What Is a Top Sealing Damper?

This winter your utility bills have been much higher than normal, but it does not seem like you are getting enough heat to keep your home cozy and comfortable. If you have an older traditional throat damper, it may be what is decreasing the heating efficiency in your home. Unfortunately, this type of damper can be responsible for the loss of heated and cooled air from your home, and this can result in expensive monthly utility bills. sky view of rooftop and chimneyTo solve this problem, All Seasons Chimney recommends replacing your old throat damper with a new top sealing damper. For over 25 years, we have provided the Hudson Valley area with quality professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services, and helping our customers heat their homes more efficiently and economically is one of our highest priorities. We are proud vendors and installers of several different types of top sealing dampers from Olympia Chimney Supply, and we would love to tell you more about how a top sealing damper can save you money and energy.

The Problem with Throat Dampers

Your damper is one of the most important components of your chimney and fireplace system because it allows the toxic byproducts of combustion to escape from the firebox into the chimney and out of your home. When your fireplace is not in use, your damper should be closed completely to keep heated and cooled air from leaking out of your home. Traditional throat dampers are typically made from cast iron metal and can suffer from corrosion damage that can make it difficult to open and close the dampers. Even when there is no corrosion present, throat dampers can still allow air leaks. Studies have shown that a brand new throat damper can leak as much as $200 of heated and cooled air a year. Top sealing dampers, on the other hand, are made to eliminate drafts with a rubber gasket that tightly seals your flue like a storm door. 

The Benefits of a Top Sealing Damper

Being able to heat and cool your home more efficiently is one of the best advantages of this type of damper. Its silicone rubber gasket provides an airtight seal that will eliminate up to 90 percent of the heating and cooling losses from your existing throat damper. Top sealing dampers also serve as chimney caps, and whenever All Seasons Chimney needs to replace a damaged cap, we recommend going with a top sealing damper as the replacement. Located at the top of the chimney, top sealing dampers keep moisture from rain as well as birds and wild animals out of your chimney. Easy to operate, our professionals will show you how to open and close your new damper after we have installed it, and we are here for you if you experience any problems or have any questions.

Increase the energy efficiency in your home with a top sealing damper. Contact us today at All Seasons Chimney to learn more about our sales and professional installation services.