Everything You Need to Know About Fireplace Damper Operation

Many of our clients ask us about the chain, or handle, hanging down in their fireplace. In most masonry fireplaces, that thing you see dangling from the chimney is a damper handle or chains used to operate the damper mechanism. Here’s a look at the most common fireplace damper operation mechanisms currently used in United States.

Rotary

The rotary mechanism can be a little bit unfriendly and may actually take two hands to operate. One hand should be placed on the dial outside the fireplace, directly above the center of the opening. The other hand goes inside on the saddle that fits over the worm screw, at the throat area of the damper frame.

Fireplace Poker

To open a damper with a poker mechanism, center the poker through the formed slot which is hooked to the breast of the fireplace damper and push in a direct upward motion.

Double Ratchet Pivot

The double ratchet pivot mechanism is also somewhat difficult to use. It can be operated by gently pushing the poker upward which disengages the ratchet, then slowly push the eyelet towards the back wall of the fireplace. To close, reverse the process by gently pushing up the eyelet and pulling slowly towards the front of the fireplace.

Lever

The simplest fireplace damper mechanism is the lever. It just takes a quick push and pull towards the back of the fireplace and towards the front of the fireplace to open and close the damper.

Chains

If the mechanism hanging down from your chimney is a chain of links, then the masonry fireplace probably has a butterfly choke damper. These chains usually exist in pairs, each sporting a cast-iron letter of O or C to stand for the words open and close. Pulling the respective letter will give the anticipated function of opening or closing the damper. In some cases, the letter may be O or S designating the operation of open or shut.

In the case that the chain or cord hanging down is a braided stainless steel strong cord, the fireplace probably has a top mounted and a top sealing damper. Gently pull down on the cord about four inches, center the device and let it flow freely through the locking bracket. Since this damper is opening and closing at the top of the chimney, you must verify that is properly opened or closed so that it achieves your goal.

Fireplace Damper Operation Tips & Tricks

• Do not light the fireplace until you verify the damper is open! The damper can stick, however rarely.
• When properly installed and adjusted, the top sealing damper is the most energy-efficient damper on the market today. Energy costs can be anywhere from $2-$500 on your heating bill per year.
• If you currently have a leaky cast iron or steel damper, we recommend that you replace it with an airtight top sealing damper.

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Contact Doctor Flue Today!

Doctor Flue services Southeast Michigan and Northwest/Central Ohio. From Ann Arbor to Columbus, Doctor Flue is here to keep your chimney safe and clean!

Our trucks leave our office daily with an ample supply and sizes of dampers to meet your needs while we are on site. If you need to replace your damper or fireplace damper operation mechanism, contact Doctor Flue today!

Phone: 800-438-3583

Email: office@drflue.com

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