Throat vs Top-Sealing Dampers

When it comes to heating your home, you want to be as cozy and comfortable as possible, but it seems like your utility bills get higher every year. One of the most common reasons why your heating costs have been increasing is that heated air escapes from your home through the chimney because your damper cannot close completely. If you have a traditional throat damper, Atlas Chimney can help you save money and energy by installing a new top-sealing damper. For over 25 years, we have been providing the Austin area with top quality professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services. We would like to tell you more about why top-sealing dampers are so much better than traditional throat dampers.

Why do I need to replace my traditional throat damper?

The problem with throat dampers that they are made of metal, and over the years, these traditional dampers can suffer from corrosion damage. When your damper is rusted, it can be difficult to open and close, and it could even become stuck in position. Another problem with this type of damper is that it cannot seal properly because of its metal-to-metal closure. Heated and cooled air can easily leak through traditional throat dampers, and this can lead to higher utility bills because you must adjust your thermostat to be comfortable inside your home.

Why are top-sealing dampers so much better than throat dampers?

Installed at the very top of your chimney, a top-sealing damper has a silicone rubber gasket that provides an air-tight seal whenever the damper is closed. After Atlas Chimney replaces your throat damper with one of these dampers, you will notice that your utility bills are lower than they have been in the past. Since this type of damper is located at the top of the chimney, it can also function as a chimney cap by keeping water, birds, and wild animals out of the flue. If you have had difficulties opening and closing your metal throat damper, you will appreciate how easy it is to adjust your new top-sealing damper into position. You simply pull a lever by the firebox to open and close the damper. We strongly recommend updating your chimney with a top-sealing damper.

If you would like to make your home more energy-efficient, contact us today at Atlas Chimney to learn more about top-sealing dampers. We are here for all of your professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation needs.