Should I Keep My Damper Open or Closed This Summer?

In the season when swimming, BBQs, and vacation getaways reign, it is the perfect time to think about your chimney. “Should I keep my damper open or closed this summer?” is just one of several important chimney-related questions to consider. Another is why chimney sweeps always say summertime is the best time to schedule chimney repairs. The pros at Chimney Saver Solutions are happy to answer any questions, but especially those linking summer with chimneys. Below, find out about dampers in summer and more.

Should I Open or Close My Chimney Damper in Summer?

The position of your chimney damper always has the potential to impact your wallet. Be sure to close your chimney damper anytime the fireplace is not in use. Otherwise, it becomes like an open window allowing cooled or heated indoor air to escape. In every season, electricity costs will be free of unwelcome spikes when the damper is closed at the appropriate times.

You want to keep air in by closing the damper in summer, but you are also helping to keep unwelcome critters out. Birds, snakes, raccoons, and mice are some of the animals that commonly enter homes through open chimney dampers. The most sensible way to keep animals out, however, is to have a chimney cap with mesh installed at the top of your chimney flue.

Why is Summer the Best Time for Chimney Inspections?

A summer pastime among chimney sweep companies everywhere is to get the word out about chimney inspections. Leading fire safety experts agree that every chimney should be inspected annually. But chimney sweeps know that summer is the best time for that.

Chimneys are vulnerable to moisture damage. When mortar or flashing are damaged or a chimney crown has deteriorated, water can get into the masonry system. This means that affected bricks must be removed and replaced.

Spring or summer are the best times for masonry repair. Certain temperatures and humidity levels are necessary for the new materials to set. The cost is much higher when masonry repairs become necessary in winter since alternate conditions must be painstakingly created.

Why Do Unpleasant Odors Come from My Fireplace in Summer?

If your fireplace is the source of unpleasant smells in summer, there are many possible reasons for that. For instance, the damper may not be airtight. Therefore, creosote together with summer heat inside your flue cause a campfire-type smell to invade your home.

Any animals that may get into your chimney can cause odors, whether from droppings, food, or nests. When animals get stuck and die in chimneys, the resulting smell is horrendous.

There are even more reasons why your fireplace may emit odors in summer. Give our qualified chimney sweeps a call and they will get to the real source of the problem. Because this is an unregulated industry, wannabe chimney sweeps can pose as competent service providers. This costs homeowners untold thousands of dollars every year, especially because scamming people out of their money is often the motive behind the masquerade.

Our Chimney Experts Know the Right Answers

It may be summer, but there is no need to sweat over chimney issues. The professional sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions are CSIA-certified. As many homeowners in the Richmond area have discovered, our chimney technicians have training and experience that can be depended upon. We’ve got all the right answers to such questions as, “Should I keep my damper open or closed this summer?”

Contact Chimney Saver for help with all chimney matters, such as chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, masonry repair, chimney cap installation, and chimney flashing repair. Call us at 804-440-5000 or fill out our online form today.