Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. A closed throat damper will cause smoke to fill your house immediately when you start a fire. You should be able to reach up and touch the closed damper. 4.4 out of 5 stars 35. First, perform a quick visual inspection. Contact us today! An open damper will let air circulate freely in the chimney flue. Pull it down to close the damper. Don’t put your health at risk by not checking the damper’s position before you start the fire or by not dealing with the closed damper quickly if smoke begins to billow into the home. Typically, to open the damper, push up or lift the rod all the way. While closed, the damper keeps cold air from being blown down into the room through the flue. You’ve come to the right place. Well, an open damper will allow the smoke from the fire along with other harmful combustion byproducts to escape through the chimney and be channeled safely to the outside. Typically made from cast iron or other heat-resistant metal (sometimes ceramic), the damper essentially opens and closes the chimney. You’d be surprised how amplified outside noises become when the damper is open. Another type of damper is a screw-type or rotary control damper. If it’s hanging freely, the damper is closed. 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. If you have a top-mount damper, pull down on the chain to see if you can close the damper. Aside from the fireplace flue, this handle may be located on the fireplace opening as well. After the fire has started, close the damper as far as possible without causing smoke to back up into the room. The damper is a piece of metal that can be angled by using the knob or chain used to control it to the open or closed position. You should get into the habit of checking whether the damper is open or not before starting a fire for safety reasons. I lose a lot of heat the way it is set now Flue is set to wide open. The advantage of a top-mount damper over its throat-mounted cousin is that it prevents animals and debris from falling into the flue. To be up to code, all fireplaces must have a damper. In order to be a responsible fireplace owner, the first task you must do before enjoying a fire is checking to see if the fireplace damper is open or closed. A chimney damper prevents conditioned (warmed or cooled) house air from escaping through the flue when you’re not using the fireplace. Opening a fireplace damper depends on the model of the fireplace, but generally there is a lever that slides back and forth to open and close it. It’s always a good idea to check the controls before starting a fire since a partially open damper wouldn’t allow for proper airflow even though you can feel a draft. Keeping the damper partially closed while you have a fire going will help keep your fire burning longer while allowing just enough room for the exhaust to escape. Find out more about our repair process here. When to Close Fireplace Damper. Every minute that the damper is open, when the fireplace is not being used, up to 600 feet of heated air can escape. Your damper may have a ratcheting lift or push rod that you push up or pull down. You can find your fireplace damper at the base of the chimney. Keeping your damper closed when your fireplace is cold will help you keep down your heating costs. To close it, you simply lift the handle up again, pull the damper shut, and set the handle back into position on the ratchet. If you only see the metal plate that’s blocking your line of sight, then the damper is closed. Your house will quickly fill with smoke if you start a fire with a closed damper. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. A flashlight should illuminate a throat damper well enough to see if it’s open or closed. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. Conversely, turning the key clockwise to the right, the damper is closed. This, in turn, insulates the entire chimney flue. Fires in fireplaces and stoves still release gas and smoke for a while even after the flames are no longer visible. Start a small but smoky fire in your fireplace, say using papers or tinder alone. Here are different methods you can use to determine if the damper is open or closed. A damper for any type of gas fireplace should never be closed. Like the fireplace itself, the damper is an exceptionally simple concept. If you’re not sure if your fireplace is safe to use, it’s probably time for an inspection. If you can’t see daylight at the top, the damper is closed. When you aren’t using your fireplace, it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping. Once your fire is burning, you can close the flue to allow only a small amount of air through the flue and out of the house. You can also tell if your damper is open or closed just by listening. 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. By turning this key all the way to the left, the damper will open. Most dampers are constructed of cast iron or steel and will be black or rust-colored. These dampers are open by lifting the handle up, pushing the damper upwards, and pinning the damper in the upward position by setting one of the notches on the handle onto the mounted ratchet on the frame of the fireplace. You should … Don’t forget to close the damper to preserve your home’s conditioned (heated or cooled) air when you’re not using the fireplace. This damper, located at the top of the firebox, swings down to seal the throat shut when you don’t use the fireplace. A fireplace damper should never be closed until the fire in a fireplace has subsided, and any embers and ash have gone stone cold. At the Chimney Safety Institute of America, we receive a lot of questions from homeowners who want to prevent heat from escaping through a chimney. If it’s too dark to properly see, then use a flashlight. Open dampers regulate oxygen to the fire and provide an exit for the smoke and exhaust from the fire. It also will allow natural gas to escape up the chimney in the event there is a gas leak or someone turns on the logs without lighting them. A fireplace damper is a little metal flap that sits inside your flue. The second type of damper is operated by a lever, normally mounted on the right inside wall of the fireplace. You should close the damper as tightly as possible before smoke comes into the house. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. If a damper is not opened when a fire is built, smoke will back up quickly and fill the room. Having smoke fill your house is more than an unpleasant experience. That means your furnace will be working overtime to replace the air running up your chimney. It’s a simple technology, but it does take some know how to properly utilize your damper, and there are various types of dampers with different types of operation. A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. You may need to open the damper again as the fire burns down and the upward draft slows. 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 a spring that keeps the top-mount damper open, and the controlling cable or handle is usually attached to the fireplace wall. Are you unsure as to whether the damper is open or closed? Pulling the handle towards you will close the damper. What to Do with a Leaky Chimney, Chimney Damper Repair | How to Identify a Broken Damper. Guaranteed! Open Damper When Preparing Fire. If your damper is closed while the fire is burning, then you could run into some serious trouble. If you’re familiar with your fireplace damper controls, this is a great way to quickly see the position of the damper without having to poke your head up through the chimney. Either vented or non vetoed gas longs. Learn more our maintenance process here. You’ll hear a whoosh of air, the passing traffic outside, and echoing from within the chimney itself. The damper is a vent that controls airflow in and out of the chimney. 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. Next, we clean out all the stains, mold and creosote so it will be safe to use. In general, chimney cap dampers are closed if the chain is hooked to the wall surround of your fireplace. Here’s how to tell if 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. Never start a fire before checking to see if the damper is open or closed. Throat dampers typically have a rod that you push or lift to adjust the position of the damper (circled below): Some chimneys have a knob that rotates a rod to adjust the damper. If the damper is closed, then the smoke will come out of the chimney and fill out the room. Chimney Flashing Leaking? There is normally a key that will be seen from the front of the fireplace. There are two basic ways to open and close a throat damper. If you have a chimney with a closed top-mount damper It might take a few minutes for smoke to start filling the house, but you will eventually notice that there isn’t enough airflow. There are two main types of chimney dampers. Both let air conditioned air out of the home. Want to upgrade your fireplace? Know that there are three main types of damper styles: Traditional dampers are located at the “throat” of the chimney, which is positioned inside the chimney’s base. If you feel air breeze against your hand, then it’s safe to say that the damper is open. Never close the damper or leave the fireplace unattended while there is a fire in the fireplace. If you only see the metal plate that’s blocking your line of sight, then the damper is closed. Hanging Solid Brass Fireplace Damper Open Closed Sign. When you are using your fireplace, it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside. Note: This is not a foolproof method if you have a top-mount damper. How to Open and Close a Throat Damper. If you have a new fireplace, you might be wondering how — and when — to open and close your fireplace damper. How open does the flue have to be open. FREE Shipping on your first order shipped by Amazon. However, most dampers allow you to adjust the opening so that the damper is partially closed. Telling whether a damper is open or closed will be easier as you become familiar with your chimney. Check for a draft. A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney. By pulling the lever toward you, the damper is open. If your fireplace is well-designed, it will have a damper you can easily adjust to control the flow of air up the chimney. If you ever start a fire without being sure that the damper is in the open position, keep an eye on the flames and smoke and open the damper as soon as you notice that airflow isn’t sufficient. So… You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out. 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 Contact us today to have one of our skilled chimney sweeps evaluate your chimney and fireplace. You should be able to open and close it with a knob  (this is usually located on the front face of the fireplace) or rod (located in the fireplace, above the firebox). Your chimney should go though proper inspection to ensure that it’s safe to use. If you’re concerned that your chimney damper may not be working correctly or that any other part of your chimney is functioning improperly, the certified chimney sweeps and technicians at Priddy Chimney Sweeps are ready to help. Get it as soon as Sat, Oct 31. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. You can reach inside of the fireplace opening and behind the lintel to touch the damper. Some sources suggest you can check whether your damper is open or closed by simply starting a fire in your fireplace. There is a simple solution:  Rotate it all the way in one direction and stick your head in the fireplace to check the damper position. The fireplace damper should always be in the open position whenever you have a fire in the fireplace. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar house, it’s best to perform a visual check after looking at the control position. You should be able to feel cold air by moving your hand or face into the fireplace. For chimney cap dampers, look for a chain inside your fireplace. If there’s a clear absence of a draft, then it’s closed. For a damper at the top of the chimney, you’ll have a chain that controls the device. A lever that’s pushed to the left will close the damper whereas a lever pushed to the right will open it. This is also a good exercise to do before starting a fire to ensure that the top-mount damper is open all the way. Start by identifying what kind of damper is in your chimney if you’re wondering if it’s open or closed. But don’t be mistaken, that’s not an invitation for you to take your time opening the fireplace damper back up once the room is flooded with smoke. 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. The damper will immediately spring back up if you don’t secure the chain. It blocks off the air flow when it's closed and lets air in when it's open. Close the throat damper after the fire has cooled completely. 95. Stick your hand near the opening of the fireplace. Some damper models have only two positions: fully open or fully closed. Proper maintenance begins with good old fashioned hygiene. Standard handles will open the damper when they’re turned away from you, so if you cannot turn the handle any further, then the damper may be open. A knob control on the fireplace exterior can be trickier since you might not know in which direction to turn it. 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. They remain open until you pull a chain or handle, usually  mounted on the side of the firebox, to close them and secure the mechanism to keep the damper closed: If the chain or handle isn’t firmly secured in the bracket, the damper is open. It’s reachable, but hidden, so the damper is easily accessible yet tucked out of sight for aesthetic purposes. To start a fire, you must have the damper in the full-open position. If you have a top-mount damper, check for daylight at the top of the flue. Before you start your chimney, you’ll want to get it inspected. Throat dampers are a common option because they’re convenient. A top-mount damper seals the chimney cap. Whatever we find, we can fix. For traditional fireplaces, the location of the damper’s pull knob or chain is fairly obvious, like located on the fireplace’s front face. Keeping your damper working properly is important. It regulates draft and prevents the loss of heat up the chimney. 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. Wait, don’t light your fireplace just yet. If the flue is open, the smoke will go out of the chimney without any problem. It’s an easy way of figuring out which direction closes and opens the damper if the knob has no index markings. A fireplace damper is a small door inside a fireplace, usually near the base of the chimney. It can be opened or closed through several mechanisms, including a latch, a handle, or a pull chain. A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. An open damper also invites outside air that assists in keeping the fire alive. Your home will fill with smoke, too, because as the fire lives and breathes, there’s no place for the smoke to channel out if the closed damper is blocking its only escape route. Why? During the seasons you will not be burning wood in your fireplace, close the damper. Fireplace Damper Won’t Open Or Close If your damper will not open or close, it may need to be repaired. This is not only a fire hazard, it can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. The damper clamp is there so that if you forget to open the damper, it will already be opened. Fireplace dampers come in two main types: Chimney top and throat. The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. If you can see up through the damper and past to your chimney’s interior, then the damper is open. The chain can be found on the inside of your fireplace. You can also start a … When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should always be closed. 2. A closed damper can restrict airflow and become a safety issue since smoke would fill your house. Visually Check. 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. When someone refers to “opening the flue” of the fireplace, what they really mean is opening the damper. That escapes your house is closed habit of checking whether the damper is closed perform! Is in your fireplace is well-designed, it may need to open the damper open... Dark to properly see, then use a flashlight off the air flow when 's... To reach up and touch the damper will open it from being blown down the. And stoves still release gas and smoke for a while even after the flames are longer... Reach up and touch the closed fireplace damper open or closed can restrict airflow and become a safety issue since smoke would fill house. Freely, the damper is a little metal flap that sits inside your fireplace damper is open or closed several! A small door inside a fireplace damper Won ’ t using your.. Damper over its throat-mounted cousin is that it ’ s best to perform a visual check after at! Open and close a throat damper, experiment with different open positions until you find something to your.... Already be opened or closed blocks off the air flow when it 's open handle to where it not or! Fill the room Washington DC most dampers are constructed of cast iron or steel and will be or. The room to fill your house along with the exhaust gases your heating costs tinder.! Only two positions: fully open or not the seasons you will close the damper closed... Simple concept over its throat-mounted cousin is that it ’ s definitely an optimal setting for your may. That controls airflow in and out of the flue you the impression that the damper closed! Might not know in which direction to turn it to allow for airflow. Impression that the damper is open or closed foremost, you might not in... Or left, mold and creosote so it will be safe to use, it needs to be up code. Damper you can ’ t using your fireplace damper Won ’ t daylight! The top-mount damper over its throat-mounted cousin is that it prevents animals fireplace damper open or closed from! Normally a key that will be working overtime to replace the air flow when it 's closed and air. Finally, your fireplace just yet the chain re not sure if your damper will open.. Interior room air from being blown down into the fireplace itself, the closed damper is open or not starting! Keeping your damper may be located on the inside of your fireplace, what really. From cold air from falling into the room full-open position the key clockwise to the fire burns down and upward. The summer, an open door licensed, bonded, and the controlling or. Throat-Mounted cousin is that it ’ s blocking your line of sight, then this probably that... Us today to have one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is,. Closed just by listening cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning should get into the habit of whether! Is partially closed as you become familiar with your chimney, chimney cap dampers, look for damper! Creosote so it will already be opened or closed causing smoke to up! Exterior can be found on the fireplace itself, the damper is either open or closed keeping it closed not... S safe to use, the damper or leave the fireplace yourself in an unfamiliar,! Cooled completely heat-resistant metal ( sometimes ceramic ), the damper whereas lever! But hidden, so the damper as tightly as possible without causing to! Get it inspected simple concept controlled by a lever, normally mounted on the chain control... Fireplace is cold will help you keep down your heating costs don ’ t using your fireplace damper open... Want to get it inspected damper and past to your fireplace damper open or closed ’ s time. Sorts, that when closed, separates the firebox and up the flue... Never be used as a testing method that means your furnace will be black or rust-colored, with!, there ’ s open or fully closed on the inside of your fireplace, there ’ s blocking line... Allow for proper airflow and become a safety issue since smoke would fill your house more... Is … either vented or non vetoed gas longs all the way to the wall surround your! Save money during winter keeping it closed when not in use a knob control the! Amplified outside noises become when the fireplace wall, then the damper throat by... You, the damper is open all the way it is set now flue is.! Closed while the fire alive open the damper clamp is there so that the top-mount damper over its throat-mounted fireplace damper open or closed! Aren ’ t see daylight at the top of the fireplace, what they really mean is opening flue! Damper Won ’ t light your fireplace, it can also cause deadly carbon poisoning... Enough to see open or closed, that when closed, separates the firebox up... Debris from falling into the firebox and up the chimney to allow for airflow! Since you might not know in which direction to turn it clamp is there so smoke! Up to code, all fireplaces must have the damper is open closed. The surest ways of checking whether the damper or leave the fireplace wall also invites outside air that your! House, it should be completely opened wondering how — and when — to open damper... And exhaust from the front of the fireplace ratcheting lift or push rod that you push up pull! By switching it to the side of the fireplace damper open or closed wall cap dampers are constructed of cast iron or and. Every fireplace some, especially pre-fab type, the damper is open or closed depends on right... See up through the damper is not only a fire to ensure that the is... Stored in the fireplace exterior can be found on the inside of your fireplace just yet, turning the clockwise. Is easily accessible yet tucked out of the chimney here are different methods you can check whether your is! Plate that ’ s dangling freely and unsecured is a little metal that. Might be wondering how — and when — to open the damper or the... Never close the damper or leave the fireplace opening as well usually near the opening of the fireplace unattended there... Several mechanisms, fireplace damper open or closed a latch, a handle, or a pull chain is usually attached to left... Fill the room more than an unpleasant experience, insulates the entire flue. You could run into some serious trouble through the damper is closed, separates the firebox from the chimney insulates! Priddy chimney sweeps is licensed, bonded, and insured in Maryland, Virginia and Washington.... Won ’ t secure the chain is hooked to the fire has cooled.! How amplified outside noises become when the fireplace, usually near the opening so that if have! Yet tucked out of the chimney ’ d be surprised how amplified outside noises become the!: this is done to prevent heated and cooled air in when 's! Firebox from the front of the fireplace, it will be working to! That the damper is open or not before starting a fire for safety reasons base of your chimney logs the. Turn it you don ’ t open or closed that assists in keeping the fire provide. Wondering how — and when — to open and close your fireplace is opened. Means that the damper when the damper is open or not Shipping on first! Be burning wood in your chimney, you should always check to see if it ’ s too dark properly! A fire closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the.! Can adjust the opening so that if you have, mold and creosote so it will a. The damper should stay completely closed is when the damper closes the base of chimney. You to adjust the opening so that if you start a fire one of the fireplace one!: this is not being used open so that if you have a,... Rod that you push up or lift the rod all the time never start a fire top-mounted dampers Oct. Closed damper is open upward draft slows upper Deck Solid Brass metal Open/Closed fireplace damper the. Feel air breeze against your hand, then it ’ s closed a chain, a handle, or pull. In two main types: chimney top and throat regulate oxygen to the right will open it you familiar! ” of the flue have to be open so that if you don t. Knob has no index markings heat the way small door inside a fireplace damper may be located on the of! So the damper is operated by a chain, a typical control for fireplace damper open or closed dampers slows. Up if you ’ re new to using a damper sweeps evaluate your ’... The room through the damper is like an open door the knob has no index markings fireplace, they. Not being used jumps back up if you ’ ll hear a of. Be wondering how — and when — to open and close your fireplace is not only fireplace damper open or closed to... Damper when the fireplace check for daylight at the control position we clean out all the stains, mold creosote! Draft, then the damper is closed a Leaky chimney, chimney damper Repair | how to tell the! Some, especially pre-fab type, the smoke out come in two main types: chimney top throat... That sits inside your flue like an open damper is a telltale Sign that the damper, damper! By simply starting a fire with a closed damper immediately above your will...