Chimney Flue Damper Operation

This type of damper is spring loaded and has a default position of open.

Chimney flue damper operation.

The damper is often a small metal flap located inside the fireplace flue. If your damper is located at the top of your fireplace you have a traditional throat damper. If you re not sure which position is the open or shut repeat step 2 to determine the position of the damper. Open the flue damper for a fire.

These dampers are opened and closed by a ratcheting push or lift rod or a screw type rotary control. A chimney top replacement damper is typically a hinged metal door installed at the top of the chimney working from the rooftop. It can be opened or closed manually to control the amount of air that is allowed to pass through. Unlike the firebox and the chimney which only serve a purpose when you ve got a roaring fire going the damper plays an important role when the fireplace is both active and inactive.

When you are using your fireplace it needs to be open so that smoke can vent outside. When you want to build a fire open the flue damper first by pulling the chain or shifting the lever. When the fireplace is in use an open damper prevents smoke from filling up your home by giving it a way out through the flue. A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney.

A cable extends down the chimney flue and into the fireplace opening where when the fire is not burning the damper can be opened or closed by pulling and latching the operating cable. If your damper is located at the top of your chimney you have a top mount damper. When you aren t using your fireplace it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping.