What happens if fireplace flue is closed?

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.

Does the flue need to be open on gas fireplace?

That hole is the fireplace flue pipe. One caution, though: Fireplaces with installed gas logs are required to have the damper open at all times. That’s either because a pilot light is constantly burning under the logs or because the homeowner might forget to open the damper when he or she turns on the fire.

Is it bad to leave the flue open?

The smoke from burning wood contains carbon monoxide, so in order to prevent this toxic byproduct from entering your home, it is important to leave the flue open overnight. This enables a draft to carry the compound out into the atmosphere, instead of sinking down the chimney and saturating the room.

When should you close the flue after a fire?

A fireplace damper should always be kept open while the fire is burning. Furthermore, keep the damper open until all the embers are done burning. Smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide can enter the house. Once the ember bed is completely out, close the damper.

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fireplace?

Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. An improperly maintained or ventilated gas fireplace can create incomplete combustion, creating carbon monoxide, and causing this toxic gas to linger—putting those inside at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do I know if my gas fireplace has a flue?

Follow the gas line from beneath the logs to where it disappears in the wall or floor. If the gas is merely contained by a simple gas line, then the logs are vent free. If there is a small cylinder attached to the gas line, then the logs are vent-free.

What is the difference between a damper and a flue?

The flue is simply the open middle of the chimney that the smoke goes up. A damper is intended to shut off- either fully or partially- the chimney flue. The reason you’d want to do that is to keep heat ($$$) from escaping up the chimney.

Can I leave my gas fireplace burning overnight?

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Another reason why you shouldn’t leave your fireplace burning overnight is because of carbon monoxide. A fireplace is one of the most common carbon monoxide sources inside our homes.

How do you close the damper on a gas fireplace?

How to Close the Chimney Flue

1. Turn off the gas to the fireplace or wait for wood to burn out.
2. Put on work gloves to keep your hands free of soot.
3. Push the lever up slightly to disengage it from its support tab and then pull it away from the tab horizontally as the damper lowers into a closed position.

Should you have a carbon monoxide detector if you have a gas fireplace?

Although tests show that gas fireplaces do not increase carbon monoxide levels in your home, it’s wise to have the detectors if you use any gas appliances at home, including a furnace, a stove or a fireplace.

Is a damper and flue the same thing?

A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.