How to Open a Fireplace Flue
When using a fireplace it is imperative before lighting that the flue be opened to allow smoke and combustible gases to escape. The damper is the door in the flue located at the end of the chimney. A properly opened flue provides a constant exchange of fresh air and exhaust gas throughout the chimney.
Supplies
- Flashlight
- Work gloves
Slotted Handle Flue Damper
- Put on a pair of work gloves to protect the hands from soot.
- Use a flashlight and shine it up the chimney to locate the flue damper handle. The handle will be attached and dangling from a hinge.
- Open the damper door with the rod. Reach up into the chimney and grasp the damper firmly in hand, and push in with a quick, upward motion. This action will open the doors, then opening the flue.
- Position the damper rod into the slot on the side of the flue to hold it in an open spot.
- This slot is located on the interior wall of the chimney. Shine the flashlight back up the chimney to make sure the flue is open.
Double Hinged Latch Damper Flue.
- Shine the flashlight up the chimney.
- Locate the damper handle. The handle is close to the wall over the fireplace. With work gloves on, grasp the handle and use an upward motion to push the handle until it stops and is suspended.
- Thrust the bottom of the handle to the back of the fireplace. Look up the chimney to make sure the damper is open before starting a fire. Check that the flue damper handle does not change position when the fireplace is in use.
Regardless of the style of damper, a good rule to remember is to always check the damper to make sure the flue is open before starting a fire in the fireplace.