Source: wikiHow
- 1 Hire a professional to install a damper if you don’t have one. A damper rests inside of or on top of your chimney and prevents drafts from coming down the chimney. Since improper installation could result in a chimney fire or chimney blockage, hire a professional service.[1]
- A top damper sits on top of the chimney and has a cord that runs down the length of the chimney. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney.
- A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install.
- 2 Pull the lever or cord to open and close the damper. The cord or lever be on the top or side of the fireplace. The position of the damper control will depend on the which damper you have installed. Pay attention to which position is open and which position is closed when the damper is installed.[2]
- 3 Open the damper before you light a fire. If you fail to the open the damper before you light your fire, smoke or gas could build up inside your home. If you see or smell smoke or gas, open the damper as soon as you can.[3]
- If you lit the fire and forgot to open the damper, use pliers or an oven mitt to pull the lever so you don’t burn yourself.
- To help clear the air in your home, open a few windows.
- 4 Close the damper after all the embers are burnt out. Make sure your fire is completely out or else residual smoke could fill your home. When the embers are cold to the touch, pull the cord or lever to close the damper. Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.[4]
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