Brush all the ash from the fireplace into the ash can and dispose of it outside by burying it.
Locate the dampener rod on the inside of the fireplace. It will be connected to the actual cast iron dampener. Remove the four bolts that attach the rod to the dampener with a wrench. Have your helper hold the cast iron dampener as you loosen the bolts. Gently lower it out of the chimney.
Slide the new dampener into the fireplace. Have your helper hold the dampener at the end of the rod while you place the bolts into it and tighten them.