Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

All About Energy Top Dampers

Many homeowners mistakenly believe there is only one way to make your fireplace more efficient – replacing it. However, there are several other small changes that can be made to make you’re existing more fireplace more efficient.

One way to improve fireplace efficiency is to install a top-sealing damper. Easy to install and easy to use, top-sealing dampers can immediately improve the efficiency of your fireplace – and even help reduce heating and cooling costs in your home.

What is a top-sealing damper?

Most chimney systems have a traditional throat damper, located at the top of the firebox; throat dampers seal off the chimney from the fireplace but leave the flue open to the outside air. Top sealing dampers, however, are located at the top of the chimney structure. When closed, they seal the entirety of the fireplace and flue off from the outside.

When the entirety of the flue is sealed from the outside, there is minimal risk of animals, debris, or water getting into the chimney. Likewise, the temperature within the flue stays more constant and is not subject to fluctuations in outside air temperature; in addition to making it easier to start a fire, keeping a consistent air temperature in the flue can help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Do I still need a chimney cap?

Because top-sealing dampers are installed on the top of the chimney structure, they can be used in place of a chimney cap. When closed, top-sealing dampers keep out water, animals, and debris; because they form an airtight seal, there is little chance of even the most motivated raccoon gnawing its way into the chimney.

Similar to a traditional throat damper, top-sealing dampers should always be opened whenever the fireplace is in use. Opening the damper before starting the fire, while it is burning, and while it is naturally extinguishing prevents smoke and other dangerous gasses including carbon monoxide from blowing or backing up into the home.

How is a top-sealing damper more efficient?

While the airtight seal of a top-sealing damper might prevent water, animals, and debris, how is it more efficient? The answer lies in keeping a consistent air temperature within the flue. A top-sealing damper itself will not make your fireplace burn more efficiently, but it can help reduce heating and cooling costs in your home.

Top sealing dampers seal off the entirety of the flue from outside air; this means that whether it is extremely hot or extremely cold outside, the air inside the flue is not affected by temperature changes. Rooms next to the chimney often experience spikes or dips in temperature in relation to temperature fluctuations outside. Sealing off the flue keeps these rooms at a more consistent temperature, which can help reduce the utility costs associated with heating and air conditioning.

A top-sealing damper is an easy, energy-efficient upgrade for your fireplace that can reduce animal entry, help prevent chimney leaks, and lower your monthly utilities! For more information on adding a top-sealing damper to your chimney system, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Schedule A Sweep Before The Holidays

From hanging stockings on the mantle to sipping drinks in front of a roaring fire, our fireplaces often play an important part in our holiday traditions. But November and December often pass in the blink of an eye, with many homeowners putting off maintenance until after the holidays have passed. This year, ensure your family can safely enjoy using the fireplace by having it swept before the holiday season arrives.

How often does my chimney need to be swept?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA, recommends that chimneys should be swept at least once per year – regardless of how often you use your fireplace. An annual sweeping, even for rarely used fireplaces, ensures there are no blockages in the flue that could prevent safe drafting.

If you use your fireplace as a primary heating source, it may need to be swept more than once per year. In addition to an annual sweeping, the CISA recommends the chimney be swept after 1/8th of an inch of sooty buildup. This amount of buildup typically occurs after a full cord of wood has been burned; if you burn more than one cord of wood each season, consider scheduling an additional mid-winter sweeping.

The CSIA also recommends that chimneys should “be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.” When done in conjunction with a sweeping, a chimney inspection ensures the fireplace is burning and drafting safely.

Get your chimney swept before the holidays arrive

Scheduling a chimney sweeping and inspection now ensures your fireplace is ready to use before the busy holiday season arrives.

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Regular preventative maintenance extends the life of your fireplace system, makes it safer to use, helps fires burn more efficiently, and can save you money on costly future repairs. As fireplaces are often used heavily during the holiday season, having the chimney swept and inspected before the holidays arrive ensures the entire fireplace system is ready to be safely used.

Holiday fireplace safety tips

Keep your entire family safe around the fireplace this holiday season by following these safety tips.

– Only burn firewood. While it may be tempting to throw wrapping paper and boxes into the fireplace, the materials are better off in the recycling bin. Paper products ignite and burn quickly; this can cause flames to spill out of the firebox or up the flue. Other seemingly burnable material, such as greenery or wreaths, may be treated with chemicals that can affect the air quality in your home if burned.
– Keep décor away. Stockings can be hung by the chimney with care, but should be removed anytime the fireplace is being used. This prevents stray sparks or embers from accidentally igniting holiday décor.

The weeks leading up to the holiday season are some of the busiest of the entire year; schedule your chimney sweeping now to ensure your fireplace system is ready for the holidays to arrive! Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today for more information on scheduling your next chimney sweeping appointment.