Optimal temperatures vary by house.
Fireplace damper handle which way is open.
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.
If the flue is open the smoke will go out of the chimney without any problem.
The best way to tell whether or not the damper is open is to check the controls.
Close it when it s not it use.
This keeps smoke and air flowing through the firebox and out the chimney.
As a rule the operating mode for a damper is about one fourth of the way open.
Carry out a visual check.
You can look up into the chimney and see it open and close.
If the damper is closed then the smoke will come out of the chimney and fill out the room.
You know the flue is open if you can see the sky or have a throat dumper.
Fireplaces are constructed fairly simply.
Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not.
How your damper is controlled depends on the type of damper your chimney has.
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use.
This kind damper poker dampers we commonly refer to as a banana handles this is because of the banana shape arch in the handle.
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.
The damper can be opened and closed through a few different mechanisms including a latch a pull chain or a handle.
Fireplace dampers are typically made of metal or ceramic so they can tolerate the heat of the fire without suffering damage.
This is a good way to get a feel for how the damper and its controls work.
Check up into the chimney from your fireplace.