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A test performed in 2001 by Architectural Testing – an independent science lab in Minnesota – indicated that an energy-saving damper to the top of a chimney can reduce heat loss by more than 75 percent. Most fireplaces have a 13″ x 13″ chimney, which means that, if your damper is leaky or non-existent, you have the equivalent of an open window in your house!

Installing a Top Seal Damper

Many people don’t realize how much money is going up their chimney. Installing a top seal damper is a simple home improvement that can go a long way toward keeping your home warm.

While a majority of chimneys generally contain an internal metal damper, these products are often inadequate at restricting the flow of air between a home and the outdoors. They were never made to be tightly fitting. These dampers, called throat dampers, have a metal-to-metal closure that can leave gaps, allowing warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Over time, the metal structure of the throat damper can also warp or rust, causing leaks to grow.

The most frequently installed energy saving dampers in the country are Lyemance, Lock-Top, and Chimalator, two of which are manufactured by HomeSaver. Lyemance and Lock-Top seal the chimney with a silicone rubber gasket. And what is best of all- they seal the chimney at the top instead of the bottom, preventing cold air from coming down to the home level! They are activated from the bottom of the fireplace using a stainless steel connector wire to the spring-loaded damper assembly installed on the top of the chimney 20 feet up.

Both of the HomeSaver dampers carry a lifetime warranty and are made of solid cast aluminum and stainless steel parts assembled to precise standards.

The Lock-Top Damper

A Lock-Top damper essentially serves as a cap for the chimney’s top, while a Lyemance damper seals the chimney shut like a door. Both dampers are operated by the homeowner at the fireplace and are only available through chimney and hearth professionals. These specialists can ensure proper sizing and installation, thereby ensuring the life and safety of the equipment.

The installation of an energy-saving top seal damper can save a household hundreds of dollars each year. That’s money in the bank for our customers!

In addition to the energy savings, a damper benefits you by protecting your chimney from the elements. The corrosive effects of water from rain and snow can destroy a chimney over time; deterioration happens to the bricks and the mortar joints, as well as the firebox. But energy-saving dampers mitigate the weather risk. They can also prevent odors from entering the home, and they serve as a barrier to keep raccoons, squirrels, birds, and other creatures from residing within the chimney.

Call the scheduling center of Midtown Chimney Sweeps today to get a quote, or click here!