Chimney Care Company's Blog
How to Operate Your Chimney Damper
Improper use of your chimney damper can cause a lot of frustration. If the chimney damper isn’t open before you light a fire, it can cause smoke to come pouring back into your home. A damper that isn’t fully open can hinder your fire’s ability to burn. A damper that’s left open and forgotten can fill your home with cold drafts and send warm air flowing up the chimney, making your home uncomfortable. Enjoying your fireplace begins with the proper operation of your chimney damper.
When to Open and Close Your Chimney Damper
First and foremost, know when to open and close your chimney damper. Obviously, open the chimney damper before you light a fire, or you will fill your home with smoke. After fully extinguishing the fire, you should close the damper as soon as possible. Open chimney dampers allow warm air to leave your home through the chimney, which can have a significant impact on your home heating bills. You also should know how to use your individual chimney damper. Most chimney dampers simply need to be opened and closed; however, some chimney dampers can be partially opened to control the airflow to and the intensity of your fire.
How to Operate Your Chimney Damper
Chimney damper operation varies from fireplace to fireplace, as there are a few different types of chimney damper mechanisms. Some common chimney damper mechanisms include:
• Levers. Levers are probably the simplest chimney damper mechanisms to operate. The levers are typically located at the top of the chimney box. They open and close the damper when pushed back and pulled forward.
• Rotary. As the name implies, a rotary-controlled damper opens and closes based on the twisting of the damper handle.
• Double ratchet pivot. The double ratchet pivot requires two motions to open and close the damper. The damper handle is pushed upward to disengage the control, then the handle is pushed or pulled to open or close the damper.
• Poker damper. The tip of your fireplace damper opens and closes a poker damper. The poker tip is placed into the control slot, and a rapid upward push opens the damper.
• Chain for a throat damper. There are usually two chains; one for opening the damper and one for closing the damper. Pull the chain for the motion you’re looking for to operate the damper.
• Chain for a top-sealing damper. A chain inside the firebox operates top-sealing dampers. When the damper is closed, the chain is pulled in and placed on a hook to keep the damper closed. Releasing the chain from the hook allows the damper to open.
Chimney dampers are simple mechanisms, but they have a major impact on the function of your fireplace! Chimney dampers are often the first part of a fireplace and chimney system to fail. If you need help with your chimney damper, call the Chimney Care Co. to schedule an appointment today!
How to Know if Your Dryer Vent Needs Repaired
Clothing dryer technology is simple; a heating element warms the air and blows it into the rotating drum of the dryer. When your clothing dryer isn’t working properly, there are few components that could be to blame for the malfunction. Often, problems with clothing dryers are traceable back to the clothing dryer vents. That’s why you should know the signs that your clothing dryer vent requires repairs.
Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Repairs
Often the first signs that clothing dryer vents aren’t working properly are subtle. For example, each load of clothing will take longer to dry than is normal. You might find that clothes are damp and musty instead of fresh, dry and pleasantly warm. Your dryer might feel unusually hot to the touch when it’s running. Your laundry room might have a strong burning smell or an overwhelming smell of fabric softener. You also might notice that your lint trap fills up faster than usual, or you might see an accumulation of lint around your vents or dryer.
How to Tell if Your Dryer Vents are to Blame
How can you hone in on the true cause of damaged dryer vents? There’s a simple check that should be able to help you determine if your dryer vents are exhausting air the way they should. When the dryer is in use, pay a visit to your external dryer vent, the vent that allows the air from your dryer to exit your home. The flap covering the dryer vent should be forced open while the dryer is in use. You also can place your hand under the vent to verify that air is blowing outward. If air isn’t exiting through the vent when the dryer is in use, it’s time to take action.
Why a Damaged Dryer Vent Matters
A malfunctioning dryer vent is an inconvenience and a hazard. Faulty dryer vents cause thousands of home fires each year, and they can allow dangerous carbon monoxide to leak back into your home. At the very least, a damaged dryer vent can increase your home energy bills, as it takes more cycles to dry your clothes.
Who to Call if Your Dryer Vent Needs Repairs
If your dryer vents clearly aren’t doing their job — or if you suspect that they need to be repaired — call in the experts from the Chimney Care Co. Their technicians can clean your dryer vents to verify that a clog isn’t to blame for your dryer woes. They’ll also inspect the entire dryer vent to make sure that it is in good repair. Your Chimney Care Co. technician will restore your dryer vent’s function so that your clothing dryer once again will run safely and efficiently.