Do You Know How To Properly Use Your Damper? 

You may be asking, what is a damper and what is its purpose? You came to the right place for some of these answers. 

What is a Damper?

A damper is a device that regulates the airflow or gas within a system. In this case, we are talking about the chimney. The damper has adjustable blades that open and close. The damper effectively adjusts to control the amount of air that goes through it. When a fire is burning in the fireplace, the damper needs to be opened. This allows the passage of air up the chimney as well as gases to escape from the home. When the fireplace is no longer in use the damper should be closed. This allows rain, snow, and debris to get into the chimney or the firebox.

How To Use The Damper

Opening The Damper: 

• First locate the damper handle, known as the lever.
• Pull or push the lever to open the damper.
• Some dampers have a chain, you will unhook it to open the damper.

Closing The Damper:

• Pull the lever to close the damper.
• If the damper has a chain, hook the chain to close the damper.

Adjusted The Damper:

• Once the fire has started, you may adjust the damper. If you find that smoke is coming into your home, open the damper a little bit more. This way you can allow more or less air flow. It is advisable to keep the damper open while a fire is burning. 

Different Types of Dampers

 Dampers come in different styles and types. Here are two of the most common.

Throat Damper: A throat damper is a traditional damper, usually used in masonry-type systems. 

It consists of a steel or cast-iron handle that lifts a plate that blocks an opening that allows smoke and air to flow up the chimney. 

Top-Sealing Damper: A spring-loaded door that is located in the chimney cap. Known also as a cap damper. A cable is attached to the damper at the top of the chimney. It is fed down through the flue to a mounting handle. A top-sealing damper is easier to use based on the location of the mounting handle. 

Maintenance: If the damper is difficult to open or close, most likely there is a clog, damage, or off its track. Contact our team at Chimney Specialists Inc. to inspect the area. It is very dangerous to have a fire in the fireplace without a fully functioning damper. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a high risk without the proper opening of the chimney damper.

Don’t Let Chimney Issues Go Unchecked

When you experience issues with your chimney and fireplace components, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Chimney Specialists. 

CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS INC. prides itself on offering customers and contractors in the tri-state area of northeast Iowa, northwest Illinois, and southwest Wisconsin, complete installation service, nationally certified technical experts, a huge selection of quality stoves and fireplaces, and of course, competitive pricing.