Should I Keep My Damper Open or Closed This Summer?

It’s summer! You’ve waited all year. The last thing you want to do is deal with your chimney and its maintenance. You won’t be using it for another couple months. You already had it swept and the inspections are up to date. The daunting question comes up. Did I close my damper or not? Do I really have to close it in the summer?

What Is A Damper?

What is a damper and how does it work? The damper works with a mechanism found just inside your firebox and up the chimney. It is operated by a pull tab which opens and closes it. The damper is a plate or flap which is closed to protect and keep things out. When opened it allows the smoke, soot and sparks up and out of your chimney.

Well, let’s ask an expert. A1 Chimney has been in the chimney business since 2000. Serving the communities in Tullahoma and Winchester, Tennessee. The simple answer is to close your damper in the summer. Why? There are a number of reasons. Let’s discuss those.

Why Should I Close My Damper in The Summer?

• Smells – In the summer with the damper left open, the smells from creosote come down the chimney and into your home. Even with a chimney sweep there is still some residual creosote left in the chimney. As the weather heats up it activates the smell. You are likely to smell this coming from your chimney.
• Heat Source – As the temperatures rise, warm air is going to drift down your chimney into your home. By closing your damper, you block that warm air from entering your home.
• Energy Efficiency – Once it gets hot enough to use your air conditioner, you will want to close off the chimney by closing your damper. By doing this the cool air that you are creating in your home with the air conditioner won’t go up the chimney. In the long run saving you money on energy costs.
• Friend or Foe? You won’t want creatures climbing in and down your chimney. They can cause havoc in your chimney if they choose to stay and build a nest. By closing the damper, you will at least keep anything out of your home. Once you are ready to have a fire in the fall, always take a look up the chimney. This will assure yourself that there is nothing clogging the passage.

Chimney Experts You Can On

A1 Chimney is your source for everything related to chimneys. Give us a call at 931-967-3595 in Tennessee and 256-285-4895 in Alabama. We are happy to work with you to set up an appointment that works best for you.

We provide chimney inspections, maintenance, repair, installation, custom chimney caps, masonry repair, flashing, and dryer vent cleaning. We serve the areas of Southern Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley.