How to Use a Fireplace Damper

A fireplace damper is basically an air valve that closes off the chimney to your fire and outside air. There will be a handle on the outside for you to turn and a plate on the inside that will seal off the chimney. A damper can help you start a fire, and it can also help you control your heating bill.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray lube

1. Leave the damper wide open when you are building a fire. This allows all the smoke and soot to travel up the chimney and out of the house.

2. Keep your damper fully closed whenever you do not have a fire going. Having an open damper in the winter is akin to having an open window. Your heat will escape up the chimney, exactly as your fireplace smoke does, and your heating bill will be higher.

3. Keep the handle oiled with spray lube. At a minimum, treat it once at the beginning of the cold season and again at the end when you are closing up the fireplace for summer. This will allow an easier time opening and closing the damper and will eliminate annoying squeaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use your fireplace if you have not had it inspected within the past year. Fireplaces and chimneys, and their accompanying accessories, must be regularly checked to ensure that they are in safe working order.