So, exactly what is a chimney damper?
For most homeowners, a chimney is well… just a chimney. Most people see their fireplaces and chimneys as an accessory to their house, a source of heat when the power goes out and a place to snuggle up in front of.
Chimneys need to be treated with care. They have their own safety hazards and plenty of moving parts which need to be maintained to have the best experience with your fireplace.
One of the main working parts of a chimney is a chimney damper. Some older homes may have a chimney without a damper. If a chimney has been renovated or restored it likely has a damper. A chimney without a damper can cause the cool air from air conditioning to escape in the summer and heated air to escape up the chimney in the winter. Although not legally required, every fireplace should have a damper.
2 Types of Chimney Dampers
The most common type is a simple lever that either slides back and forth. The second type of chimney damper is a chain and pulley set that opens a damper at the top of the chimney.
Both types open and close similar to a water faucet. When the damper is open, it allows all smoke and ash from any burning fires to rise through the chimney, keeping that same smoke and ash from flowing back into the home.
What Does a Chimney Damper Do?
A fireplace damper controls the fire by how much air flow is allowed through the chimney. A closed damper will allow less oxygen in resulting in a fire that is slow to start or in a fire goes out.
What most people don’t realize about fireplaces, is they need to breathe. A fireplace needs oxygen and fuel to burn. Without either one of those elements, the fire at least slows down if not stops altogether.
Most of the time, a chimney damper is made of metal and can get quite hot. If you have to touch the damper’s handle after the fire is lit, put oven mitts on before touching it.
If your chimney has a chain hanging down, that’s called a top-sealing damper, the process of checking is the same. Pulling the chain down will close the damper.
Know When Your Fireplace Damper is Open
Be sure to open the damper before you build a fire. If you don’t smoke will come out of the chimney into your house. Know if your damper is open or not. If you are not sure if your damper is open check before you start your fire.
The best way to determine if a chimney damper is open or closed, is to check by looking or use a flashlight and peek up into the chimney. The damper’s handle is in the firebox (where the fire burns) is directly over the flame.
Look up into the chimney, and if you can see the walls inside the chimney, then the damper is open, and your fireplace is ready to build a fire. If you look up and all you see is a large piece of metal and nothing else, your damper is closed.
Conclusion
Regular care and maintenance for your chimney will give you the most efficient and best experience for your family from your fireplace. Contact us at Black Goose for an annual chimney inspection. We will be able to let you know the condition of your chimney and if any repairs are needed.
If you are looking to have your chimney restored or rebuilt, we are also able to perform those services as well. Call us today at 540-586-9778.