A fireplace damper is a pivoted metal plate that is placed just above the neck in a chimney near your roof, and its function is to controls the draft through a fireplace and moves it and up the chimney. The damper closes the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. In case you find that your house has filled up with smoke, just after you started the fire, then it is a sign that the fireplace damper has not been installed properly. The damper is positioned just above the firebox near the throat of the chimney. A leaky or open damper can add hundreds of dollars to the heating costs every year. Thus, make sure that the damper is of the right kind and correctly installed.
The fire damper needs to be closed and open, accordingly. There are some the fireplaces where the damper can be opened or closed, but there is no way to adjust it. However, there are some fireplace types, which allow the damper to be adjusted during the burning of a fire. The prefab type fireplace usually has the handle of the damper on the top and in front of the firebox. The function of the damper is to let the smoke escape when the fire is burning and prevent the cold drafts from entering the room when the fireplace is not in use.
Operating the damper
There is no denying that the damper plays an important role when the fireplace is in use or not. It prevents the smoke from entering the room and keeps the cold air from outside from coming in. One can control the intensity of the fire and enjoy perfect fireplace if they know how to use the damper properly. One can limit the amount of oxygen entering the flue and interacting with the fire, by adjusting the damper. Oxygen is an important element to maintaining a fire, and one can have a higher degree of control over their fire via their damper.
It is important to know where the damper is located. If it is placed closer to the firebox, it will take more time for the flue to heat. However, if the damper is located just above the firebox, on can wave a flame to warm up the flue. Those Dampers placed near the top of the flue will allow the flue to remain closer to room temperature and will conduct the smoke out of the house earlier. Irrespective of the position of the damper, one can control the supply of oxygen to the fire by adjusting it. One can adjust the flap by pulling the chain, lever or handle next to the damper. Nevertheless, make those adjustments when the fireplace is not in use. Those dampers are designed to remain clause when the fireplace is not in use.
If one knows how to operate the fireplace damper in just the right way, they will not only enjoy a great fire but make their house more energy efficient and lower the costs.