Another common myth about dampers is that leaving the damper open during the summer helps air out the chimney.
Fireplace damper open or closed in summer.
Pulling its chain closes the damper sealing the flue to the outside world.
In the summer when you want to stay cool an open damper will push the warm outside air down into your living space and suck the cooled air up out through the chimney.
The damper is a vent that controls airflow in and out of the chimney.
This is not true for every fireplace some especially pre fab type the damper is either open or closed.
Give yours a check to see open or closed it can help save money during winter keeping it closed when not in use.
An open damper in the summer time allow hot air from outside to come right down the chimney and into your home reducing your heating and cooling bills.
Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not.
Keeping your damper open does not air out your chimney.
Fireplaces with gas logs the only instance when you should leave your fireplace damper open during the summer is if you have gas logs in your fireplace.
When you aren t using your fireplace it should be closed to prevent heated and cooled air in your home from escaping.
By leaving the damper open chimney odors are more likely to be noticeable throughout your home.
Hot and humid summer weather is notorious for creating chimneys odors especially those caused by creosote buildup.
Again this is incorrect.
Again this is the opposite of the truth.
An open damper is like an open window.
If the damper is closed when a fireplace is in use smoke and gases will enter into the room which can be a potentially serious health hazard if not dealt with quickly.
An open damper can also allow.
An open damper can cause a draft within the chimney and heat loss from a home and so a closed damper helps to keep in warm air during the winter and cooler air during the summer.
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use.
If you haven t done so already here are a few reasons why you should close your fireplace damper in the summer.
Leaving the damper open removes the barrier between your chimney and the rest of the house meaning chimney odors are more likely to seep through your home.
And the drafts will counter the effect.
A closed damper also stops cold drafts from coming down the chimney.
Don t forget we do gas log repairs adn service for you.
Leaving glass doors open or damper open allows down drafts that smell like fire permeate the house.
This can be especially bad during the hot humid months of summer if your chimney has significant creosote buildup.
Some chimneys have a top closing damper that covers the entire flue.
A closed damper will prevent twigs leaves rainwater small animals hot air from coming into your home.
Have a good summer and see you in the future.
Closing your fireplace s damper during the spring and keeping it closed all summer is smart.
A fan on exhaust will pull that odor through the house.
