Fireplace Damper Instructions

Using fireplaces in a home requires knowledge of what a damper is and how to best use it for both maximum heat and safety. The damper controls the airflow up and out through the chimney. It must be correctly used or you will have smoke back into the house.

1. Locate the damper. It will normally be a lever or a chain either on the fireplace or very near it.


2. Check to see how the damper works. If a lever, it will most likely have positions marked corresponding to varying degrees of openness of the damper. If a chain, there will be indications of how open the damper is marked on the chain or holding device. Use it to get the feel of how it works.


3. Open the damper completely prior to starting a fire. If you do not do so the first thing that may happen is you get a lot of smoke in the home.


4. Put your hand in the flue before you light the fire. If you feel cold air coming down the flue, do not light the fire. First, you must prime the flu or you may end up with smoke in the house. Light a roll or two of paper and burn them to clear the flue of the cold air.


5. Watch the behavior of the fire once it is lit. You want the smoke to travel straight up the chimney as the fire begins. As long as the damper is completely open, this is what should happen.


6. Close the damper slowly as the fire continues to burn and observe the smoke going up the chimney. Once you notice it is beginning to accumulate in the chimney stop closing, open it up a small amount and lock it down.


7. Observe to make certain no smoke is accumulating in the fireplace. One way to do that is with a flashlight. Shine it through the area in front of the fireplace and you will see if any smoke is in the room. If so, the damper needs to be opened a bit more.


8. Close your damper completely when the fireplace is not being used. In the winter, you heat goes up the chimney. In the summer, your air conditioning will do the same. Then of course there is the possibility of birds, animals and insects coming in to invade your home during the summer.

Try to remember that a fireplace is not an efficient heater. Its main purpose is for atmosphere and entertainment. In order for your fireplace to be at its most productive capacity open that damper and let it burn well. You will not limit that much of heat back into the home with the damper and you could possibly get a lot of smoke!