Fireplace flue how much to open

So, you always want to check to make sure the damper is fully open when a new fire is built. The best way to check for an open damper is to simply look inside at the top of the firebox.

Do this before you get a fire going! The chimney will not be visible. Some dampers are cast iron and operate on a worm gear mechanism. Some will pivot open and closed by moving a lever forward and backward. And others might slide on a rod or bar. Regardless of how they open and close, make sure the damper is fully open before you light the kindling and get a fire established.

A fireplace damper should always be kept open while the fire is burning. Furthermore, keep the damper open until all the embers are done burning.

Smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide can enter the house. Once the ember bed is completely out, close the damper. By doing so, the warm air from your living room is not lost by moving into the fireplace and then up and out the chimney.

Wood Fireplaces: Which is best for you? Has My Chimney Had a Fire? How Does a Chimney Work? How Much Firewood is in a Cord? Is Chimney Cleaning Always Necessary? Is Chimney Sealant a Good Idea? Is My Fireplace Safe to Use? What Is Chimney Coping? What is Chimney Spalling? What Services do Chimney Sweeps Provide? Possible Reasons for Drafty Fireplace Woes. Your house will quickly fill with smoke if you start a fire with a closed damper.

You should get into the habit of checking whether the damper is open or not before starting a fire for safety reasons. An open damper will let air circulate freely in the chimney flue. You should be able to feel cold air by moving your hand or face into the fireplace.

Note: This is not a foolproof method if you have a top-mount damper. Cold air stored in the chimney flue can give you the impression that the damper is open. A visual check is one of the surest ways of checking whether the damper is open or not. Simply stick your head in the fireplace and look up. If you have a throat damper, the closed damper immediately above your head will block your vision. You should be able to reach up and touch the closed damper. If you have a top-mount damper, check for daylight at the top of the flue.

Some sources suggest you can check whether your damper is open or closed by simply starting a fire in your fireplace. Starting a fire with a closed damper is extremely dangerous and should never be used as a testing method. Having smoke fill your house is more than an unpleasant experience. You risk damage to the interior of your home, your belongings, and, most importantly, your health when a closed damper causes smoke to become trapped in the house.

A closed throat damper will cause smoke to fill your house immediately when you start a fire. The damper should be kept open until all embers are finished burning to prevent smoke from escaping into the home. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should always be closed. An open damper is like an open window, allowing large amounts of heat from the home to escape. Keeping a fireplace damper closed when it's not in use will result in savings on heating expenses.