Either vented or non vetoed gas longs. Like the fireplace itself, the damper is an exceptionally simple concept. Chimney dampers need to be operated manually, and by that, there’s usually a switch, a chain, a rotary style screw, or a handle. Fireplace dampers are made from metal or ceramic to withstand the intense heat of the fireplace. There are two main types of chimney dampers. By pulling the lever toward you, the damper is open. As mentioned, traditional dampers are located in the interior of the chimney’s base, so you’ll be able to crouch down and peer up inside the chimney to see the position of the damper. Typically made from cast iron or other heat-resistant metal (sometimes ceramic), the damper essentially opens and closes the chimney. This is done to prevent warm, interior room air from being pulled into the firebox and up the chimney. In general, chimney cap dampers are closed if the chain is hooked to the wall surround of your fireplace. The closed damper also protects from water and debris. Keeping your damper closed when your fireplace is cold will help you keep down your heating costs. Why? When you are using your fireplace, it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside. Start a small but smoky fire in your fireplace, say using papers or tinder alone. There are many ways to check to see if the damper is open or closed and after getting into the habit, it should become quite obvious. So, fortunately because of this, you’ll be able to realize your mistake nearly right away well before there’s a determinate carbon monoxide issue at hand. Another type of damper is a screw-type or rotary control damper. The advantage of a top-mount damper over its throat-mounted cousin is that it prevents animals and debris from falling into the flue. Visually Check. But if you’re using a wood-burning fireplace, there’s definitely an optimal setting for your damper. Keeping your damper working properly is important. Are you unsure as to whether the damper is open or closed? 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. You can also tell if your damper is open or closed just by listening. An open damper is much like an open window or open door – interior air you are paying to air condition will be wasted and escape out any opening. 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 Open Damper When Preparing Fire. Fireplaces with gas logs require the damper to remain open at all times. Here’s how to tell if the damper is open or closed. If you can pull on the chain before it jumps back up, the damper is open. This is not true for every fireplace some, especially pre-fab type, the damper is either open or closed.. no middle ground. Guaranteed! If you have a top-mount damper, pull down on the chain to see if you can close the damper. 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 your damper will not open or close, it may need to be repaired. 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. To be up to code, all fireplaces must have a damper. Next, we clean out all the stains, mold and creosote so it will be safe to use. A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. Pulling the handle towards you will close the damper. The flap is located inside the chimney flue found inside the chimney. If you can see up through the damper and past to your chimney’s interior, then the damper is open. Every minute that the damper is open, when the fireplace is not being used, up to 600 feet of heated air can escape. I lose a lot of heat the way it is set now Flue is set to wide open. If the flue is open, the smoke will go out of the chimney without any problem. Finally, your fireplace damper may be controlled by a chain, a typical control for top-mounted dampers. 2. Check for a draft. Top-mount dampers use a spring-loaded design. 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. There is normally a key that will be seen from the front of the fireplace. A damper for any type of gas fireplace should never be closed. 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. Upper Deck Solid Brass Metal Open/Closed Fireplace Damper Sign Hanging Flue Pull Hook. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. You should close the damper as tightly as possible before smoke comes into the house. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar house, it’s best to perform a visual check after looking at the control position. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. The only time the damper should stay completely closed is when the fireplace is not being used. This, in turn, insulates the entire chimney flue. Fireplace Damper Won’t Open Or Close Put your safety first by taking a few moments to see the position of the damper before starting a fire because your life could depend on it. The second type of damper is operated by a lever, normally mounted on the right inside wall of the fireplace. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. Of figuring out which direction to turn it immediately when you are using your fireplace is. 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