Does a Fireplace Burning Propane Need the Damper Open?

Damper

• A fireplace damper is a plate above the fireplace which can be opened or closed to control airflow through the chimney. With traditional wood fireplaces, the damper must be opened when the fire is lit to prevent backdraft. When the damper is open, a large amount of heat escapes from the room even when the fire is lit.

Direct Vent

• Direct vent fireplace inserts using propane have sealed combustion chambers that can vent through a wall or roof without using the chimney, so it is not necessary for the damper to be open when the propane is burning. If a direct vent system is not used, the damper should be opened to let gas byproducts escape. If trace amounts of byproducts are acceptable to the homeowner, a ventless system can be installed.

Propane Advantages

• Another advantage of a propane fireplace is propane is available at many different retail outlets, whereas natural gas is limited to municipal distribution grids. Wood fireplaces leave behind embers and ashes that must be cleaned, and the chimney must be swept. Propane fireplaces do not have those drawbacks.