A properly functioning damper is an essential, yet often overlooked element of any fireplace. The purpose of the damper is to close off your fireplace when not in use to prevent heated air from being sucked up your chimney. When the outside temperature is colder than the inside temperature of your home, warm air naturally rises and escapes through any available avenue, and your chimney is probably the biggest avenue to the outside atmosphere. As a chimney sweep I am constantly looking at chimneys while driving around and on very cold days have seen many chimneys with visible heat waves escaping out of the top. As you can imagine, all of this escaping hot air means your heat pump or furnace is working in overdrive, and that will be reflected on your heating bill.
Dampers come in a variety of styles. The most common damper in a masonry fireplace has a cast iron frame with a plate that should fit tightly inside the frame when in the closed position. A notched handle fits through a “damper keeper” and attaches to the plate. Most prefabricated fireplaces have a circular plate that fits snugly in the first section of your flue and flips from horizontal, (closed position), to vertical, (open position). It is common for very old fireplaces to not have a damper at all. If your damper is broken, unfunctional, or missing it would be wise to have it repaired, or have a top mounted damper installed. As the name implies, a top mounted damper sits atop your chimney. A stainless steel cable is attached to a spring loaded plate and runs through your flue with a handle and a keeper for your handle inside your firebox. When the cable is pulled tight, the plate seals tightly against the top of your flue. When the handle is released, the plate opens, and you are ready to have a fire.
So check your damper! If you have a functional damper, remember to close it after your fire is completely out. During chimney sweeps or chimney inspections I commonly encounter dampers that are in the open position. Most homeowners are unaware of the fact that valuable heated air has been constantly escaping during the colder months. If your damper is in need of a repair or replacement, give us a call. It won’t take long to recoup the cost of repair or replacement given the savings on your heating bill. Winter is coming, stay warm out there friends, let us help you experience the Joy of Warmth!
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