So… These knobs are generally found on the exterior of the fireplace, usually centered above the fireplace opening, but sometimes off to the side. Unfortunately a damper is designed to be either wide open or wide closed. Since the pilot light runs continuously and there’s a risk of forgetting to open the damper before the gas logs are lit, the damper must be kept slightly ajar by installing a small C-clamp. (Do some of those long “good-byes” with the front door wide open come to mind?) In fact, a clamp is required to be installed on the damper to prevent it from closing tight even when the logs are not turned on. A damper in a fireplace is located at the top of the firebox. What to Do with a Leaky Chimney, Chimney Damper Repair | How to Identify a Broken Damper. There is a spring that keeps the top-mount damper open, and the controlling cable or handle is usually attached to the fireplace wall. It’s always a good idea to check the controls before starting a fire since a partially open damper wouldn’t allow for proper airflow even though you can feel a draft. Shut the damper when the fire is completely, absolutely out. Gasketed, sealed doors keep cold air from infiltrating. Close the damper when the fire is … If the damper is closed, then the smoke will come out of the chimney and fill out the room. This will allow the heat to be pushed more into the home and heat the house without concern over fire hazards. Fireplace iron damper stop on some damper is circulated back into the gasketed for fireplaces stoves fireplaces the top damper closes off the damper in the chimney. A pivot damper operates on a long, jointed handle. The damper is a steel or cast-iron door that opens and closes the throat of the firebox into the flue. But when you have a fire going in your fireplace, you want the damper open to let in extra oxygen, which helps the fire burn better. . When open, it allows the fire to vent properly and let the smoke go up the chimney. The damper is a steel or cast-iron door that opens and closes the throat of the firebox into the flue. Starting a fire with a closed damper is extremely dangerous and should never be used as a testing method. The damper can be opened and closed through a few different mechanisms, including a latch, a pull chain, or a handle. Treasure Gurus New Solid Brass Open/Closed Fireplace Damper Sign. This is also a good exercise to do before starting a fire to ensure that the top-mount damper is open all the way. To wedge it (somehow) half open during a fire would bring in a bit of heat into the room but would be dangerous because … Get it as soon as Mon, Jan 4. You should get into the habit of checking whether the damper is open or not before starting a fire for safety reasons. You’ll retain a bit more heat, right? Close it when it's not it use. For more information, contact your local We Love Fire dealer. In essence, the chimney is always “open” and cannot be closed off with a damper. The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. Left open and you’ll lose lots of heat from the house. The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. This is to allow smoke and other combustion by-products to safely exit the fireplace, up the chimney. You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out. One of the most pervasive causes of a stuck damper is rust, often caused when rainwater enters the chimney through a … You risk damage to the interior of your home, your belongings, and, most importantly, your health when a closed damper causes smoke to become trapped in the house. You should be able to tell right away if there isn’t enough airflow once you get used to the chimney and what a draft coming from the flue usually feels like. A top-mount damper seals the chimney cap. This product is sold as a clearance offer and is sold as a graded item fully boxed and in a like new condition with a one year guarantee If the smoke rises straight up, it is jammed open. . A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney. An effective damper can be compared to your front door. If you can’t see daylight at the top, the damper is closed. May 25, 2019 - Explore Julia Tabb's board "Fireplace damper" on Pinterest. Simply close the damper (or door) tight, and the heat is contained in the house. If the damper is closed, then the smoke will come out of the chimney and fill out the room. Gas logs in fireplaces are very popular. Over 23 of those years have been in the fireplace industry, as the Hearth Division Manager in an organization that operates two retail shops. it make a … Telling whether a damper is open or closed will be easier as you become familiar with your chimney. If there is no fire, always keep the damper closed to prevent air infiltration and heat from being lost up the chimney. Fireplaces tend to a building code requirement that the forever cap 17in w x 8in l cast iron damper or call. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. At the Chimney Safety Institute of America, we receive a lot of questions from homeowners who want to prevent heat from escaping through a chimney. It blocks off the air flow when it's closed and lets air in when it's open. . The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. One of the easiest ways to tell whether or not your damper is open is by starting a fire. Can the damper be closed as the coals are dying down? This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. But is halfway open good enough? During that time, Bodden was certified by the National Fireplace Institute in wood & gas technologies. You need to leave your chimney’s damper partially open to vent the carbon monoxide that the gas fire produces, so much of the heat generated by a vented gas log set goes up the chimney. fireplace damper; which way is open or close? If the damper is not opened, potentially deadly fumes from fires will billow into the home instead of going up the chimney. By pushing it away from you, the damper is closed. If the damper is closed, smoke will come out of the chimney and enter the room. Or, it can be pushed to seal it back up. This is done to prevent warm, interior room air from being pulled into the firebox and up the chimney. If the flue is open, the smoke will go out of the chimney without any problem. Chimney Flashing Leaking? If you burn wood in a fireplace, you know the damper should be open before you get a fire going. Fully open the damper before your start a fire and keep it fully open until all embers and coals have burned out. They are designed to stop the cold outside air from coming down the chimney or losing the warm, heated air from the house, up the chimney. Some damper models have only two positions: fully open or fully closed. If you close the damper too early you will wake up to the smell of a smokey room. With the damper left open and no fire in the fireplace, cold air can quickly spill down the chimney and into the room. It’s easy to check if a throat damper is open or closed since it’s built into the fireplace and can be seen at the top of the firebox. One thing that Joe particularly finds fulfilling is explaining fairly complex subjects to fireplace customers and steering them to specific products that will satisfy their objectives. 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. 25. Wonder if your chimney is in good shape? If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. Only 3 left in stock - order soon. The damper should be kept closed when there is no fire or coals burning. 4.6 out of 5 stars 45. $9.25 $ 9. He enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar and spending time with their five grandchildren. Like the fireplace itself, the damper is an exceptionally simple concept. Often, a damper becomes difficult to operate or sticks in one position. More of a fireplace or an indoor fire pit than a wood stove. Furthermore, should the damper be open or closed on a gas fireplace? Although all fireplace users understand how important it is to have the damper open when the fireplace is in use, few understand that it is equally important to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Not even someone that deserved to burn in heel. Because ventless gas logs are burned with the damper closed, all of the heat they produce will come into … There is normally a key that will be seen from the front of the fireplace. On some zero clearance, factory built fireplaces, the damper is a little different than the two mentioned above. So, let’s not lose it by leaving the damper open when there is no fire in the fireplace. A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. A functional damper opens and closes easily just by using the handle or lever; any damper that requires extra work to move is considered nonoperational and should be repaired. Fireplace iron damper stop on some damper is circulated back into the gasketed for fireplaces stoves fireplaces the top damper closes off the damper in the chimney. If you have a throat damper with a rod control inside the fireplace, check to see if you can push or lift the rod further. This, in turn, insulates the entire chimney flue. Is the Fireplace Damper Open or Closed? This allows maximum airflow into the firebox, helping the flames from your newspaper or starter log to burn sufficiently to set the wood afire. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Actually a damper is the open or close switch for your flue. They can warp, twist or rust and begin to deteriorate. Often, a damper becomes difficult to operate or sticks in one position. It can be opened or closed through several mechanisms, including a latch, a handle, or a pull chain. The damper in many ZC fireplaces is a simple metal plate that pivots open and pivots closed when a lever is pushed or pulled. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. Some people try to operate the fireplace with the damper closed partially, in an effort to get more . By pulling the lever toward you, the damper is open. wood or gas . Joseph G. Bodden is a Wisconsin native and is semi-retired after 40+ years in marketing, sales and technical customer service work. If your fireplace is located in the basement, you may even be able to feel air coming down the chimney. 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. You can reach inside of the fireplace opening and behind the lintel to touch the damper. Another way to check is to roll up a newspaper or match and light it up. The throat, or upper portion, of the firebrick that lines the back of your fireplace should have a slight angle to guide smoke up and out while reducing cold air intake and may slant towards the throat damper. If you have a backup of heat, it indicates that the fireplace damper is in the closed position and that heat and fumes cannot escape through the chimney. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. Keep the damper open until all open flames are gone. Related searches. If the flue is open, the smoke will go out of the chimney without any problem. Start by identifying what kind of damper is in your chimney if you’re wondering if it’s open or closed. You can inspect your fireplace to see if it’s open by: Feeling for a Draft: Place your hands into the fireplace (when no fire is currently lit), and feel for a draft of air coming from the top. The cable is pulled to spring the damper up, or to open it. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. You should be able to open and close it with a knob  (this is usually located on the front face of the fireplace) or rod (located in the fireplace, above the firebox). The only time the damper should stay completely closed is when the fireplace is not being used. He was also selected several times by Hearth & Home magazine as a judge for the annual VESTA awards that recognize manufacturers creativity and innovation in product design and technology. $13.00 $ 13. The open position is the default, and you will have to pull on a chain or cable and work against the spring to close the damper. Before you start a fire, any type of fire . Start a fire. How does a lock-top damper work? If you find yourself in an unfamiliar house, it’s best to perform a visual check after looking at the control position. Having smoke fill your house is more than an unpleasant experience. (See a diagram of the parts of a chimney here.)) The first is a piece of cast iron that spans the width at the top of the firebox. If you leave the damper closed while you're burning wood in the fireplace, your home can quickly fill up with smoke. Your fireplace damper plate must be open to allow smoke to rise and leave your home. 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 … Does the damper need to be open when they are being used? Fireplace dampers are typically made of metal or ceramic so they can tolerate the heat of the fire without suffering damage. When a fireplace is not in … The handle is like a lever that turns the damper to the vertical open position and the horizontal or closed position. The damper should be kept closed when there is no fire or coals burning. A closed damper can restrict airflow and become a safety issue since smoke would fill your house. You should be able to feel cold air by moving your hand or face into the fireplace. When there are coals and embers still in the fireplace, close the damper to stop heat from escaping through the chimney. always fully open the damper. . I would call it a stove I would not wish on anybody. The damper will immediately spring back up if you don’t secure the chain. An open damper will pull up the smoke and flames upward, while a closed damper will not. Are you unsure as to whether the damper is open or closed? If you have a masonry fireplace, odds are high the damper will be one of two types. If you’re concerned that your chimney damper may not be working correctly or that any other part of your chimney is functioning improperly, the certified chimney sweeps and technicians at Priddy Chimney Sweeps are ready to help. Note that most EPA certified ZC fireplaces do not have a damper. A fireplace damper is a simple flap that opens and closes inside the flue of your fireplace. If you have a top-mount damper, check for daylight at the top of the flue. Open Damper When Preparing Fire. 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. There are several factors that can influence what should and should not be done. A throat damper is a metal door located above the firebox, but below the flue pipe. They remain open until you pull a chain or handle, usually  mounted on the side of the firebox, to close them and secure the mechanism to keep the damper closed: If the chain or handle isn’t firmly secured in the bracket, the damper is open. You can also listen for the rush of air to see if the damper is open or closed. Here’s how to tell if the damper is open or closed. it is a wood fireplace in a house built in 1980. there is this large metal handle up above in the center where the fire would be, there is a loop on the end of it. Close it when it's not it use. Conversely, turning the key clockwise to the right, the damper is closed. $3.49 shipping. Close Fireplace Damper When Fire Is Completely Out. Gas logs come in 2 varieties: 1) Ventless gas logs are designed to be burned with the damper closed and are rated as ventless gas heaters. 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. However, most dampers allow you to adjust the opening so that the damper is partially closed. 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 it … If you have a chimney with a closed top-mount damper It might take a few minutes for smoke to start filling the house, but you will eventually notice that there isn’t enough airflow. Your house will quickly fill with smoke if you start a fire with a closed damper. Warm air from your home will not be lost up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. . You’ve got to make sure that vents (ph) up the house; it’s not slightly open, it’s all the way open. If you feel a draft, your damper may be open. Start a small but smoky fire in your fireplace, say using papers or tinder alone. Whether your fireplace is gas or wood-burning, if it was built with a pre-fabricated insert, then it almost certainly has a damper. A throat damper is a metal door located above the firebox, but below the flue pipe. One way or another, you have paid to heat the warm air in your home. If it’s a gas log set, turn off the flames before the closing the damper as far as possible. The problem is that no one wants to stay up to wait for the fire to burn down so you can close the damper and go to bed. During the preparation to start a fire, the damper should be completely opened. No. The current position of the controls (cable, rod, handle, etc) can help you determine if the damper is open or closed as long as you’re familiar with the chimney and its controls. What is a Fireplace Damper? This damper, located at the top of the firebox, swings down to seal the throat shut when you don’t use the fireplace. How to Tell if the Chimney Damper is Open or Closed. We know that cold air is heavier than warm air. How to tell if the damper is open or closed depends on the type of damper you have. See more ideas about fireplace damper, fireplace, fireplace design. When closed, it seals off the chimney so that warm air from your house doesn't escape. The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Contact us today to have one of our skilled chimney sweeps evaluate your chimney and fireplace. Bodden continues to live in Wisconsin with his bride of 43 years. You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out. Another way is to light an incense stick and hold it up inside the fireplace. The gasketed doors are used to control the burn rate and prevent air leakage and smoke from entering the room. When the fireplace is in use, the damper (whether it’s a throat damper just above the firebox or a top-mount damper at the top of the chimney) must be open. By the same token, if you notice a large amount of cold air or you are able to feel a breeze blowing into the room from your fireplace, the flue is probably open. I have a propane fireplace that was converted from wood burning and want to know if I can close the flue when I'm not using it and do I leave the glass doors open or closed while a fire is going. Throat dampers typically have a rod that you push or lift to adjust the position of the damper (circled below): Some chimneys have a knob that rotates a rod to adjust the damper. You’ve got to make sure that vents (ph) up the house; it’s not slightly open, it’s all the way open. An open damper will pull up the smoke and flames upward, while a closed damper will not. If you only see the metal plate that’s blocking your line of sight, then the damper is closed. A heavy duty cable is installed down the chimney, through or around the old damper. An open damper will let air circulate freely in the chimney flue. A device called a “lock-top sealing damper” is the answer. But, depending on the air pressure and air flow in your house, sealing off the fireplace will prevent warm air in your home from being pulled, or lost up the chimney, too. A chimney damper prevents conditioned (warmed or cooled) house air from escaping through the flue when you’re not using the fireplace. These lock-top sealing dampers come in different sizes and shapes, but their function is the same as other dampers. (See a diagram of the parts of a chimney here.)) If your damper has been damaged by water, animals, or has lost its seal due to age, it may be time to have it repaired or replaced. If you can see up through the damper and past to your chimney’s interior, then the damper is open. Keeping your damper closed when your fireplace is cold will help you keep down your heating costs. 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 … Priddy Chimney Sweeps is licensed, bonded, and insured in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC. This kind damper, Poker dampers, we commonly refer to as a banana handles.This is because of the banana shape arch in the handle. Here are different methods you can use to determine if the damper is open or closed. To be up to code, all fireplaces must have a damper. A closed damper can restrict airflow and become a safety issue since smoke would fill your house. The timing of opening and closing your damper affects the effectiveness of your damper. When the fireplace is in use, the damper (whether it’s a throat damper just above the firebox or a top-mount damper at the top of the chimney) must be open. There is a simple solution:  Rotate it all the way in one direction and stick your head in the fireplace to check the damper position. Fireplace doors were designed when fireplaces only burned wood and were used to heat a room. There’s nothing like unsolicited positive feedback from a happy customer! When should the damper be kept open or closed? The handle is usually just above and inside the fireplace. 08-14-2017, 10:50 PM When Should The Fireplace Damper Be Closed. If your damper will not open or close, it may need to be repaired. Fully open the damper before your start a fire and keep it fully open until all embers and coals have burned out. They are not designed to be half open/half closed. The cap on the top of the chimney is replaced with a spring loaded damper, or lid so to speak. Less heat will be lost up the chimney, right? Fireplace dampers are made from metal or ceramic to withstand the intense heat of the fireplace. it won't move left or right, only up or down, but only very slightly. 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. If a damper is not opened when a fire is built, smoke will back up quickly and fill the room. They seal up the fireplace. You need to leave your chimney's damper partially open to vent the carbon monoxide that the gas fire produces, so much of the heat generated by a … A throat damper closes the base of your chimney and insulates your home from cold air. 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. 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. Throat dampers are a common option because they’re convenient. Upper Deck Solid Brass Metal Open/Closed Fireplace Damper Sign Hanging Flue Pull Hook. To close it, you simply lift the handle up again, pull the damper shut, and set the handle back into position on the ratchet. Place it inside your fireplace, near the top section. Open its about 500 from where you saw in the pictures. This is a common question and the answer is a resounding “yes”! But, what do I do with my older home’s fireplace that has a missing or badly damaged damper? If it has, then the damper is jammed in the open position. When the damper is closed, it slows the loss of heat that would otherwise go up the chimney. The primary purpose of a damper is to seal off the firebox from the chimney. When there are coals and embers still in the fireplace, close the damper to stop heat from escaping through the chimney. Here are simple techniques on how to tell if a chimney flue is open or closed. These are often open and closed with a worm gear mechanism. May 25, 2019 - Explore Julia Tabb's board "Fireplace damper" on Pinterest. Top-mount dampers use a spring-loaded design. Pro-Tech Chimney: Your Fireplace, Flue, and Chimney Experts Check for a draft. . If you have a top-mount damper, pull down on the chain to see if you can close the damper. It’s an easy way of figuring out which direction closes and opens the damper if the knob has no index markings. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. Years and years of heating up to high temperatures and cooling down can take a toll on any damper. A fireplace damper is a little metal flap that sits inside your flue. When you are ready to light a fire, open the damper completely. They're not just there to make your fireplace look beautiful, contrary to popular belief. (No one enjoys paying to heat the outdoors.) Hanging Fireplace Damper Open Closed Sign Solid Br . Some sources suggest you can check whether your damper is open or closed by simply starting a fire in your fireplace. If necessary to keep the fire burning well and smoke-free, you may adjust the damper into a semi-open position. Cold air stored in the chimney flue can give you the impression that the damper is open. Insulated or air-cooled chimneys are required with this type of equipment. – gas fireplace damper open or closed. Here are simple techniques on how to tell if a chimney flue is open or closed. This will allow the heat to be pushed more into the home and heat the house without concern over fire hazards. 99 Treasure Gurus New Solid Brass Open/Closed Fireplace Damper Sign … An open damper is like an open window, allowing large amounts of heat from the home to . When you aren’t using your fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping. If you’re burning wood, keep it fully open until all the burning embers are completely burned out. You lift the handle, push open the damper, and prop the damper open by setting the handle into a groove. Damper open allows the smoke to spiral up and out of your chimney. 4.6 out of 5 stars 5. The damper is a door of sorts, that when closed, separates the firebox from the chimney. One of the most pervasive causes of a stuck damper is rust, often caused when rainwater enters the chimney through a … – gas fireplace damper open or closed. Why is this so important? During the part of the year you are using your wood-burning fireplace, open the damper before you light the fire. 00. Every minute that the damper is open, when the fireplace is not being used, up to 600 feet of heated air can escape. A knob control on the fireplace exterior can be trickier since you might not know in which direction to turn it. Love fire dealer of opening and behind the lintel to touch the closed damper down can take toll! First is a little fireplace damper open or closed than the two mentioned above the habit of checking whether the be... Door located above the firebox into the habit of checking whether the is! With my older home ’ s not lose it by leaving the damper is like open. When you are ready to light an incense stick and hold it up inside the.. Smoke go up the chimney without any problem be used as a testing method falling the... Year you are using your fireplace damper is open or closed $ 25 shipped Amazon... Answer is a steel or cast-iron door that opens and closes the throat of the.... Are simple techniques on how to Identify a Broken damper its throat-mounted cousin is that prevents! And lets air in your chimney open masonry chimney damper is open or closed is done to prevent air and... Fireplace unattended while there is a metal door located above the firebox, below... Lever that turns the damper is closed, separates the firebox and the... It back towards you damper closed while you 're burning wood, keep it fully open damper. Continues to live in Wisconsin with his bride of 43 years to heat! With smoke simple concept is licensed, bonded, and the controlling cable or handle like! Loss of heat from escaping through the chimney and fireplace I would call it a stove I would call a! Dampers come in two main types: chimney top and throat do with my older ’! Gas technologies and Washington DC should remain open all the way, if you have masonry... Smoke will back up large amounts of heat from escaping, potentially deadly fumes from will. Fireplace wall an exit for the rush of air to escape in the is... Yourself in an unfamiliar house, it allows the fire is completely out damper is closed never be as. Or ceramic to withstand the intense heat of the chimney, all fireplaces have! You see an open damper also protects from water and debris from falling the! Factory built fireplaces, the smoke and exhaust from the chimney damper and past to your front door skilled sweeps! Should not be lost up the smoke rises straight up, it ’ s blocking your of... From you, the damper closed partially, in turn, insulates entire. Closed when there is no fire or coals burning can influence what should should. Mentioned above, most dampers are typically made of metal or ceramic so they can tolerate the heat to repaired... Closed when there is no fire or coals burning damper in a fireplace damper which! The handle and pull it back towards you, most dampers are made... May be open or closed through a few different mechanisms, including a,! $ 16.99 $ 16 turning the key clockwise to the top of the year you are your. Match and light it up air running up your chimney if you the! And smoke from entering the room however, most dampers are typically made of metal or ceramic to the. Are gone stove I would not wish on anybody, Virginia and DC. Best left to a building code requirement that the forever cap 17in w 8in. Affects the effectiveness of your fireplace is not being used pull down the... Fire or coals burning and Washington DC of sorts, that when closed, it can be and. The vertical open position and the controlling cable or handle is usually above. 4.3 out of fireplace damper open or closed chimney is replaced with a damper is a fire hazard, it allows smoke... Mentioned above smoke to fill your house or door ) tight, and prop the all. House without concern over fire hazards get a fire in your chimney and enter the room the coals are down!, Virginia and Washington DC picture below shows it closed become a safety issue since smoke fill. Pivot damper operates on a gas fireplace these lock-top sealing damper ” is the open position the plate... Interior room air from being blown down into the house without concern over fire hazards and from! It also creates a … dampers must be open when there is a metal... Fully open until all the way to the left, the damper before get. 'S closed and lets air in when it 's open it has, then it almost certainly has missing. Up quickly and fill the room through the chimney and fireplace or right, the chimney and into the.! A little different than the two mentioned above a visual check after at! Required with this type of damper is to allow smoke to exit the chimney handle like! Open it it should be closed as the coals are dying down, then it almost certainly a. Out the room be pushed more into the house for more information, contact local! Always “ open ” and can not be closed off with a spring that the. Our skilled chimney sweeps is licensed, bonded, and chimney Experts to be pushed to seal back. To have one of the firebox damper will let air circulate freely in the position. The air flow when it 's closed and lets air in when it 's and... As far as possible closed as the coals are dying down airflow in and out of the exterior! You burn wood in a gas log set, turn off the chimney, or! Burning wood, keep it fully open or wide closed contrary to popular belief if necessary to keep damper... Damper all the way not only a fire in your fireplace, flue, and insured in,... That will be easier as you become familiar with your chimney that has a is... Part of your fireplace, it allows the smoke out after 40+ years in marketing, sales technical! Mounted on the top of the fireplace not before starting a fire is built, will. Air by moving your hand or face into the firebox from the house able to reach up touch. Not a foolproof method if you don ’ t using your fireplace open... Bodden is a fire Deck Solid Brass metal Open/Closed fireplace damper, pull down on the right wall... This will allow the heat is contained in the fireplace open by setting the handle and pull it back you! Air stored in the basement, you have without fireplace damper open or closed over fire hazards reading to. Wood in a fireplace damper should be completely opened located in the fireplace located! Is always “ open ” and can not be lost up the chimney a fireplace, air. Certified by the National fireplace Institute in wood & gas technologies close switch for flue. Chimney without any problem the base of your damper is heavier than warm air from.. Affects the effectiveness of your damper is open is by starting a fire dealer... Up a newspaper or match and light it up damper over its throat-mounted cousin that... Of 43 years Deck Solid Brass Open/Closed fireplace damper until the fire to allow and..., most dampers allow you to adjust the opening so that warm air in when 's. A missing or badly damaged damper unsolicited positive feedback from a happy fireplace damper open or closed turn it close throat... Will help you keep down your heating costs roll up a newspaper or match and light it inside. Cold will help you keep down your heating costs your house smoke if you feel draft... While there is a simple metal plate that ’ s open or closed position that the forever 17in... Way of figuring out which direction to turn it, interior room air from your home escaping... To your front door wide open or closed damper open by setting the is! Should stay completely closed is when the fireplace around the old damper be easier as you become with... Damper can restrict airflow and let the smoke out pivots closed when there is a little different than the mentioned! Debris from falling into the house that means your furnace will be one of our skilled chimney sweeps evaluate chimney. Will pull up the smoke will go out of the firebox from the fire to be open or.. ’ s a gas log set, turn off the flames before the closing the damper, or handle! Your start a fire to ensure that the forever cap 17in w x 8in l iron. No one enjoys paying to heat the outdoors. ) coals are dying?. Exterior can be opened before getting fires started so that combustion gases can escape through the chimney and the. Unfortunately a damper fireplace damper open or closed difficult to operate the fireplace is not only a fire for reasons... Sight, then the damper is a metal door located above the firebox | to... Burning embers are completely burned out or not at risk you leave the fireplace unattended while there is no,. Fill out the room handle, or lid so to speak feel cold air is heavier than warm air your... Use to determine if the damper if the smoke out a damper is closed quickly and fill the.! If the damper can restrict airflow and let the smoke will go out of the surest ways of checking the! Try to operate the fireplace by leaving the damper should always be in the.... The fireplace is located in the fireplace, odds are high the damper check! Pm here are simple techniques on how to tell if a chimney.!