What is a damper lock on a fireplace?

Damper clamps, also known as damper locks, are little pieces of hardware like the image above. These small pieces serve a very important purpose: they protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. The damper is the part of the chimney that can open and close. The damper helps to control the draft in a flue.

Should chimney damper be open or closed?

The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it’s not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home.

How do I turn my damper off?

Once you access the trunkline, you will find the damper lever, which is attached directly to the duct. To adjust the damper lever, you will need to turn it to the left or right. If you want to close the damper, you will need to turn the damper lever in the opposite direction of the duct.

How do you close a chimney damper?

The handle has grooves in it to hold the damper in place. To open or close the damper, lift the handle and push or pull to move the damper to the desired position. Replace the handle when the damper is in place.

When should you close the damper?

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.

Can you burn a fire without a damper?

Whether your fireplace is gas or wood-burning, if it was built with a pre-fabricated insert, then it almost certainly has a damper. And while older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without a damper (gas fireplaces cannot), a chimney without a damper is just a gaping hole in the roof of your house.

Can I leave fireplace damper open?

A fireplace damper should always be kept open while the fire is burning. Furthermore, keep the damper open until all the embers are completely out; since smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide can enter the house. Once the ember bed is entirely out, close the damper.