Before starting a fire, open the fireplace damper so smoke can properly exit through the chimney. Use kiln-dried firewood for the cleanest burn and least chimney build-up. Kindling lights quickly ...

Closing the damper also makes the home more efficient by not letting air escape through the chimney. Those with gas fireplaces should leave the damper open at all times to prevent a gas buildup in ...

When the fireplace isn’t in use, clean the damper and damper hinge thoroughly with a wire brush, then coat the hinge with a lubricating oil that creeps, like WD-40.

2 Pay it backward. Keep the fire toward the very back of the fireplace, Liverman cautions. The further back the fire is, the less chance of getting smoke in the room. Raise up the wood slightly on ...

After using your fireplace all winter, the hot, steamy days of summer can cause your chimney to really stink. Here's how to ...

"I had a new damper installed on our chimney, and it failed within two years. The heat from the fireplace compromised the tension in the springs that hold the louvers open so smoke could escape. I ...

The smoke chamber — the area between the damper and the first flue liner — needs to be a minimum of 27 inches high. Speaking of flue liners, fireplace masons often install ones that are too large.

Not to put a damper on things, but top-mounted dampers aren't for everyone. They can't be used with gas fireplaces or wood stoves; those applications call for traditional dampers. 0 Comments ...