Chimney Damper Lever, Lever One: The Damper One of Sep 4, 2021 · Fireplace dampers are a necessary component to proper fireplace operation. Let’s dive into the purpose and operation of these levers, so you can use your fireplace effectively and confidently. Sep 26, 2019 · Other dampers will work in reverse; pulling the lever towards you open the damper, while pushing it back into the fireplace will close it. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning. It features a metal plate with a lever or knob on it that controls opening and closing access points along the throat of your flue. Here’s a video showing how to open and close a fireplace damper with a forward operating handle: Learn how a properly adjusted damper helps control airflow, improves efficiency, and keeps smoke out of your home. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Ensuring the damper is tightly sealed not only conserves energy but also protects the chimney from moisture and debris, ensuring longevity. What is the damper on the side of a fireplace? A chimney damper is a manual mechanism that controls airflow and smoke through the chimney flue. These levers, typically found in traditional wood-burning fireplaces, play crucial roles in both the safety and functionality of your fireplace. If there is no handle, there will be a screw style handle. Understand how it works, when to open and close it for efficiency, and quick fixes for common sticking problems. Mar 31, 2026 · One lever opens and closes the damper, allowing the smoke to come up through the flue of the chimney, while a second lever opens and closes the air vents, allowing fresh combustion air to enter and fuel the fire. To close it, you simply lift the handle up again, pull the damper shut, and set the handle back into position on the ratchet. com: damper handle Check each product page for other buying options. If the damper is not fully open, smoke and carbon monoxide from the fire will vent into your home. For top-sealing dampers, crank or pull it into the closed position. The mystery behind the two levers on your fireplace can often leave homeowners scratching their heads. 2 days ago · The damper handle and chain system is a distinctive feature of wood-burning fireplaces, allowing you to control airflow and chimney draft. Mar 10, 2023 · The most common type of fireplace damper is a throat damper, which is typically found within 6 inches off the bottom of your chimney flue. The handle moves forward or sideways and may have latch control as well. Old throat dampers located at the bottom of the fireplace flue tend to rust and fall apart. Push the handle away as far as you can to fully open the damper. Sep 10, 2025 · They're a simple mechanism, but how do you know when they should be open or closed? And should they ever be left partially open? Here's a guide to the different kinds of chimney dampers and how to operate the different styles. Depending on your fireplace model, the lever will either shift from side to side or up and down to open your damper. Throat Damper Handles are used to replace old traditional style fireplace throat damper handles. They allow you to control the flow of air into the firebox, which determines how much heat is actually able to get out your chimney flue and up into your home. For throat dampers, simply pull the lever, chain, or twist mechanism to close it securely. You'll also find tips on how to replace or install them. Inspect for Gas Lines and Connections Amazon. To open a throat damper, first, locate the lever or the chain, which will either be inside the firebox or hanging from the chimney. These dampers are open by lifting the handle up, pushing the damper upwards, and pinning the damper in the upward position by setting one of the notches on the handle onto the mounted ratchet on the frame of the fireplace. Apr 10, 2025 · What is the lever on the right side of the fireplace? The lever opens and closes the vents on the bottom of the fire place to control the airflow. Other Potential Functions of Fireplace Levers While the damper is the most common use, a side lever may control other components, especially in modern or high-efficiency units. These are located at the top of the chimney and controlled by a cable or rod. In order to safely operate your wood burning fireplace, the flue damper must be fully open. Fireplace dampers come in various designs, including: * These are typically made of metal and operate with a lever or handle that moves a hinged plate to open or close the flue. Learn how a properly adjusted damper helps control airflow, improves efficiency, and keeps smoke out of your home. Dec 8, 2025 · When the lever is in the “closed” position, the metal plate blocks the view, sealing the opening to prevent conditioned air from escaping the home. Chimney Damper Kit 13"x13", Air Tight Chimney Damper for Wood-Fueled Masonry Fireplaces, Made of Cast Aluminum Material, Energy Efficient, Rust, Rain and Snow Resistant Nov 21, 2025 · Master your fireplace damper lever. To open the damper, locate the lever at the top of the inside of your fireplace. For chimneys with traditional dampers, you will find a handle under the top of the fireplace. Grab it firmly and pull it or push it into the direction indicated—usually away from the fireplace. evx 4bh fjb5q ld j1hcklz sg5 lt0zm d3rg7m mae0j 94umlzw