When it comes to the various parts that make up a chimney, each has their own specific and important role. Learning about each of these is important in understanding how to make your fireplace run as efficiently as possible. One piece that will make building and maintaining fires much easier is the damper.
Where Is My Chimney Damper?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.
What Does It Do?
So, what is the purpose of a damper? These devices help out fireplace owners in multiple ways. Check out some of the benefits they offer below!
- Dampers keep cold air out. When your chimney is not in use, the outside air can easily work its way in by coming down through the chimney. This makes your home cold and uncomfortable, and it causes your heating bills to increase fast. Dampers are made to seal the chimney when fires aren’t being run, so that the cold air stays out and your home stays warm.
- Dampers send smoke away. Before your fire gets going, be sure to open the damper, so that all of the smoke escapes through the chimney. Luckily, this device that is so good at keeping cold air out that it can also be easily opened to let nasty smoke escape.
- Dampers help control the intensity of your fire. Whether you want your fire to burn long and strong or short-lived and mellow, you have control over the situation! As your damper is adjusted more or less oxygen flows through your fire, thus allowing you the power to make it as intense as you’d like.
My Damper Isn’t Working!
If your damper doesn’t seem to be doing its job, there are a couple reasons why this might be. One of the more common reasons your damper may be having trouble is due to debris build-up and creosote accumulation within the chimney. If your damper is blocked, then it may not be able to open and close properly. A good cleaning by a certified technician should do the trick in this situation.
Another reason your damper may not be working is if it doesn’t fit your chimney quite right. Finding a damper that is appropriately sized for your specific chimney is vital for proper functioning. This will ensure a tight seal when fires are not lit and easy access when fires are.
Invest In Us
Winston’s Chimney Service can set you up right with the perfect damper for your fireplace. We are trained and certified in damper installation and can help you make the right decision for your home. We also are certified in chimney sweeping so, should excess debris be blocking things up, we can do a thorough cleaning.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today!
