The handle on the left-hand side is for your combustion air intake; think of this as a gas pedal in a car but is used for controlling the intensity of your fire. The handle on the right-hand side is for your flue damper; this control is used primarily to slow down the chimney draft.
The second handle you may find in your fireplace (usually located on the left inside panel) is a control lever for the outside air kit. When burning your fireplace, the outside air kit lever should always be in the open (or up) position. The outside air kit is designed to provide additional air for combustion.
The lever opens and closes the vents on the bottom of the fire place to control the airflow.
A chimney damper is a manual mechanism that controls airflow and smoke through the chimney flue. A closed damper acts as a seal that keeps the exterior air out and the interior air in. In contrast, an open one sends carbon-monoxide-rich exhaust through the flue and also assists in starting and controlling a fire.
“A direct vent appliance draws its combustion air from outside and the vent exhausts the combustion fumes to the outside as well—it does that all through the direct vent pipe.”
Dampers are in place to control the flow of air between your home and your chimney flue and everything beyond it. In other words, inside air, and outside air. When the fireplace is in use, the damper (whether it's a throat damper just above the firebox or a top-mount damper at the top of the chimney) must be open.
This kit is so important because the dedicated air source allows the fireplace or stove to pull air from the outside for combustion. When the doors and windows are sealed tightly, air can only pull from the inside of the home, which could create negative pressure inside the room your fireplace is in.
The handle on the left-hand side is for your combustion air intake; think of this as a gas pedal in a car but is used for controlling the intensity of your fire. The handle on the right-hand side is for your flue damper; this control is used primarily to slow down the chimney draft.
The answer is yes in most cases – we recommend closing your damper when your fireplace is not in use. The only instance where you should keep your fireplace open is if you have a set of gas logs. In this case, keeping your damper open prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.
They are round discs made of thick fiberglass or dense cardboard (similar to egg crate bedding) They have a handle that can be turned either direction to allow or stop airflow through the damper. Some dampers have a pointed metal pin attached for easy grip when turning.
At the fireplace end that knob allows exhaust gases to escape, and fresh air to enter, when the fireplace is in operation. The lever can be closed to prevent cold air from entering a home when the fireplace is not in use.
After you open the damper and light the fireplace, wait a few minutes for the fire to build into a productive fire. Then, partially close the damper about one-third of the way. This will retain more heat inside your home, leaving plenty of room for the fumes to vent.
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.
Standard handles will open the damper when they're turned away from you, so if you cannot turn the handle any further, then the damper may be open. Pulling the handle towards you will close the damper.
Red hot embers left burning can reignite with a gust of wind, posing a danger. Additionally, carbon monoxide buildup is another concern when leaving a fireplace burning overnight. This odorless and colorless gas can be lethal in high concentrations.
If the knob is turned counterclockwise all the way or the rod hangs down low, it means the damper is closed. You should turn the knob clockwise, as far as it can go, or push the rod all the way up to open the damper.
To create fires that produce more heat, open the damper as wide as possible when lighting a fire. A wide-open damper will increase the amount of air reaching the fire and improve combustion. As a result, the fire will burn hotter.
If you feel a draft, your damper may be open. Another way to check is to roll up a newspaper or match and light it up. Place it inside your fireplace, near the top section. An open damper will pull up the smoke and flames upward, while a closed damper will not.
In the summer, a closed damper helps to keep cool, air-conditioned air inside the home where it belongs. 2. In the winter, when you're not using the fireplace, a closed damper helps to keep cold air from swirling down into the house.
It makes perfect sense that direct vent gas fireplaces are the most purchased hearth systems today. They offer convenience and safety, with sealed combustion systems that protect indoor air quality by drawing outside air for the fire and expelling 100% of combustion exhaust and byproducts outside the home.
The two controls in the center of the fireplace below the door handles are the air control(on the left) and acc start up air control (on the right). When you start a fire, you push the air control and acc control all the way to the right.
Another great way to block cold air is with a chimney balloon or plug. These devices are placed above the throat damper and inflated to completely block air from coming down into your fireplace. Balloons are designed to be used only when a fire isn't burning.
The damper to your fireplace must be completely open when a fire is burning. If you close the damper even slightly, you risk allowing smoke and other dangerous contaminants from the combustion process into the house. And remember, the most dangerous by-product of combustion is carbon monoxide.