Do You Know How To Use Your Damper Properly?
Do you know how to use your damper properly? This misunderstood device is vital to your fireplace’s safety and efficiency. While most Pittsburgh homeowners understand the necessity of opening the damper before lighting a fire, understanding its operation, particularly when regulating heat, remains a mystery for many. In this article, we’ll clear the air so you know how to properly use your damper to maximize your fire-burning experience in the Steel City.
The Function of the Damper Explained
Think of your damper as the window of your chimney. Its primary function is to control the airflow, allowing smoke, gases, and other combustion byproducts to exit your home. When open, it allows fresh air to enter the fireplace to keep the flames going. When closed, it seals off the chimney, preventing drafts, energy loss, and unwanted pests and debris from entering your living space.
Understanding the Fire Triangle
To truly appreciate the damper, let’s review the fundamental principle behind the fire triangle. The fire triangle illustrates the three elements that must be present for combustion to occur:
Fuel
The wood you’re burning.
Heat
The initial spark or flame.
Oxygen
The air that feeds the fire.
The damper directly influences the oxygen supply. By adjusting its opening, you control how much air reaches the fire, affecting its intensity and efficiency.
Two Types of Dampers
Now that you have a basic understanding of the fire principles, let’s move on to the types of dampers. While their function is the same, there are two main types:
Throat Damper
The throat is the most common damper located just above the firebox, within the chimney’s throat. It’s a hinged metal plate that you open and close using a lever or handle, often found inside the firebox opening.
Top-Mount Damper (or Top-Sealing)
A top-sealing damper is installed at the top of the chimney flue and features a spring-loaded lid that completely seals the flue opening. It is typically operated by a chain that hangs down into the firebox, making it very easy to use. Top-mount dampers generally provide a tighter seal than throat dampers, which results in better protection against drafts and increases energy efficiency. When closed, it seals off the entire flue, not just the firebox.
Opening the Damper
Before laying kindling, ensure your damper is fully open. An unopened or partially opened damper can lead to smoke backing up into your home, creating a hazardous situation. Look for the lever or chain and position it until the metal plate (for throat dampers) is fully upright or the top lid (for top-mount dampers) is completely open.
Adjusting the Damper to Control Heat Intensity
This is where many fireplace users get stuck. Once your fire starts, you can adjust the damper setting to fine-tune the heat output and the burn rate of your fire:
To Decrease Heat
If the room gets too warm or you want to conserve fuel, partially closing the damper restricts the airflow. The fire will burn more slowly and produce less heat, which is ideal for maintaining gentle warmth over a longer period.
To Increase Heat
Raise the damper a notch when you want more heat. Slightly opening the damper allows more air to reach the fire, feeding the flames, which will burn hotter and faster.
The key is to find the ‘sweet spot.’ This is the ideal damper setting that provides enough airflow to sustain a healthy fire and efficiently draw smoke up the chimney, but not so much that you’re losing excessive heat up the flue or causing the fire to burn too rapidly. Observe your flames and the heat output to determine the optimal damper setting for your comfort. Experimenting with the different notch settings or damper positions will help you understand how to properly use your damper to control the heat from your fireplace.
When to Close the Damper
Once the fire is completely out and the embers are cool, it is time to close the damper. Doing this provides several benefits:
Prevents Energy Waste
In the winter, a closed damper stops warm air from escaping the chimney, improving your home’s energy efficiency and reducing heating costs in our Pittsburgh winters. In Summer, it keeps conditioned air inside your home.
Blocks Cold Drafts
A closed damper prevents cold air from rushing down the chimney and chilling your living space.
Keeps Out Pests and Debris
An open chimney allows animals like birds or squirrels, leaves, and other debris to enter your home.
Important Note: Never close the damper while there are still hot embers or any sign of smoke. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent and deadly threat.
Advance Chimney Damper Repair – Installation – Replacement
Advance Chimney Sweeps is Greater Pittsburgh’s most trusted company for all chimney needs, including damper repair, new installations, and replacement in western Pennsylvania and portions of West Virginia. Our service area includes Aliquippa, PA, Latrobe, PA, Morgantown, WV, Kingwood, WV, and surrounding communities. Visit our website to schedule an appointment today! Ask about our convenient financing options.
