How Your Fireplace Damper Controls and Affects Fire
From a scientific standpoint, three factors are needed in order to have a fire in the fireplace:
- Heat
- Fuel
- Oxygen (i.e., air)
Heat is the flame from a match or lighter; fuel is your firewood; air is all around you, and when you’re using your fireplace, the air is controlled to a large degree by your fireplace damper. This is where many fires fall short of expectations.
American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share some helpful suggestions for using your damper to create the safest and most enjoyable fires possible.
Damper Operation
Fireplace dampers, called “throat dampers” when located just above the firebox, operate on a plate-and-pulley system. You use the pulley to adjust the plate, thus controlling how much air flows through the device. More air means more oxygen and a more robust fire. Less air means less oxygen and a gentler fire.
Getting Ready to Start a Fire
The damper should be fully open when starting a fire. This way, when you ignite the kindling, there’s plenty of air flowing to help the logs burn aggressively.
If it’s difficult to get the fire started, make sure the damper is fully open. If it’s still difficult, an obstruction could be blocking the airflow. Obstructions can include:
- Excess creosote and soot
- Accumulated tree and animal debris
- Clogged mesh in the chimney cap at the top of the chimney
- Major damage to the chimney liner
Once the Fire is Going
With the logs fully ignited, you can reduce the flames to make the fire burn longer. Do this by partially closing the damper to reduce airflow. You can see fairly quickly how this action affects your fire.
When You’re Done with The Fireplace
After you’ve extinguished your fire or allowed it to die out completely, it’s time to close the damper tightly. Leaving the damper open all the time can lead to several problems:
- Escape of conditioned interior air
- Outside air drafting down through the chimney and fireplace
- Higher heating/cooling bills
- Chimney odors fill the home
- Small animals getting into the chimney and into your house
(Keep animals out of the chimney with a secure chimney cap.)
Taking Care of Your Damper
Rust, creosote buildup, and old age are three concerns with any throat damper. Rust occurs due to excess moisture in the system or a chimney leak. Creosote is the result of smoke condensation and can’t be avoided. Old age can’t be avoided, either.
You can keep an eye on your damper, but the best way to ensure it works properly all the time is with an annual chimney and fireplace inspection by a certified technician.
Chimney and fireplace service in Louisville, KY
American Chimney & Fireplace is here to keep all parts of your chimney and fireplace system working efficiently and safely. Call us for CSIA-certified chimney sweeping, chimney and fireplace repairs, and licensed inspections.
Reach a chimney professional in the greater Louisville, KY, area by phone or through our contact form.
