Most people find that there is a learning curve to operating a fireplace with optimal results. For instance, do you know how to use your damper? At Chimney Solutions, we get frantic calls every winter that end up pertaining to the chimney damper. Once you know what a damper is and what it is for, the simplicity of this fireplace component becomes clear–unlike the air in the room when someone forgets to open the damper before starting a fire in the fireplace! All the information you need to know about chimney dampers should be covered below.
What is a Chimney Damper?A chimney damper is a metal device in or over the chimney that can be opened and closed. Fireplace dampers are typically installed at the bottom of the chimney, which is just above the firepit in the fireplace. These metal dampers are notorious for the failure to seal off airflow in the chimney, which results in higher heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer.
Sensible energy-saving dampers are gaining popularity throughout the greater Atlanta area. These top-sealing dampers effectively stop the costly exchange of inside and outside air. Our chimney technicians can install top-sealing dampers for anyone in our service area. Chimney Solutions professionals have all the certifications needed to provide whichever chimney damper services you may need.
The purpose of a chimney damper is to control airflow and the flow of smoke and combustion fumes in the chimney. When the fireplace is not in use in winter, the damper is closed so that the chimney draft doesn’t pull your heated air up and out of your home. Likewise, in summer, a closed and properly sealing damper is as important as closed windows to keep cooled air inside.
If you begin to see climbing heating or cooling costs, the damper could be the cause. Traditional metal dampers often warp and rust. When this occurs, there is no longer a good seal to stop airflow, even though the damper is closed. A good test of a damper is to close it and light a match just below the mechanism. If the smoke goes into the room instead of up the chimney, the seal is likely fine. But if the smoke goes up, it’s time for damper repair or replacement.
The dampers just above the firepit in fireplaces are long-established, but the way they operate can vary. It is important to become familiar with the particular type of chimney damper operation in your fireplace. That way, you can open and close the damper as needed. It’s most important to note that the first step, when planning to build a fire, is to open the damper.
The following describes a couple of typical methods for opening and closing metal throat dampers:
If saving on energy costs interests you and you have a fireplace, give us a call at Chimney Solutions for the installation of a top-sealing chimney damper. This energy-saving damper system is less expensive to replace than the old-fashioned type. This newer damper system provides a tight seal, and it is easily installed by qualified chimney experts.
At Chimney Solutions, we offer top-sealing dampers at a reasonable price, and we have factory authorization to install and service them. The operation of a top-sealing damper is easy and involves the manipulation of a handle attached to a cable running the length of the chimney.
Contact Chimney Solutions for Damper ServicesDon’t hesitate to call Chimney Solutions if you think you may have a damper problem. We will answer any questions you have and provide the services you need. If you don’t know how to properly use your damper and if you can’t find instructions, we can help with that, too. Our comprehensive chimney services also include chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, fixes for chimney leaks and smoky fireplaces, masonry repair, chimney flashing repair, fireplace installation, and much more.
Contact us today by calling or filling out our online form.
