If your chimney is located in Wilton, Ridgefield, Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, or Stamford, you can reach James Flint directly at 203-762-7374. If your chimney is located elsewhere, please go to CSIA.org for a certified Sweep near you. Most fireplace flues have a damper, which is used to meter the draft between "all the way closed" (no draft flow) and "all the way open" (maximum draft flow).
While the damper's primary function is to help conserve energy during and after fires, it's most important job is to reliably stay open (and out of the way) during the fire. If the damper falls shut during an active fire, there's going to be big smoke in the house! Dampers need periodic adjustment where we make sure they are sitting square in the frame and are opening and closing correctly.
Most chimneys have a throat damper located right over the firebox. These dampers are actuated with various 'poker style' control handles that usually have several different settings between open and closed. Many chimneys provide excess draft to the firebox, enabling the user to keep the damper partially closed during the fire, thereby radiating additional heat out into the room.
While the damper's primary function is to help conserve energy during and after fires, it's most important job is to reliably stay open (and out of the way) during the fire. If the damper falls shut during an active fire, there's going to be big smoke in the house! Dampers need periodic adjustment where we make sure they are sitting square in the frame and are opening and closing correctly.
Most chimneys have a throat damper located right over the firebox. These dampers are actuated with various 'poker style' control handles that usually have several different settings between open and closed. Many chimneys provide excess draft to the firebox, enabling the user to keep the damper partially closed during the fire, thereby radiating additional heat out into the room.
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Your fireplace damper is not just for opening and closing the flue. It can also be used to meter down the draft flow during the fire. Done correctly, you can keep a lot more heat down in your home. Be careful not to damp the draft down too much though, because smoke will begin to back out into the room!
Up to 4 days after fire is out! Ashes should be stored in a metal container and kept away from anything combustible if removed within 3 - 5 days after fire is out. Most wood burners only clean out the ash bed a few times per season. Amount of use, the quality of the fuel being burned, and the strength of the draft flow will all have an affect on soot buildup in your chimney.
Reviews (3)
John J.
Jan 16, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I've used August West each year for over 7 years to clean my wood stove chimney and I am always impressed by their integrity, work ethic and helpfulness. I highly recommend them. You won't find more honest and courteous people anywhere.
I've used August West each year for over 7 years to clean my wood stove chimney and I am always impressed by their integrity, work ethic and helpfulness. I highly recommend them. You won't find more honest and courteous people anywhere.
Brian Shelton
Jan 05, 2019
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D. P.
Aug 16, 2015
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