Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Extra Protection with a Top Sealing Damper

Keeping moisture, debris, and animals out of your chimney is the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your fireplace system. Many homeowners, however, worry that their chimney caps are not doing enough to protect their fireplace systems.

One of the most recent innovations in the fireplace industry – the top sealing damper – was designed as a way to provide extra protection to your chimney system. Not only can top sealing dampers protect your chimney as well as if not better than a chimney cap, but they can also help save money by improving the efficiency of your fireplace system.

What makes top sealing dampers different?

Most homes have fireplaces with throat dampers. Throat dampers are located at the top of the firebox and separate the firebox from the rest of the flue. While the throat damper seals off the firebox, the rest of the chimney is left exposed. Because of this, chimney caps are needed to protect the top of the flue from animals, water, and debris.

Top sealing dampers, however, are able to seal off the entire chimney structure from the outside, not just the firebox. Located at the top of the flue, when closed top sealing dampers prevent animals, debris, and moisture from getting into the fireplace system. Unlike chimney caps, whose mesh sides can be damaged or pulled away by animals seeking entrance, the seal created by top sealing dampers is nearly impossible to break.

Top sealing dampers and efficiency

In addition to protecting your fireplace, top sealing dampers are also popular because of the energy savings they can provide. Because traditional throat dampers leave the chimney structure open to the outside, the air temperature in the chimney can fluctuate based on outside temperature. This can affect the air temperature is surrounding rooms, causing your HVAC system to have to work harder to keep a consistent indoor air temperature.

Because top sealing dampers close off the entire chimney system, the air temperature in the chimney remains more consistent. This, in turn, keeps your thermostat from running due to reaction to air temperature changes, saving you money on utilities.

How to use a top sealing damper

This clip is courtesy of Richie Baxley at Environmental Chimney Service in Asheville NC.

Just like a traditional throat damper, top sealing dampers must be opened when the fireplace is in use to prevent smoke and gasses like carbon monoxide from building up in your home. To use a top sealing damper, a lever or pulley in the firebox is used to open the damper before fireplace use. Once the fire is completely extinguished, the damper can be safely closed.

Some homeowners worry that top sealing dampers leave their chimney exposed when they are open. However, because top sealing dampers should only be opened when the fireplace is in use, the rising smoke and hot air act as a natural deterrent to animals such as birds and small mammals. Likewise, many top sealing dampers are designed to keep large animals such as raccoons out even when open.

Even if your home as a well-sealed throat damper, a top sealing damper can provide an additional layer of protection. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to learn how a top sealing damper can protect your chimney and help save you money!

Wood Stoves Manufactured Before 1990 Are Inefficient

Although some people see them as old fashioned, wood stoves are a beautiful and popular heating appliance. Whether you use it as your homes primary heat source or as a supplementary heater, wood stoves create a warm and comfortable home with all of the charm of a wood burning fire. One of the biggest appeals of wood stoves is that they can last for decades without needing to be replaced. However, even if your old wood stove is still in good condition, you may want to consider upgrading to a modern, more efficient appliance. Many older wood stoves, especially those built before 1990, are inefficient. Modern EPA certified wood stoves, however, burn fuel much more efficiently while also minimizing particulate emissions and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the stove.

Wood stoves and EPA certifications

While wood stoves are gaining popularity in suburban areas, they have been a staple heating method in cabins and other homes in rural areas for years. However, most older stoves were built to create heat, not protect the environment; because of this, the EPA created regulatory emission requirements for wood stoves. All newly produced wood stoves are required to meet the EPA certification requirements. This means that the smoke and particulate emissions must be at or below the allowable limit. These certifications help make your stove more efficient while also protecting the air quality in your area.

Why having an EPA certified stove matters

Because wood stoves can last for decades with regular maintenance, many homeowners are reluctant to spend the money to replace a “perfectly good” stove. However, it many cases the benefits of a newer, modern stove far outweighs the costs. The primary benefit of purchasing a new wood stove is their efficiency. Older and non-certified stoves can produce as much as 30 grams of smoke per hour. Comparatively, certified stoves create 2 grams or less in the same time. Likewise, newer stoves also create less particulate emissions, improving air quality for both your family and the surrounding community.

Is my current stove EPA certified?

Many homeowners with existing wood stoves wonder if their appliance is EPA certified. Instead of finding hours digging for an old manual or packaging material, it is surprisingly easy to find out if your stove is certified or not. All EPA certified stoves are clearly labeled with a tag stating their certification. This tag is typically found on the back of the stove. If you are unable to find the tag or the back of your stove is not easily accessible or visible, the EPA has created an ongoing list of stoves that have received their certification. While an EPA certification is an important indicator that you have an efficient stove, your appliance may also have additional certifications. Underwriters Laboratories and other groups provide safety certifications for stoves, fireplaces, and other appliances; stoves with certifications that address safety concerns may be more appropriate appliances for families with small children or pets.

If you love your wood stove but are ready to upgrade to a more efficient and environmentally friendly model, contact or stop by Clean Sweeps & Air Ducts of Michigan today. Our expert staff can help you find the right stove for your family that will keep you comfortable and warm all winter long.