How to Control a Fireplace Flue
The chimney flue is the direct route for combustion debris to escape when a fire is burning. The job of the flue is to pull ash and toxic gases from the home into the chimney and expel them into the atmosphere through the roof.
The amount of air flow through the chimney is controlled by a device known as the damper. It is a steel plate mounted on hinges and rests just inside the flue above the fireplace. The damper must be in the open position when a fire is burning. If the damper is closed, smoke and carbon monoxide are expelled.
- Locate the handle on the damper up the chimney in the flue, above the fireplace.
- Put on gloves in order to keep soot from accumulating on hands. Grasp the damper.
- Use an upward motion to open the hinges on the damper's doors. There will be a noise indicating it's opened. Look up through the chimney flue to verify the damper has opened.
- Hold the damper in the open position by pulling back down on the handle until the metal tabs lock into the slots in the flue.
- Light the fireplace, it can now be used.
- Close the damper by pushing it upward and forward when the fire is extinguished. This motion will unlock the damper doors from the flue slots and close it. Again, a noise is made when the damper closes. If not, make a visual inspection as before to verify. The damper should be closed when the fireplace is not in use; it prevents the escape of heat from the home through the chimney.