Fireplace Damper Handle Which Way Is Open

Carry out a visual check.

Fireplace damper handle which way is open.

How your damper is controlled depends on the type of damper your chimney has. The damper can be opened and closed through a few different mechanisms including a latch a pull chain or a handle. A damper plate located at the top of a chimney within a top mounted damper is usually square in shape and spring loaded to open or close via a pulley chain with the chain handle to control the damper located within the fireplace. Fireplaces are constructed fairly simply.

If the damper is closed then the smoke will come out of the chimney and fill out the room. The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. These dampers are open by lifting the handle up pushing the damper upwards and pinning the damper in the upward position by setting one of the notches on the handle onto the mounted ratchet on the frame of the fireplace. Test out the damper when the fireplace is not in use to get a feel for how it works.

Close it when it s not it use. This kind damper poker dampers we commonly refer to as a banana handles this is because of the banana shape arch in the handle. If your chimney has a traditional throat damper it will either be controlled by a metal rod or a knob also called a rotary style. You can look up into the chimney and see it open and close.

Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not. This keeps smoke and air flowing through the firebox and out the chimney. You know the flue is open if you can see the sky or have a throat dumper. Damper controls are usually located near the top of the firebox.

As a rule the operating mode for a damper is about one fourth of the way open. Check up into the chimney from your fireplace. Optimal temperatures vary by house. This is a good way to get a feel for how the damper and its controls work.