Replacing a fireplace damper by yourself is possible, and you can save yourself some serious money by foregoing professional consultation.
In general, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $500 for a standard chimney damper replacement. One of the most significant factors that affect the cost of chimney damper replacement is the type of damper.
A motorized damper regulates the flow of air inside your HVAC system, which in turn controls the temperature in your home. If your damper isn't working, you'll need to replace the part. Expect to pay an average of $350 to replace a motorized HVAC damper, with a typical range of $250 to $450.
The easiest fix is to buy the kit I linked before and drill a hole through the cast iron. Then using a masonry drill bit (appropriately sized for the masonry anchor) drill into the masonry behind the damper housing. Then use a 4'' tapcon masonry anchor to secure it in place to the masonry behind the damper housing.
correct, that is open. Yes you can use the fireplace when the damper is open however it is difficult to see in the picture if it is fully open. He would suggest not using it if the damper was not completely open. The damper looks like it might be bent in the picture. If it is than it is partially closed.
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.
Damper Won't Close: This furthers downdraft problems and allows air to escape from your home. Damper Won't Open: Your fireplace becomes inoperable until this can be resolved. Broken Dampers: The damper plate is visibly cracked, broken, or has fallen into the firebox completely.
If the device is stuck in one position or won't fully close and open, there could be an issue with the controls or mechanism. Sticking, opening and closing problems often arise from corrosion, rust and structural issues. A professional repair company can help restore proper function to your fire damper.
Installing a chimney damper does not require any special tools. The damper will fit right up into the flue system and should sit above the smoke chamber. Getting the damper to stay in place is as easy as tightening the screws that come with the damper into the walls of the flue system.
Dampers are so important because they help start and control fires, release toxic smoke to the outdoors, and prevent indoor air from escaping and outdoor air from entering.
Dampers typically run over $200 (sometimes more). It should take less than an hour to replace it but the plumber will probably also charge you for his time tracking one down and picking it up so you could expect to pay an additional $150 to $200 in labor.
One of the earliest signs the damper needs attention is if it's difficult to open and close. This could indicate rust, corrosion, or warping caused by moisture or heat. These issues can prevent the damper from making a proper seal when closed, allowing heat to escape.
It states that all fire dampers should meet the criteria of fire resistance for a stated period and that: 'All fire dampers should be tested by a competent person at regular intervals not exceeding one year, and to be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty.
Depending on the damage involved and the damper type, most spend between $160 and $520. The average chimney damper replacement costs $360, with prices varying between $120 and $700 depending on the damper type and the damage involved.
The damper and flue are two different parts, but they are related and involved in the same function. The flue is the inside tunnel of your chimney that brings gases from your fireplace out of your home, while the damper closes or opens the access to the flue.
It depends on the specific dampers you have and general usage conditions. However, the average butterfly damper should last about 20 years as long as you remember to clean and maintain your system. Electric dampers may only last about 15 years before the motor starts to experience problems.
Chimney Dampers
Older homes may have a chimney without a damper, causing the air conditioning to escape in the summer and heated air to disappear in the winter. Although not legally required, every fireplace should have a damper.
OPEN OR CLOSED? The damper should be kept closed when there is no fire or coals burning. Warm air from your home will not be lost up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. Fully open the damper before your start a fire and keep it fully open until all embers and coals have burned out.
If the damper is closed and you are feeling low airflow, or none at all, it is most likely a bad damper.
Mechanical Engineers: They design the HVAC systems and smoke/fire damper layouts. HVAC Contractors: They install the ductwork and integrate smoke/fire dampers into the duct systems. Electrical Contractors: They handle the electrical wiring required for smoke/fire damper activation.
That's why regular viscous damper replacement in heavy-duty applications is critical to longer engine life. While recommended replacement intervals vary depending on engine manufacturer, the average is about 500,000 miles / 15,000 hours or at major overhauls and in-frame rebuilds.
Remove the Damper
To do this, tilt the damper up so it is open. You may find a bracket that holds it into place; if so, remove the bracket and then slip the damper out. If the damper is stuck because of rust or soot, wiggle it gently back and forth. It will eventually loosen, allowing you to pull it out.
The first enemy is common to all wear items – time. At about 500,000 miles, silicone tends to harden. The harder the silicone, the less functional the damper. The second cause of failure is droppage.