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How Dampers Reduce Energy Consumption

With fuel prices in what seems like a constant flux, is there anything a homeowner can do to reduce energy consumption? The answer might be simpler than you think.

Basic ways to reduce energy consumption

Before the weather turns excessively cold, there are several relatively inexpensive things you can do to save on your monthly heating bill. Those include caulking your windows, door frames, and fireplace mantle. You should also swap out screens for storm windows in your patio rooms.

For those able to make some home upgrades, you can also replace your windows and doors with more energy-efficient models. However, not everyone will be able to afford that kind of renovation. That’s where utilizing your fireplace damper comes into play.

Chimney Repair Dubuque, IAWhat is a damper?

The simplest way to describe a damper is a metal door within your fireplace throat. Your damper sits above the firebox and has two modes: open or closed. Generally speaking, your damper will be in the latter position most of the time. Why exactly?

First, what role does a damper play?

A damper controls airflow. When open, it allows air to escape through your flue. When closed, it prevents air from escaping. More importantly, an open damper is essential to allowing smoke and other toxic gasses to exit your home through your flue. Otherwise, if you burn a fire while your damper is closed, those fumes will back up into your home. Not only can this lead to structural damage, but it will also directly affect your family’s health. Carbon monoxide is deadly. If it cannot escape through your flue, it will permeate throughout your home.

Do I have to have a damper?

So if an open damper is critical to a fireplace’s safe operation, do you even need a damper? Why not leave it open all of the time? If you were asking yourself either of those questions, we’ll admit: they’re fair questions to ask, and the team here at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio has been asked them on more than one occasion. However, you need to loop back to the role of a damper: to control airflow. If left open all year long, when you’re not burning a fire, you’ll allow cold air into your home from the outside through your flue.

Can a damper waste money?

Yes, a damper can waste money if not utilized properly. If you leave it open all year long, the air from your HVAC system will escape through your flue. When it’s particularly windy outside, cold air can also creep back into your home through the open flue.

Chimney Inspection Galena, ILSo can a damper save money?

Also yes. Once your fire is fully extinguished, close it. This will prevent any warm air from escaping through your flue and help to reduce energy consumption. When you’re burning a fire, open it. This, too, can help you reduce energy consumption as your HVAC and furnace will work together to keep your rooms warm and cozy.

Reduce your energy consumption this winter

Other considerations to reduce energy consumption are to consider replacing a wood-burning fireplace with a gas insert, performing an energy audit, and of course having a chimney inspection so that you can safely use your fireplace all season long.

Do you need to get in touch with a member of our team for assistance with these or other fireplace-related maintenance tasks? If so, then contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio at 563-582-5156 or send us a message through our website.

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