. The handle is typically located near the front of the fireplace. If you have a top-sealing damper, you probably have a control cable or lever on the side of the fireplace wall.
Use a flashlight to look up the chimney and check that the damper’s open before starting a fire.
Once the fire’s burning, you can adjust the damper to control the fire’s intensity. A partially closed damper will slow down the burning, which conserves wood and increases heat retention. However, don’t close it all the way because this can cause back puffing or smoke to flow into the room.
Once the fire is completely out and the embers are cool, close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
The damper is a moving part and needs regular maintenance to ensure it works and seals properly. Here are some simple maintenance tips.
Over time, dampers can rust, warp, or get clogged with soot and creosote. Check the damper once a season for damage or wear and tear. If it’s difficult to open and close, call a chimney specialist to see if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Creosote is a substance that is a byproduct of burning wood, and it builds on the flue’s walls. Creosote is highly flammable in its later stages and is responsible for a large number of chimney fires. Creosote can also affect the damper’s performance, so it’s imperative that you clean it regularly. Use a wire brush or chimney brush to remove soot, debris, and creosote, and consider hiring a professional chimney sweep for a thorough cleaning at least once a year.
If the damper is tough to open and close, it may need lubricating. Apply a high-temperature lubricant to the hinges and moving parts to ensure they function smoothly.
A closed damper should provide a tight seal. If you notice drafts or cold air coming down the chimney when the damper is closed, it means it’s not sealing correctly.
Moisture can cause metal dampers to rust, making them more difficult to operate. If you see rust or other damage, use a rust remover and repaint the damper with a heat-resistant coating to protect it from further damage until you can have a professional look at it.
Chimney Solutions in Chattanooga is your one-stop shop for chimney and fireplace services. Whether you need damper maintenance, a chimney inspection, cleaning, or repairs, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today!
