Fireplace Damper Handle Which Way Is Open

Damper controls are usually located near the top of the firebox.

Fireplace damper handle which way is open.

If the chain is tightly attached to a hook the damper is closed. A fireplace damper should always be open all of the way when starting a fire and usually always open throughout the length of the fire. 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. To close it you simply lift the handle up again pull the damper shut and set the handle back into position on the ratchet.

If your fireplace has a knob you ll twist the knob to open the damper. Orient yourself with the damper handle on the outside of your flue pipe or the exterior of your stove. This type lets you adjust how far open the damper is. You turn the handle to a vertical position to open the flue damper and back to a horizontal position to close it.

Modern fireplaces often have a handle installed above or inside the opening. 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 open it take the chain off the hook and let it go. If there is a metal chain in or besides your fireplace it means that your chimney has a top mounted damper.

Some handles push in and pull out others turn clockwise or counter clockwise and some slide. Move the lever to open or close the damper. Worse yet if you have a gas fireplace burned gas can escape the fireplace and create the conditions for carbon monoxide poisoning. A flue damper should be opened all of the way when opening a stove door to add further fuel to the fire to help prevent any smoke from pouring out of the stove and into the room.