In fireplaces, chimneys play the most important element. If you have a fireplace, you know it is essential to take care of the chimney. The chimney damper helps to eliminate the smoke created from the chimney. It is also useful to keep the fire inside the house.
People love using fireplaces. They use it at home. But after some time you can have some problems because of proper management. The house can be filled with a lot of smoke because of the fire and lack of exits for exhaust. To solve the problem, the chimney damper is installed.
Chimney dampers help the fireplaces to work more efficiently. The chimney damper is really useful for the safety of the home and hotter flames.
There are several types of chimneys available in the market nowadays. You need to buy the damper according to the chimney or fireplace type.
For a perfect guideline, the article appears before you. This article will recommend the top 8 best chimney dampers, the working process, and the related knowledge about them. So without further due, let’s jump into the main part.
How does a Chimney Damper Work?
Dampers of chimneys are generally positioned above the chimney of the fireplace. It can be either the situation of open or close.
A lever is included with the damper, which controls the opening and closing of the chimney damper. It is pulled right or left.
The chimney damper should be closed when there is no fire. If it is open with no fire, there will be too much cold air in the room.
Also, when there is less intensity in fire, it will be helpful to close the damper. It helps to keep the fire lit in the fireplace.
The damper should be kept open until all the flames from the fireplaces are gone. After this, you should close the chimney damper. It will keep the heat in the room.
You should consciously open and close the chimney dampers according to the condition of the fireplaces. It eliminates the smoke as well as increases the efficiency of the fireplace.
Best Fireplace Draft Stopper Reviews
There are several fireplaces available in online and offline markets. We will review the 8 best chimney dampers that we select from our research. They are:
1. Chim-A-Lator Deluxe Top Sealing Damper
Primary features
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 11 inches
- Weight: 16.15 Pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
This chimney damper is one of the most popular chimney dampers. With the durable material, this chimney damper provides efficient smoke-free fire.
This damper helps to save heat energy. When it is open, it tries to eliminate smoke to protect the home from damage, But when the fire is off and the chimney damper is closed, the damper keeps the heat in the room.
The material of the chimney damper is stainless steel which is very sustainable. It is more durable than previous old cast-iron dampers. You can get a lifetime warranty on this damper.
This chimney damper needs no assembly for installation. It will come installation ready. The damper can be easily mounted on the top of the wall of the fireplace.
The damper includes an adjustable regulator. It is installed at the sidewall of the fireplace. It helps to control how much to open the damper.
Things we liked
- The stainless steel is so durable that it provides you a lifetime guarantee.
- It can be easily mounted without any assembly.
- The efficiency of this chimney damper is better than old dampers as the top is very tightly sealed.
Things that can be improved
- The product can be a little expensive for some people.
2. US Fireplace Products Seal Tight Damper
Primary features
- Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 12 inches
- Weight: 3.53 Pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel and Cast- Aluminum
This chimney damper works like a fireplace damper, not only for the chimney. This damper also works as both a damper and chimney cap. If you want a complete package, it will be a great choice.
This damper has a gasket system of two parts. This system provides a seal that is air-tight and can save energy.
The opening of the damper is larger than most of the dampers. So it makes it easier to open. It can absorb more smoke than regular throat dampers.
When the chimney damper is closed, it will work as a chimney cap. The chimney cap is used to control any excessive spark.
The damper seal is tightened so that any kind of leakage won’t occur. It will prevent the damper from losing any energy.
Things we liked
- A tightly sealed damper helps to prevent losing any energy.
- Two gasket systems make it save more power than similar dampers.
- The damper can be used as both a damper and chimney cap.
Things that can be improved
- The damper metal should be designed more efficiently to make it last longer.
3. Lindemann Premier Damper Cap
Primary features
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches
- Weight: Not Specified
- Material: Stainless Steel
If you want a damper cap that can withstand a high amount of heat without any damage, then this damper cap is suitable for you. You can get high efficiency with an easily maintainable damper with this.
This damper cap is highly durable at extreme temperatures. It can withstand colds like -85 degrees Fahrenheit and high temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
The damper includes an easily removable lid. So there is no hassle in cleaning or detecting any problem inside the damper.
Also, the lid is larger than most of the damper caps. That makes it more useful to protect against ice build-up.
The size of the insulation cap of this damper is ½ inches. It can prevent leaking any energy. So the damper cap is useful for energy efficiency.
Things we liked
- Great durability in temperature from -85 degrees to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The removable lid makes the damper cap easy to clean and protects against snow or ice build-up.
- The insulation prevents any energy leakage.
Things that can be considered
- The opening of the cap design should be more user-friendly.
4. HomeSaver Pro Stainless Steel Chimney Cap
Primary features
- Dimensions: 20 x 8×10 inches
- Weight: 4.91 Pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
HomeSaver Pro chimney cap is a high-quality stainless steel chimney cap with a frame on the lid that provides great efficiency. It is a product that can come on a low budget and include various features.
The chimney cap has a ⅝ inches mesh that protects the chimney from any foreign particle. The mesh is at a high thickness so that the embers created from the chimney can’t get through. It also helps to provide ventilation for burning.
The material of the chimney cap is 304 stainless steel which has been galvanized. The chimney cap is corrosion-free, rust-free, and affected by extreme heat. This can be used for a long period.
This chimney cap has a lid to protect the flue from snow or rain. The cover increases the strength of the chimney cap to work efficiently.
Things we liked
- Galvanized stainless steel protects the chimney cap from any corrosion and rust.
- The ⅝ inch thick mesh prevents the ember from getting through and provides great ventilation.
- It is a budget-friendly chimney cap that many people can afford.
Things that should be considered
- The side should be designed more rigid so that it can be prevented from deflecting
5. VEVOR Chimney Cap
Primary features
- Dimensions: 20.8 x 30.7 x 9.8 in
- Weight: 11 Pounds
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
This chimney cap is one of the most popular chimney caps available because of its effective design. The durability and easy maintenance of the chimney cap makes it more user-friendly.
The chimney cap can be installed in two ways. For that reason, both small and big chimneys can be fit into the lid. It comes with bolts and extension edges. Bolts adjust for small chimneys, and cutters are used to hold the chimney cap with big chimneys.
Safety has been provided in the chimney cap. The big lid protests the inside of the chimney cap and chimney from any atmosphere like rain, snow, etc.
There is also a solid mesh included for effective protection. It keeps any outside elements and small animals away from the chimney cap.
The chimney cap is made of heavy-duty 304 stainless steel. This material prevents the chimney cap from damaging under any weather conditions.
Things we liked
- The chimney cap can be fit for small and large chimneys.
- The big hood protects the chimney cap from the outside environment so you can use it outside.
- Heavy-duty stainless steel can provide you with a long period of service life.
Things that should be considered
- The installation instruction should be provided with the product.
6. Flueblocker 8″x24″ Rectangle Chimney Draft Stopper
Primary features
- Dimensions: 25 x 9 x 1 inches
- Weight: 1.1 Pounds
- Material: Herdwick Wool
If you want a unique damper plug that stops the fire, then you can choose the plug damper. This helps to save energy efficiently so that your month’s bill can be saved.
This plug damper is a rectangle in size. That’s why it can fit into large or small metal damper frames. It stops any material created from the fireplace, like odors or debris, from coming into the home.
The energy-saving feature of this plug damper is amusing. It saves energy by insulating the fireplace. That helps to reduce your electricity bill.
The material of the draft stopper is made of very rigid wool. In different weather conditions, the damper protects itself from damage.
It can be used with a damper or without any damper. In either case, it can efficiently control the fire and save energy.
Things we liked
- The rectangle shape plug danger can be easily entered into the chimney flue.
- It saves energy so that it reduces your electricity bill.
- The plug damper can be easily installed and uninstalled at any time.
Things that should be considered
- The design should be improved to be used in the gas log set.
7. Lock -Top Chimney Cap Damper
Primary features
- Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 11.38 inches
- Weight: 10 Pounds
- Material: Stainless steel and cast aluminum
This chimney cap damper is a damper as well as a chimney cap. This cap damper is sealed tightly enough with high-quality material to help the chimney save energy.
The base of the cap damper is mounted to a sweep ring. The ring is attached to the flue tile. Here is also an air-tight silicone seal. That is useful to prevent losing any energy.
This chimney cap damper includes a gasket system. It helps to mate two surfaces of the damper. It prevents any energy from getting through.
The material of this cap damper is made of stainless steel and cast aluminum. These materials are durable. If it is carefully used, it can be used for a lifetime.
The chimney damper comes assembled with the packaging. You can install it without any hassle. The dimension of the damper helps it to fit into the fireplace easily.
Things we liked
- The chimney damper cap can be easily installed as it comes fully assembled.
- The silicon seal and gasket system is useful to prevent losing energy.
- The stainless steel and cast aluminum are so durable that it gives you a lifetime warranty.
Things that should be considered
- The chimney damper can be quite expensive for some people.
8. Flueblocker 8″x32″ Rectangle Chimney Sheep Plug
Primary features
- Dimensions: 33 x 9 x 1 inches
- Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Material: Wool
If you want your chimney completely insulated, then a plug can be used along with or without a damper. This draft stopper is helpful for any kind of fuel smell coming into the home from the fireplace.
The shape of this draft stopper is such that it can be easily inserted into the chimney flue. As the plug is rectangular in size, it can be fit into the rectangular-sized fireplace.
The draft stopper is made of wool. By inserting it into the fireplace, it makes the fireplace insulated. Any debris or foreign materials cannot go through the draft stopper. Because of it, the fuel smell cannot get through the home from the chimney.
The material of the plug protects against any temperature or weather conditions. You can use it for a long period without changing it for even a little bit.
The draft stopper can be installed or uninstalled at any time easily. That’s why you don’t need to assemble or disassemble for this. Also, you can use it with or without a damper.
Things we liked
- The material makes the fireplace so insulated that nothing inside or outside can get through.
- It saves energy so much that the month’s electricity bill will be less.
- It can be installed or uninstalled at any time.
Things that should be considered
- The design should be improved so that the plug can stay in place.
How to Choose the Best Fireplace Draft Stopper
We have reviewed the best chimney dampers available in the market. You may feel confused among them. So here are several factors to consider before buying the chimney damper according to your choice.
Types of Chimney Damper
There are generally two types of chimney dampers available in the market. They are classified based on where they are placed. They are chimney throat dampers and top-sealing dampers.
The chimney throat dampers are placed over the fireplace. It is placed so close to the fireplace. That’s why the efficiency decreases over time because of the fireplace’s heat.
On the other hand, the top sealing chimney damper is placed on the upper part of the chimney but not inside the chimney. This damper generally includes a gasket system.
It can seal the damper tightly so that any energy or heat can’t be lost. Also, the seal can keep anything out of the fireplace. You should choose your chimney damper according to the chimney or fireplace.
How to Install a Chimney Damper
The installation process of the chimney damper can vary according to the damper type you use. The steps to install the chimney damper are explained below.
- First, you need some equipment to set the chimney damper. The types of equipment are a wire cable, wrench, mounting bracket, silicon cement tube, anchor nails, hammer, wire cutter, and drill machine.
- You have to spread silicon on the top part of the flue. You can find the silicon from the silicon tube.
- You have to carefully set the wire cable into the chimney, so it doesn’t get tangled.
- Then you can place the chimney damper on the silicon-filled flue.
- You have to place the mounting bracket perfectly from the 20 inches of the surface wall. You have to drill two holes through the frame.
- Then you can place the two anchor nails through the mounting bracket holes with the help of a hammer.
- You have to connect the chain cable with the mounting bracket.
- You have to lose the clamp with the Allen wrench.
- Then you pull any loose part of the wire with the clamp until the chimney damper is completely closed.
- With the wrench, you have to seal the clamp fully.
- You have to cut extra wire with a wire cutter.
Chimney Damper vs. Flue
The flue is a part of a fireplace placed near a chimney. It is a type of metal tube where the smoke or any heat energy goes through the fireplace. It is used for the ventilation process of the fireplace. It helps with the combustion in the fireplace by creating a hotter fire.
On the other hand, the chimney damper is part of the flue. It can be opened and closed to allow the smoke and energy to go through. Generally, it is open when the fire is on and closed when it is not ongoing.
Both chimney damper and flue are related to each other. The flue keeps the ventilation process, and the process can be opened or closed with a damper.
Chimney Damper Cost
The price of a chimney damper can vary according to the type, material, working process of the chimney damper. A good quality chimney damper costs around $200 to $300. But some chimney dampers don’t include a chimney cap. In this case, those cost around $60 to $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chimney damper?
A chimney damper is an extension of a fireplace that can control any energy passing from the chimney’s flue. It can be either opened or closed. An open chimney damper allows the passing of air or smoke, but a close damper stops any kind of energy flow.
Does a chimney need a damper?
All the chimneys don’t need a damper. Most open-designed fireplaces come with a damper that is generally placed on top of the fireplace. But some don’t include dampers. These fireplaces need a damper to keep the smoke away from the house and prevent heat energy loss.
How do I know if my chimney damper is open?
You can check visually or place your hand close to the fireplace. If you look closely at the fireplace and your vision is blocked, you can say the damper is open. Another way is you can place your hand and feel cold air or any barrier, then the chimney may be open.
Can you leave the damper open overnight?
You can leave the chimney damper open overnight. But so much energy is lost from the chimney, and the electricity bill will be higher than expected. Also, the house will be filled with the smoke that comes from the fireplace.
When should I close the damper on my fireplace?
The damper should be closed when the fireplace’s fire is not burning. You should close it until all the fire is completely burned out. It keeps the house warm for a long time, although the fire is not burning.
Conclusion
The chimney damper is one of the essential parts of the fireplace. It prevents your home from the smoke. It also saves your monthly bill. In this article, we have reviewed the best chimney dampers.
We have found through our research and survey from the market, manufacturer, and users. That can help you buy the best chimney damper.
We hope this article can be helpful for a successful purchase. If you have any questions about the chimney damper, please feel free to ask in the comment section below. Good luck!
