What type of damper does every fireplace need?

What type of damper does every fireplace need?

Every fireplace needs a damper. Whether your chimney has a throat damper or a top-sealing damper, a damper of any kind will prevent your heat and air conditioning from escaping when you’re not using your fireplace. If your fireplace does not have a damper, you may as well be tossing money out your chimney.

Can you replace a damper in a fireplace?

A damper must be in one piece that is snug to the flue in order for it to work properly. Replacing a fireplace damper by yourself is possible, and you can save yourself some serious money by foregoing professional consultation.

What does it cost to replace a fireplace damper?

The average cost to repair or replace the damper in your fireplace or chimney is around $60 for damper door replacement only, with DIY installation. If the frame needs to be replaced as well, plan on $350-$400 and a Pro to do the job.

How do I adjust the damper on my fireplace?

How to use the fireplace damper to control the fire

1. Open the fireplace damper all the way when starting a fire.
2. Let the fire burn for a few minutes then adjust the damper so that it is partially closed (about half way) to see how it affects the fire.

What size fireplace damper do I need?

It’s important to ensure that your damper isn’t too small, too low or too far back. It should be the full width of the firebox and at least 6 inches above the top of the opening. The damper is usually closer to the front of the fireplace than the back.

Why won’t my damper closed?

The Resolution. If your damper is either stuck open or sealed shut, the best thing you can do is contact a professional fireplace technician right away. Typically, the issue can be resolved by cleaning up the dirt that has made the valve stick.

Is a damper the same as a flue?

A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation.

How much do dampers cost?

The cost for a new motorized damper can range anywhere from $100 to $200. The installation process will take a contractor around two hours and will bring between $150 and $250 in labor costs.

When should I close the damper on my fireplace?

You should close the damper on your fireplace once the fire and embers have all burned out. This prevents warm air in your house from escaping out the chimney. You should open the damper before lighting a fire and close it once the fire is done burning.

How do I know what size flue I need?

The ideal flue size is typically determined by the exhaust outlet of the stove or appliance. The rule of thumb for sizing a chimney liner is that you never want it to be smaller than the appliance exhaust hole and you don’t want the liner to be three times the area of the exhaust hole of the appliance.

How do I know if my fireplace damper is open?

Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed.