You can look up into the chimney and see it open and close.
Fireplace damper handle which way is open.
Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not.
The damper can be opened and closed through a few different mechanisms including a latch a pull chain or a handle.
Optimal temperatures vary by house.
This kind damper poker dampers we commonly refer to as a banana handles this is because of the banana shape arch in the handle.
You know the flue is open if you can see the sky or have a throat dumper.
If the flue is open the smoke will go out of the chimney without any problem.
Test out the damper when the fireplace is not in use to get a feel for how it works.
This is a good way to get a feel for how the damper and its controls work.
If the damper is closed then the smoke will come out of the chimney and fill out the room.
Fireplaces are constructed fairly simply.
This keeps smoke and air flowing through the firebox and out the chimney.
If your chimney has a traditional throat damper it will either be controlled by a metal rod or a knob also called a rotary style.
Check up into the chimney from your fireplace.
Close it when it s not it use.
As a rule the operating mode for a damper is about one fourth of the way open.
A damper plate located at the top of a chimney within a top mounted damper is usually square in shape and spring loaded to open or close via a pulley chain with the chain handle to control the damper located within the fireplace.
Damper controls are usually located near the top of the firebox.
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use.
The best way to tell whether or not the damper is open is to check the controls.
Carry out a visual check.