A Faulty Fireplace Damper Can Cost You Money & Efficiency
Fireplace dampers that sit just above the firebox can become damaged and inoperable without anyone knowing about it. At least at first. When this happens, utility bills can shoot up and the efficiency of your fireplace and chimney system can shoot down.
American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share a little about the effects of a malfunctioning damper and what can be done about it.
The job of a fireplace damper
The damper’s job is to control the amount of air that moves between the fireplace and the chimney. Referred to as “throat dampers” when they’re installed above a firebox, dampers open and close, using metal plates to adjust the airflow.
When the damper is fully open, air can move easily into and through the fireplace. This is optimal for starting fires and burning them at the most aggressive levels. The more air, the more fire.
As the logs begin to combust, narrowing the opening of the damper will slow down the burn, producing longer and more gentle fires.
After the fire, the damper can be shut, perfectly stopping all air exchange between the home and the chimney and outside world.
This is how a damper works when it’s in excellent shape. When it’s not working as it should, a variety of problems can occur.
Why dampers fail
Anything that causes a damper to be unable to open fully and close completely is going to lead to trouble. Common causes of damper failure include the following.
Rust
Damper parts can rust. A leak somewhere in the chimney system is usually the cause.
Creosote and soot
Excess creosote and soot buildup on the damper can keep it from sealing tightly and opening all the way.
Warping
Warping of the damper plates can be caused by a chimney fire or years of high heat from the firebox.
Worn-out gasket
No damper can seal completely if its gasket is worn out.
Low quality
Cheap dampers will fail sooner than quality dampers that are built to last.
Old age
Eventually, a damper will finally reach the end of its lifespan.
Should you have your damper looked at?
There are three ways to tell when it’s time to take a close look at your damper:
1. Conditioned air is escaping your home, and it’s costing you a lot of money to maintain the warm or cool environment you desire.
2. Fires are hard to start and keep going.
3. Smoke is backing up into your room.
In some cases, basic damper repair and cleaning can solve the problem, so consider that strategy first. But if a chimney inspector tells you that the damper is no longer capable of doing its job, it’s time to replace it.
You can upgrade to a new throat damper, and you can also consider a top-mount chimney damper that sits atop the chimney and does the same things as a throat damper. But in addition, it protects the flue from rain, debris and small animals.
Full-width top-mount dampers also help to prevent water damage to the vulnerable concrete chimney crown.
Is your damper causing you problems?
If it’s time to have your damper looked at, the experts at American Chimney & Fireplace are ready to help. Reach us by phone or through our contact form.
