Installing a Top-Sealing Fireplace Damper Can
Save Energy and Cut Home Heating Bills
FAIRFIELD, Iowa (August 26, 2003) - An easy way to cut heat loss from a home and reduce heating bills is through the installation of an energy saving fireplace damper, according to HomeSaver, Inc. An energy saving damper replaces the original damper in a fireplace and is installed at the top of the chimney.
While a fireplace and chimney are an essential part of the North American home, many chimneys are not adequately sealed and are a major source of heat loss. The laws of physics mean warm air is much more likely to rise up and escape through a leaky chimney than to go out an open window. This energy loss can result in unnecessarily high home heating bills.
According to a test performed in 2001 by Architectural Testing, an independent lab in Minnesota, installing an energy saving damper to the top of a chimney can cut heat loss by more than 75 percent.
“Many people don’t realize how much money is going up their chimney,” noted Bob Daniels, President and CEO of HomeSaver, located in Fairfield, Iowa. “Installing a top-sealing damper is a simple home improvement that can go a long way toward keeping a 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. The 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 worsen.
The two most frequently installed energy saving dampers in the country are Lyemance and Lock-Top, both manufactured by HomeSaver. Lyemance and Lock-Top seal the chimney with asilicone rubber gasket.
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 essentially puts a cap on top of the chimney while the Lyemance damper seals the chimney shut like a door. Both dampers are operated by the homeowner from within 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 fireplace damper can save a household hundreds of dollars each year,” noted Daniels. “It’s money in the bank.”
In addition to the energy savings, these dampers can also protect a chimney from the elements. Damage caused by water from rain and snow can destroy a chimney over time. Water can deteriorate the bricks and mortar joints as well as inflict damage to the firebox. Energy saving dampers mitigate the weather risk. They can also prevent odors from entering the home, and help create a barrier to keep raccoons, squirrels, birds and rodents from building nests within the chimney.
The HomeSaver Web site provides a complete tutorial about both Lock-Top and Lyemance dampers and the importance of an energy saving damper to the life and health of a chimney. It offers a frequently asked questions section to help address a variety of concerns. An online search function called “Locate A Chimney Professional” is available to locate qualified HomeSaver installers, and other chimney professionals.
HomeSaver, Inc. is the premier company for chimney liners, chimney caps and energy saving fireplace dampers for residential use. The four HomeSaver product lines include: HomeSaver chimney liners, Gelco chimney caps, and Lock-Top and Lyemance fireplace dampers. The company has been providing the highest quality materials to skilled chimney professionals and hearth products installers for more than 20 years. For more information about HomeSaver products, visit www.homesaver.com or call 1-866-HOMESAVER (866-466-3728).
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