DAMPER: The Chimney Safety Institute defines this word as, “A valve, usually a moveable or retractable plate for controlling the flow of air or smoke.”
Webster’s Dictionary defines it as, “ A valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft.”
Many fireplaces have a damper blade located at the top of the firebox that is opened when a fire is to be lighted or closed once a fire has been suppressed. During the colder months of the year it is ideal to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use, as that closed damper will help to keep the cold air outside the home while helping to keep the warm air in the home. This saves money for the homeowner and prevents the warm, heater air from rising up the chimney and out of the home.
Not all but most dampers operate like a drawer. When the damper handle is pushed in towards the back-wall of the firebox the damper is closed and when the damper handle is pulled forward (like an open drawer) the damper is open.
Most top-sealing dampers open by pulling down on the handle and releasing it from the bracket that has secured it to the sidewall of the firebox. To close a top-sealing damper, pull down on the handle and lock the cable in the bracket.