Why You Should Check Your Damper
Wait, don’t ignite your fireplace just yet. Before you sit down to enjoy a fire in your fireplace, the very first thing you need to do is check to see if the damper is open or closed. This is an important step in being a responsible fireplace owner.
Learn the reasons why you should always check to see if the damper on your fireplace is open or closed. This should be your first and most important step. Why? If the damper is open, then the smoke from the fire and any other potentially hazardous byproducts of combustion will be able to escape down the chimney and be safely directed to the exterior of the building. A damper that is left open lets in air from the surrounding environment, which helps to keep the fire going.
In the event that you keep the damper closed while the fire is going, you may find yourself in a precarious situation. Not only will the fire struggle because it is not getting the oxygen it needs from the outside air to fuel it, but the hazardous byproducts of the fire, such as carbon monoxide, will begin to flood your home. Carbon monoxide is a chemical that may be lethal to both people and animals.
Because there is nowhere for the smoke to go if the damper is closed, your home will get filled with smoke as a result of the fire’s continued activity. The smoke will be unable to leave because the only exit route is being blocked by the damper. You will, then, be in the fortunate position of being able to see your error almost immediately, long in advance of their being a definite carbon monoxide problem at hand.
However, this is not a green light for you to take your time and slowly open the fireplace damper after the room is completely filled with smoke, so don’t get the idea that it is. Do not put your health in jeopardy by failing to verify the position of the damper before starting the fire or by failing to take prompt action to deal with the closed damper in the event that smoke begins to billow into the residence.
Conducting Research on Your Fireplace’s Damper
The damper for your fireplace is typically located at the bottom of the chimney. Be aware that there are primarily three different designs of dampers:
Fireplace dampers for the throat
Flue dampers
Dampers for chimney caps
The “throat” of the chimney, which is situated inside the base of the chimney, is often where traditional dampers are installed. The damper is easily available while yet being tucked out of sight for aesthetic considerations, as a result of the fact that it is attainable but concealed.
Dampers in chimneys have to be manipulated by hand, and the means by which this is done might take the form of a handle, a chain, a rotary screw, or another type of screw. When it comes to conventional fireplaces, the position of the pull knob or chain that operates the damper is rather clear, such as being situated on the front face of the fireplace.
All these reminders are best practiced when you are also assured of having a reliable company at your side. Contact Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today for Chimney Cleaning Martinez and repairing.