How to Close a Chimney Damper

A fireplace is a great asset for a home to have, but some people avoid using it because they do not know how to operate it properly. One of the most important things to learn about a fireplace is knowing how to close the chimney damper.

1. Check the fireplace to make sure there is nothing still burning. Never reach into the fireplace if you can feel heat, which means the fire may not be completely out and you could be seriously burned. You will also trap smoke inside the house if you close the damper before the fire goes completely out.


2. Stoop down in front of the fireplace with one of your hands resting on the hearth.


3. Carefully lower your head inside the opening of the fireplace so you will be able to look up into the shaft of the chimney.


4. Shine a flashlight up into the chimney to locate the lift handle for the damper. The handle of the lifter will be made of concrete and will be in a vertical position.


5. Grab the handle of the damper and slowly push it up before pulling it out horizontally.


6. Continue to pull on the handle of the damper until it is in the closed position.


7. Shine the flashlight up in the chimney to make sure it is closed. When the damper is completely closed the handle should hang loosely and dangle on the hinges. The damper is not completely closed if you are able to hear noise from the wind coming through.


8. Wiggle the handle back and forth until it is completely closed.