Fireplace Dampers & Chimney Dampers Buyer's Guide

- Smoke back drafting into the home
Have you ever watched someone fumbling with a damper on a smoky fire? A fireplace damper acts as a gateway for the chimney, opening to let air pass through or remaining shut to keep the chimney sealed. They're a simple mechanism, but how do you know when they should be open or closed? And should they ever be left partially open?