Damper vents work just like large bolts with flat heads that close over the holes when you turn the knob. If the stove only has one vent, the knob will be centered on the door; if it has two, they will be side by side. Turn the knobs clockwise to reduce the airflow, or turn it counterclockwise to increase airflow.

How do I adjust the damper on my wood stove?

Damper vents work just like large bolts with flat heads that close over the holes when you turn the knob. If the stove only has one vent, the knob will be centered on the door; if it has two, they will be side by side. Turn the knobs clockwise to reduce the airflow, or turn it counterclockwise to increase airflow.

Where should the damper on my wood stove?

A damper is usually located approximately 12 to 18 inches from the stove, prior to the spot where the pipe exits into a chimney, if present. The damper retains heat that escapes up the chimney or flue. It allows this heat to dissipate into the area being heated by the woodstove.

Does closing the damper on a wood stove make it hotter?

By closing the damper, it will reduce the oxygen levels in the chimney, and you’ll have a longer fire. According to Northeastern Chimney, this also creates a downdraft. This downdraft will force the heated air back into the fireplace, which is what will heat your room.

Should the damper be open or closed on a wood stove?

If you’re burning wood in your stove, you should make sure that the damper is open. If you close the stove’s damper when you have a fire burning you could be putting yourself at risk, not only of fire hazards but also of carbon monoxide poisoning. When you have extinguished the fire, you can close the stove’s damper.

How do I know if the damper is open or closed?

Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed.

How far should damper be open?

The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it’s not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home.

How do I know if my wood stove damper is open?

Conduct a visual check. Lean in under your chimney just outside of your wood burning stove. You should find a metal device just within the chimney or flue opening. The damper is open if you can see through the damper up to your chimney. If you only see a metal plate, the damper is in a closed position.

Which way opens the flue?

Some open the flue by rotating a knob in the anticlockwise or clockwise direction, while others require you to pull or push to open the flue. You can quickly tell whether you have an open or closed flue depending on the position of these controls.