Table of Contents
Can a fireplace damper be replaced?
A damper must be in one piece that is snug to the flue in order for it to work properly. Replacing a fireplace damper by yourself is possible, and you can save yourself some serious money by foregoing professional consultation.
How do you fix a fireplace damper that won’t close?
The Resolution. If your damper is either stuck open or sealed shut, the best thing you can do is contact a professional fireplace technician right away. Typically, the issue can be resolved by cleaning up the dirt that has made the valve stick.
How do you fix a flue damper?
How to Repair a Chimney Damper Remove Debris. Start by cleaning debris and creosote from the damper before removing it. Remove the Damper Plate. While looking upward from your firebox, you’ll see a rod affixed to the chimney/frame by a nut. Clean Everything. Replace the Damper Plate.
How much does it cost to replace a fireplace damper?
Fireplace Damper Cost and Installation A chimney cap damper costs around $200 to $300, not including the screened chimney cap, which runs between $90 and $120. Professional installation of a new damper will likely run around $200 to $400 for labor, in addition to the cost of the new damper itself.
How much does it cost to fix a damper?
While the parts for an HVAC damper replacement can run under $200 total, a professional replacement can cost around $500.
Is a damper and flue the same thing?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation.
How do I know if my damper is open or closed?
Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed.
Should a damper close all the way?
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. By leaving the damper open, heat is being lost as warm air is being pulled through a hole in your living room (the chimney) all the way up and through the roof.
What is a damper plate?
A damper plate is a disc that is located within the main valve to absorb the noise and vibrations that build up as the machine is being operated. By having a damper plate inserted in your valve or engine, the operation of your machine will be smooth and quiet.
How do you unfreeze a chimney damper?
If the prior two steps don’t cure the stuck damper handle, tap the handle with a sledge hammer after applying WD-40 to the part of the handle that is inside the fireplace. Once you have the damper opening and closing easily, apply some high temperature lubricant to the hinges and you’re done.
When should fireplace damper be closed?
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.
How long does a damper last?
The quality of the equipment, how frequently you run your HVAC unit, and if you follow regular maintenance schedules can all affect the lifespan of your HVAC components. Dampers can last around 20 years with proper maintenance.
What are fireplace dampers?
A chimney damper prevents conditioned (warmed or cooled) house air from escaping through the flue when you’re not using the fireplace. You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out.
Does damper need to be open for gas fireplace?
One caution, though: Fireplaces with installed gas logs are required to have the damper open at all times. That’s either because a pilot light is constantly burning under the logs or because the homeowner might forget to open the damper when he or she turns on the fire. Those gases contain carbon monoxide.
Where is the fireplace damper located?
What is a fireplace damper? Think of a chimney damper like a lid for your fireplace. It is located in the flue, which is the air shaft through which smoke and air can travel in and out of your chimney, and is located above the firebox where the fire is made, and is in use both when fireplace is active and inactive.
Do all fireplaces have dampers?
Every Fireplace has a chimney damper. This is a movable plate that sits above the fireplace before the flue. If you pull the lever toward you, generally that will open most of the dampers. When the damper is closed, it helps to keep heated air from going up the chimney.
Is it OK to leave the flue open overnight?
The smoke from burning wood contains carbon monoxide, so in order to prevent this toxic byproduct from entering your home, it is important to leave the flue open overnight. This enables a draft to carry the compound out into the atmosphere, instead of sinking down the chimney and saturating the room.
