How to Remove the Damper From a Fireplace Insert

Dampers inside fireplace inserts perform the same function as dampers in a built-in fireplace --they prevent objects from falling into the firebox. When a homeowner is ready to start a fire, she opens the damper to allow the smoke to go up into and out of the chimney. Similarly, this is the same procedure used when using a fireplace insert. An insert is more energy efficient than a built-in fireplace because of the incorporated technology, pushing warm air into the room. If you need to replace the damper on your insert, it is not difficult to remove.

Fireplace tool set (broom and dustpan)
Drop cloth
Dust mask
Goggles
Leather gloves
Trouble light
Wrench
Sockets

Instructions

- 1
  Allow your insert to cool to room temperature and the clean out your fireplace insert using a broom and dustpan or turn off the gas, if applicable.
- 2
  Put a drop cloth over the hearth and into the insert itself.
- 3
  Put on a dust mask, goggles and leather gloves. Plug a trouble light into a near-by electrical outlet and turn the light on.
- 4
  Lay on the drop cloth over the hearth, placing your head inside the fireplace insert. Shine the trouble light up into the chimney and locate the retaining bolts holding the damper in place.
- 5
  Fit a wrench with an appropriate sized socket and unfasten the retaining bolts with the wrench and socket holding the damper in place.
- 6
  Turn the damper sideways once you remove the bolts and pull it out of the fireplace insert. You can now install a replacement damper.

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