How do you adjust a fireplace damper?
How to Set Your Fireplace Damper when Lighting a Fire
- Close Only When Fireplace is Not in Use. The only time the damper should stay completely closed is when the fireplace is not being used. ...
- Open Damper When Preparing Fire. During the preparation to start a fire, the damper should be completely opened. ...
- Damper Location. The location of the damper affects how the fire should be started. ...
Does my fireplace need a damper?
Yes, a fireplace needs a damper. A flue will still work without one, but smoke and carbon monoxide can be an issue if you don’t use a chimney with the right kind of dampers. Fireplaces should always have a functional, working flue system that includes both vents or dampers – generally at least two per flue pipe size.
How to use a fireplace damper the right way?
To help start the draft before building and lighting a fire in your fireplace:
- If your fireplace has a damper open it as a far as possible.
- Open any external air vents within the same room as the fireplace.
- Warm up the air within the chimney.
When do you adjust the fireplace damper?
When lighting a fire, move the damper into its fully open position. This allows air to get into the chimney and assist in starting the fire. After starting the fire, adjust the damper to the half-closed position. Take a moment to see how this affects the fire before adjusting the damper further.
Do you need a damper with a fireplace insert?
Fireplace damper clamps are typically used for gas fireplace inserts or gas logs sets where it's required for the damper to be in fully open position at all times. A damper does not need to be used to control a gas fireplace fire, and it can be very dangerous to use a gas fireplace with a damper in the closed position.
How do I know if my fireplace has a damper?
A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. You should be able to reach up and touch the closed damper.
Do gas fireplace inserts have dampers?
Gas fireplaces don't have their own integrated dampers. Natural vent gas fireplace inserts or logs that are located within existing masonry fireplaces that utilize the chimney for venting will require any dampers located within the chimney to be open at all times.
Do ventless fireplaces have a damper?
Ventless gas logs are designed to be burned with the damper closed, so they must be designed to burn the gas completely (cleanly) so that carbon monoxide does not enter the room.
Where is the fireplace damper located?
Fireplace dampers are a type of damper usually located at the base of the chimney and around its throat just above the firebox. Flue dampers, which you can find at the base of a flue. Chimney cap dampers, which are typically located at the top of a chimney.
Is a damper and flue the same thing?
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.
Can you run a gas fireplace with damper closed?
somewhat like the way a gas range in a kitchen works. Since there is little or no exhaust, they can be burned with the damper closed. The beauty of this type of system is that 99.9% of the heat produced by the gas logs goes into the room, so they produce substantially more heat than their vented counter-parts.
Should gas fireplace damper be closed when not in use?
The damper is designed to be shut when the fireplace is not in use and can be easily opened when it is. It's common to forget to close the damper after a fire goes out, however, and that leaves a big hole through which heated or cooled air can escape the house.
Why doesn't my gas fireplace put out heat?
Gas fireplaces do not fully heat a room if the type of system or BTU rating is inadequate for the space that they are in. Solutions such as blowers, gas inserts, and heat exchangers can be used to optimize the heat released from a gas fireplace.
Why are ventless fireplaces illegal?
Ventless fireplaces are often restricted or illegal because of safety concerns, specifically due to the fact that they might introduce noxious combustion by-products into your home's air supply.
Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you'll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.
Do gas fireplace inserts need to be vented?
Gas fireplaces need to be vented by a chimney or other vent, unless you have a ventless gas fireplace. Ventless gas fireplaces do not need ventilation and are designed to burn cleaner with a lower flame that will not smoke. If your gas fireplace is not a ventless model, then it will likely need a vent of some sort.
What does a damper look like?
0:422:31WHERE ARE THE DAMPERS ON THE FURNACE? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is the very center of the damper right here when you look real close you will see a flat spotMoreThis is the very center of the damper right here when you look real close you will see a flat spot on the very. Center the flat spot is indicating the position of the damper.
What are the 2 levers on my fireplace?
in your home are turned off when burning your fire. Also, some wood burning fireplaces have a lever to open or close the outside air vent to the fireplace. If your fireplace has this lever (usually located on the left inside panel) make sure the outside air vent is in the open (or up) position.
How do you know if the flue is open or closed?
Feeling the breeze is another method you can use to know whether you have an open or closed flue. Locate your hand inside the fireplace and wait to notice if you can feel the air flowing. When the flue is open, air will flow down the chimney.
What is the knob on the bottom of my fireplace?
What Is the Damper? A fireplace damper is a metal plate or cap that sits inside or on top of your flue. It blocks off the airflow when it's closed and lets air through when it's open. Air can flow both ways, so outside air can come into your home and the heated air from your home can escape through an open damper.
Where are fireplace dampers located?
Fireplace dampers can typically be found at the base of a chimney, at the top or a chimney or at the base of a flue. Dampers are usually made out of metal or ceramic to allow them to withstand the heat of the fires and the resulting smoke, air and gases.
What Is A Fireplace Damper?
A fireplace damper is a device that can be manually opened or closed with the purpose of allowing gases and other byproducts from a fireplace to be safely vented from a building when open, but to also prevent air from escaping the building when a fireplace isn’t being used.
What does closing a damper do?
By closing the damper, you are preventing the majority of air passing through that point inside the flue, in either direction. With the damper open, air can flow freely up the flue when having a fire, and even down the flue when the fireplace isn’t in use.
What is a flue in a fireplace?
A flue is a pipe that extends out of a fireplace to the outside of a house, to vent any waste gases, smoke and small particles from a fire that would have otherwise been released into the home.
What is the purpose of a chimney damper?
Preventing warm air or air conditioned air from being lost out of the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use and the damper is closed. Preventing rain, animals and debris from entering the fireplace via the chimney when the damper is closed.
How do you know if your chimney damper is open?
Position yourself just outside of your fireplace and lean in under your chimney. You may be able to see an unflattering metal thing just within the opening of the chimney or flue. If you can see up through the damper to your chimney then you know that the damper is open. If you can only see a metal plate then your damper is closed.
What is a dampening effect on a fireplace?
In this case, the dampening effect of a fireplace damper is to control: The flow of hot air, smoke and gases from a fire in a fireplace or stove into a chimney or flue. The flow of air down into a fireplace or stove from a chimney or flue. By controlling how open or closed a fireplace damper is you can inhibit the flow of any air, ...
What is a damper in a fireplace?
Dampers are movable objects that sit within a chimney of a masonry fireplace and have a number of uses including being able to prevent cold drafts when the fireplace isn’t in use and potentially being able to make an open fireplace more efficient when closed down. A damper commonly sits within the throat ...
Where is the damper located on a chimney?
A damper commonly sits within the throat (bottom) of a chimney and can be manually open or closed using a lever. A damper may also be found the top of a chimney and be controlled using a handle that drops down into the fireplace firebox.
What is a damper clamp?
A damper clamp will help ensure that a damper remains open for as long as a gas fireplace is installed within an open masonry fireplace.
What does a closed damper mean?
A closed damper means that air is unable to escape from a fireplace , and if a gas fireplace has been installed within the masonry fireplace then waste air from the gas fireplace also cannot escape.
What is a natural vent gas fireplace?
Natural vent gas fireplaces use the uplift of air up chimney, known as the draft, to help remove waste air from a home. Natural vent gas fireplaces typically won’t have any integrated form of damper but waste air from a natural vent gas fireplace will need to bypass any existing dampers installed as part of the original masonry fireplace setup.
Where does the waste air go in a gas fireplace?
Waste air from this gas fireplace rises up through the vent hood located at the top of the fireplace and up into the chimney and out of the home. If there was a damper integrated into our chimney then this waste air would go through the damper in order to leave the house.
Where are dampers installed?
Dampers are often found installed within traditional masonry fireplaces, either within the throat of the chimney or at the top, and can also be found within the stove pipe of many older models of wood burning stoves. Gas fireplaces are a common type of fireplace, and if not installed within an existing masonry fireplace, ...
What is a chimney damper?
Fireplace dampers or chimney dampers, components of your fireplace, help regulate airflow and draft for fireplaces. They are, therefore, opened or closed with a damper handle.
Why a chimney top-sealing damper?
A top damper installs at the top of your chimney and is opened and closed by means of a stainless steel cable. The cable is dropped down the flue and equipped with a handle so you can open and close it. A latch installed just inside the firebox allows you to lock it open or closed. Top dampers seal much more tightly than the throat ones, lowering home heating costs. They pay for themselves in a few years.
Do throat dampers close tightly?
These throat dampers, however, are usually just metal flaps that do not close very tightly, so they can allow heat and energy dollars to escape. Whether or not you have a throat damper, a top damper is a good investment.
What are the different types of fireplace inserts?
There are 3 Types of Fireplace Inserts: Wood. Gas. Electric. 1. Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts. Wood burning fireplace inserts give much more heat and enjoyment than a conventional masonry fireplace. If you plan on continuing to burn wood fire fires, and you wish for more heat, this is a good choice. Wood fireplace inserts have been ...
How long have wood fireplace inserts been around?
Wood fireplace inserts have been around for more than 100 years, and their appeal is obvious. With a wood insert, you can get more heat without replacing the whole fireplace and chimney. However, with all their features and benefits, there is an installation requirement that not every homeowner is aware of. Wood-burning fireplace inserts need their ...
What is direct vent gas fireplace?
Direct Vent Gas Inserts are a popular choice for fireplaces with a gas supply installed or available. Burning a gas insert fireplace that is direct vented, performs well without using inside air for combustion. In other words, both the air for combustion and the exhaust vent outside.
How many vents does a direct vent fireplace have?
Direct Vent appliances utilize outside air and exhaust fumes to the outdoors. It is for this reason Direct Vent Fireplace Inserts have two vents. One vent draws in air and the other exhausts it outside. All Direct Vent units have this feature.
What happens if you use a fireplace liner?
If the original fireplace liner was used (assuming it’s in good shape) the exhaust would move very slowly and cause excessive creosote build-up.
What is a connector and chimney system?
A connector and chimney system, designed specifically with the wood burning insert in mind is a necessary addition to a wood burning stove inserted into a fireplace.
How to prevent chimney fires?
Creosote build-up through a wood burning inserts chimney is the number one cause of chimney fires. There are a few ways to minimize chimney fires with wood inserts: 1 A properly installed wood insert fireplace and chimney liner system 2 Burning good firewood 3 Regular chimney sweeping maintenance 4 Annual Chimney Inspections
What is a gas fireplace?
Gas Fireplace. Gas fireplaces create flames by burning natural gas rather than wood. Ceramic logs and embers sitting in a metal grate give it the appearance of a wood-burning fire, but they are just for show. Like a standard fireplace, a gas unit produces both heat and waste gases.
Do vent free fireplaces need to be vented?
These units are designed to be clean-burning and to produces low levels of waste gas, so they do not need to be vented through the damper and out the chimney. They produce more heat than vented gas fireplaces.
Do all fireplaces have a damper?
To be up to code, all fireplaces must have a damper. 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. The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. The glass between the firebox and your home prevents cold or heat from coming down the chimney and by leaving the damper open at all times, you eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home.
Is it safe to use a gas fireplace?
Buying firewood, finding a place to store it away from dampness, rodents and termites, then hauling logs into your home and sweeping wood chips up from the carpet – a roaring fireplace is more romantic when it doesn't take as much work. Gas fireplaces are less labor-intensive to operate and, as long as the chimney damper is open, they are safe to use.
Should a gas fireplace damper be open?
The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. The glass between the firebox and your home prevents cold or heat from coming down the chimney and by leaving the damper open at all times, you eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home. Advertisement.
Does Englander have inserts?
Kevin, I also did check out the Englander site, it seems they really only have one insert with different options. Not that there's anything wrong with their insert, it's just a little too streamlined looking so not really my taste.
Can you add an inline damper to a fireplace insert?
If there isn't one built into the outlet of the insert, one could add an inline damper if desired. Of course on an insert one would have trouble getting to the handle of the inline damper if the opening to the fireplace is blocked by sheet metal.
Can you run a 6" stove in an 8" liner?
Which is many times safer than the way the current setup is. It is also possible future 6" venting stove could work quite well in a full 8" liner, especially an insulated liner. It is also quite possible you do not need to run a future 6" liner inside again especially true if insulation the 8" In your situation once you move the insert out, the blockoff plate even for the 8" liner should be done
Do all new inserts have dampers?
Almost all new inserts have damper built in. you will never need to replace that old damper with an modern insert.
Can you push inserts into fireplace?
From what I have learned, it was not all that uncommon for older inserts to simply be pushed into the fireplace. The surround and whatever draft was created by the existing chimney was relied upon to keep smoke, flue gasses and possibly carbon monoxide from backing up into the house. Of course, we live and learn; more modern, better burning installation practices are developed.
How does a damper work in a fireplace?
The damper in a fireplace is designed to use the warm air that is circulating in your home efficiently . The sheet of metal or other material is usually found in the hollow of a masonry chimney, called the throat, and is located above the firebox. It is designed to close shut and seal off cool or warm air in the home from escaping when not in use. The heat will rise through the chimney, leaving your home open to drafts and chills. Cold air will also push down through the chimney and rob the room of warm air that is circulated from a central heating system. This "chimney effect" can easily add heaps of heating costs to your monthly energy bills.
Why is a fireplace important?
A fireplace is a valued centerpiece to any room. It offers heat, light and ambience. It can also be a pain when it allows cold air in or hot air to escape up a chimney that is absent its damper. Solving this temperate problem isn't difficult, and can add decor to your space while saving dollars in your heating bills.
Does cold air push down the chimney?
Cold air will also push down through the chimney and rob the room of warm air that is circulated from a central heating system. This "chimney effect" can easily add heaps of heating costs to your monthly energy bills. Advertisement.
Can you cover a fireplace with a door?
Covering the fireplace with a door is decorative, efficient and relatively inexpensive . A wood board can be designed and cut to fit the opening of the fireplace. This can act as a damper and keep the chimney from sucking out hot air or allowing cool air to flow through the home.
