- PENSACOLA SHOWROOM: 7555 Highway 98 West, Suite A, Pensacola, FL 32506
- DESTIN SHOWROOM: 36054 Emerald Coast Pkwy #100, Destin, FL 32541
Dampers control air flow and can have a big effect on the comfort level of a home during the summer. Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share a little about what to do with your fireplace and furnace dampers during the hottest months of summer.
Chimney dampers are usually found just above the firebox. These are called “throat dampers.” Some chimney systems also have dampers at the top of the structure. “Top-mount dampers” function similarly to throat dampers.
During the hot summer months, you’ll generally want to keep both damper styles closed. This will prevent conditioned air in your home from escaping up the chimney.
Keeping your damper closed in the summer can make a positive difference in summer utility bills. To accomplish this, your damper must be capable of creating a tight seal.
Both damper styles can become warped, rusted or otherwise damaged. If you schedule an annual chimney inspection, your technician will check the seal of your damper and ensure that it’s working correctly.
A closed damper during the hot months will help to keep natural chimney odors from moving into the house. Hot, humid temperatures mixed with creosote and soot can increase odors, and an open damper will allow the odors to go right down into your rooms.
Chimney sweeping performed once a year will remove the majority of creosote, but there will always be the potential for odors.
A closed damper in the summer will prevent squirrels, birds, snakes, rodents and other small animals from getting into your home.
A top-mount damper will keep critters out of the chimney. So will a proper chimney cap or flue cover. One of these components should be at the top of every chimney. If you don’t have one, or until you do, keep your throat damper closed during the warmer months.
Depending on your furnace’s construction and HVAC system layout, you may have several dampers associated with it. If you have a multi-story home, it’s probably best to open the dampers that lead to upstairs areas during the summer. This will allow for a comfortable flow of air.
Because heat rises, upstairs rooms always suffer the most when the temperatures go up. An open furnace damper will direct some of the cooler air from your HVAC system into spaces where it’s needed most.
Remember to keep the basement damper closed to prevent the sinking of cool air.
Chimney and furnace dampers help the appliances to which they’re connected run better and more efficiently. By regulating the flow of air through the drafting system, dampers keep fireplaces and furnaces working optimally while giving you all the comfort the appliances were built to provide.
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Doodlebuggers is ready to help when your chimney or furnace damper needs service. We provide professional inspections, repairs and replacements for all types of damper systems. We also provide chimney sweeping and a full menu of repairs for every area and component of your chimney.
Reach a chimney and furnace damper expert today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.
