Do You Know How to Properly Use Your Damper?
The first question when setting out to use your fireplace is this: Do you know how to properly use your damper? The damper must be opened before starting a fire, and it should be closed once the fire has gone out. At Chimney Saver Solutions in Richmond VA, many callers in a panic contact us every winter because their home is filled with combustion gases from the fireplace. What has happened in virtually every case is that they started a fire without first opening the damper.
There is danger involved in this situation because carbon monoxide is among the fumes you and your family are being exposed to. Carbon monoxide is known as “The Silent Killer” because too much exposure is deadly, yet it is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. Not only that, but carbon monoxide is symptomless until there has already been significant exposure. Being burned by the fire is another potential hazard because opening and closing the damper involves accessing the chimney area directly above the firepit. But don’t worry! Below, we will tell you everything you need to know.
What is a Chimney Damper? 
It is easy to overlook a chimney damper because it is a hidden chimney component. When it is closed, the purpose of a chimney damper is to create an airtight seal. If the damper doesn’t seal off the airflow in a chimney, the result will be an increase in heating and cooling costs, the same as if you left a window open all the time. Whenever there is a fire in the fireplace, the chimney damper must be opened and remain open.
Dampers are operated by accessing the opening above the firepit, which is the bottom of the chimney. What you should find there is one of two things, as follows:
A throat damper, which is a metal device that opens and closes directly above the firepit; or
A cable that must be manipulated to open a top-sealing damper, which is at the top of the chimney.
How to Operate a Throat Damper
Throat dampers are installed in virtually all typical masonry fireplaces. Although a throat damper is standard equipment, it is not very dependable in creating an airtight seal. The metal tends to warp from excessive heat or rust when exposed to moisture.
There are several types of mechanisms that may be used to open and close a throat damper. The following describes the basic methods of operating the various types of throat dampers:
Move the lever to the right to open and move the lever to the left to close the damper.
Push the handle away to open the damper and pull the handle towards you to close the throat damper.
Turn the key-type device until the throat damper is fully opened. Then turn the key in the opposite direction to close the damper.
How to Operate a Top-Sealing Damper
Top-mounted aka top-sealing dampers are recommended because they do a far better job of closing off airflow inside of chimneys. To open a top-sealing damper, release the cable cord or chain, which allows the damper to spring open. When closing a top-mounted damper, pull the cable cord or chain down, working against the spring, and secure the cable or chain in the closed position.
Call the Chimney Pro for Top-Sealing Damper Installation
The CSIA-certified chimney pros at Chimney Saver Solutions offer installation of top-sealing dampers to help homeowners cut energy costs. Homeowners have reported energy savings of up to 25% after switching to a top-sealing damper. It is normal for us to ask a homeowner, “Do you know how to properly use your damper?” That’s because we know all the most common problems that can occur with fireplaces and chimneys, and damper issues are among them.
Chimneys are subject to deterioration, and neglected chimneys nearly always need some type of repair. So, in addition to helping with damper problems, we offer chimney masonry repair, chimney leak fixes, chimney mortar replacement with tuckpointing services, masonry rebuilds, flashing repair, chimney liner replacement, and much more! Contact us today or fill out our online form for reliable chimney services and greater peace of mind.
