Can you put a damper in an existing fireplace?

Installing a chimney damper does not require any special tools. If your fireplace does not already have a damper installed, especially if your home is older, it is prudent to install one. The energy savings that the damper will bring about will cause it to pay for itself over time.

Where should a stove pipe damper be installed?

A damper is usually located approximately 12 to 18 inches from the stove, prior to the spot where the pipe exits into a chimney, if present. The damper retains heat that escapes up the chimney or flue. It allows this heat to dissipate into the area being heated by the woodstove.

What is the difference between a chimney flue and damper?

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. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.

Should I install a damper?

A damper controls the flow of air in your ducts. You can change the flow of air to different levels of your home or different rooms by installing a damper. In this way, you can better control the temperature, especially between summer and winter months. Do be mindful when you add a damper.

What kind of damper do I need for my Chimney?

A lock top chimney damper has a silicone gasket at the top of the flue to ensure an air tight seal every time. Lock top chimney dampers also act as a rain cap, keeping rain and critters out of your chimney. Lock top chimney dampers are extremely economical and are designed for any do-it-yourself homeowner to install.

Can a lock top chimney damper prevent heat leak?

Installing a lock top chimney damper can be a great way to prevent any energy leakage from your home caused by a chimney. Open chimneys can be a major factor in losing heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Even if you currently have a throat damper in your chimney, which many homes do, it still leaks energy.

How do you remove a damper from a fireplace?

Remove the logs and place them nearby. Use a broom to sweep up the excess soot and dirt that has accumulated at the base of your fireplace. If you have excess build up in your chimney, it’s a good time to clean it out as well. Be sure to wear the proper safety equipment. Locate the damper and remove it from the chimney.

How do you attach a damper to an outlet?

Try to make adjustments or tight fit the damper to see how it looks. It should be fitted right into the outlet. Mark a line near the border of the flange. Use a caulking gun to place around 3/8-inch thick coating of adhesive. Apply adhesive from one end of the side to the next end.

Where do you put a damper on a chimney?

When replacing your existing damper, a product now available on the market is called a top sealing damper, where the damper is actually located at the top of the chimney, controlled by a cable that reaches down the chimney, which prevents heated air in the winter from being lost up and out of the chimney.

How much does it cost to replace a damper on a fireplace?

This cost estimate deals with the replacement of a fireplace throat damper door and frame if needed. The damper is the small door inside of your fireplace chimney that opens to allow smoke to exit the chimney. We also include a comparison to remove the throat door and install a chimney top damper.

How much does it cost to replace a throat damper?

If the frame needs to be replaced as well, plan on $350-$400 and a Pro to do the job. This cost estimate deals with the replacement of a fireplace throat damper door and frame if needed. The damper is the small door inside of your fireplace chimney that opens to allow smoke to exit the chimney.