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Three Benefits of a Top-Seal Damper

Do you have an older traditional masonry fireplace? If so, you most likely have a throat damper. Located directly above the firebox, a throat damper can be problematic. Typically made of iron or another metal, throat dampers can be difficult to open and close. This can be bad for your wallet and the energy efficiency in your home. These older dampers can become stuck in an open position. Consequently, allowing heated and cooled inside air to escape out of the chimney.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a more economical solution is to have a top-mounted damper installed. Atlas Chimney offers sales and professional installation services of top-sealing dampers! Now, we would like to tell you about three benefits of this type of damper.

An Energy and Money Saver

Not only can a throat damper get stuck in an open position, but it also has a hard time sealing off the firebox tightly enough. A top-sealing damper is equipped with a silicone rubber gasket which provides an airtight seal on the top of your chimney. Atlas Chimney knows that you will see a decrease in your utilities bills after we install a top-mounted damper on your chimney. In addition, your home will be much more energy efficient as well.

A Multi-Functioning Chimney Component

One of the best things about top-seal dampers is they serve more than one purpose. When your top-mounted damper is closed, it acts as a chimney cap. When our customers need a new chimney cap, we always suggest installing a top-seal damper as a replacement. We can also show you top-sealing dampers that are equipped with mesh metal sides. These will keep out birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals – even when the damper is open!

Easy-to-Use Damper

An older throat damper can become very difficult to open and close. Corrosion damage can make this type of damper hard to operate. You may also have to stick your head through the firebox to get to the damper! Opening and closing a top-seal damper is simple. A chain from the damper drops down into the chimney and is attached to a lever or knob located on the side of your fireplace. So, no matter what type of handle is used with your model of a top-sealing damper, we assure you that it will be very easy to operate.

Want to make your home more energy efficient? Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about top-seal dampers!

How a Rusty Damper Can Affect Your Electric Bill

If you want your chimney and fireplace season to work as well as possible, you need to be sure that each and every component is in good working condition. When you have problems with certain parts, such as the liner or damper, your chimney could possibly even be unsafe. Also, the efficiency issues caused by damaged chimney components can be quite costly. Atlas Chimney would like to talk to you more about dampers and how a rusty damper can affect your electric bill.

How A Rusty Damper Can Affect Your Electric Bill Image - Austin TX - Atlas Chimney

What exactly is a damper?

Situated directly above the firebox, a traditional throat damper is constructed from metal, ceramic, or other material that can tolerate the exposure to direct heat. Similar to a flap or door, a throat damper can be opened or closed. Another type of damper is the top-mounted damper, which is located at the very top of the chimney and can also serve as a chimney cap.

What does a damper do?

Even when your fireplace is not being used, your damper has a very important function, which is why you need to be sure it is in good working condition. When you are burning a fire in your fireplace, the damper should always be open to allow smoke, gases, and the other byproducts of combustion to escape out of the chimney. If the damper is closed, smoke and toxic gases will get forced back into your home through the fireplace. If there is no fire burning, your damper should always be closed to create energy efficiency by keeping warm air inside your home during the winter and cooled air inside during the summer. According to Do It Yourself, you can control the intensity of your fire by partially opening the damper to limit the amount of oxygen exposure to the fire.

What is the most common problem with throat dampers, and how does this issue affect my electric bill?

Although your damper may be constructed with a good quality metal, it can still suffer from corrosion over the years. Rust is the most common problem with throat dampers because it can cause issues opening and closing the damper. You can have difficulties adjusting and even moving a damper that has been corroded by rust. When your damper is stuck in the open position, it can cause your electric bill to be more expensive than usual. It can be challenging to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer when the damper cannot close correctly. To be sure your home is as energy efficient as possible, you should have your rusted damper repaired or replaced.

Atlas Chimney can help you with taking care of your rusty damper. Contact us to find out how we can reduce your electric bill by repairing or replacing a damaged throat damper.

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