cbaur88

Hi folks, wasn't sure where to put this thread. Anyways we recently purchased a home with a wood burning fireplace. As the colder months are getting closer we had it checked and cleaned out. All for the most part was very good, however my damper which I learned online is a "Throat" damper doesn't shut correctly. I was recommenced to install a "top mount" damper. Now I've read they are better for various reason's but here's my question as it relates to energy efficiency. (And I know wood fireplaces in general are not great for heat efficiency)

With the top mount damper warm air rises, all the warm air my furnace worked hard to heat will go right up the chimney filling the flue when the fireplace isn't in use. I want that hot air down in my house not in the flue. With the throat damper it's shut just above the firebox, the most the warm air would go is inside the firebox and be stopped for the most part right there. Wouldn't the throat damper be better efficiency wise? I know they are hard to repair and more expensive because of the location but just wanted to get a better idea. I know top mount is better for water seal, birds, debris, etc... Thanks in advance for any help on shedding some light.

Two Knots

We replaced our old damper with a top mount damper
with a pull chain, because it eventually rusted away.

We also have glass doors, thus we don't loose any heat,
while the fire is dying out...or have to
wait for the fire to completely fizzle out before going to bed.
We just close the doors.

joed

If you close the damper, top or bottom, the smoke will enter the house.

Canarywood1

As previous poster has said, add glass doors and your done, had them on mine and they do work.

Two Knots

Yes, reread my post...I do not say that you can close the damper
and the doors...I should have been more clear.
My point was that
you can close the doors, go out or go to bed without loosing
heat up the chimney. Just close the doors, ... and shut the damper
after the fire dies out.

Another thing I find that opening or closing the damper with the pull
chain is easier than the regular damper.

Two Knots

We made our own glass doors for out FP...

We located a place in the city that sold the heat
tempered glass, took a cardboard template to
them and they cut the glass.

It was an interesting project...we also made doors for our
friends FP.

cbaur88

Thanks guys for the replies I have glass doors makes me feel a lot better might just try and wing it for now. I guess eventually get it fix because it is a pain in the a$$ opening and shutting it. THanks!