Optimize fireplace heating efficiency by keeping warmed air from sailing up and out your open chimney with a user-friendly, top-sealing damper.

An easy way to cut heat loss from a home and reduce heating bills is through the installation of an energy saving top-sealing fireplace damper. 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 Western North Carolina home, many chimneys are not adequately sealed and are a major source of heat loss. The laws of physics tell us that 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 Lab in Minnesota, installing an energy saving damper to the top of a chimney can cut heat loss by more than 75%. "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 many chimneys contain an internal metal damper, these products are often inadequate at restricting the flow of air between a home and the outdoors. These 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 air leaks to worsen.

One of the most frequently installed energy saving top-sealing dampers in the country is Lyemance, which seals the chimney with a silicone rubber gasket. It carries a lifetime warranty and is made of solid cast aluminum with stainless steel parts assembled to precise standards.

The Lyemance damper's rubber gasket seals the chimney shut like a door. It's operated by the homeowner from within the fireplace and is only available through chimney and hearth professionals. These specialists can provide proper sizing and installation, thereby ensuring the life and safety of the equipment.

In addition to the energy savings, these top-sealing dampers can also protect a chimney from the elements. Damage caused by water from rain and snow can destroy the inside of a chimney over time. Water can deteriorate the bricks and mortar joints as well as inflict damage to the firebox. Energy saving top-sealing 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 inside the chimney.

THE CHIMNEY SWEEP is proud to install products made by HomeSaver, Inc. HomeSaver is the premier company for chimney liners, chimney caps, and energy saving fireplace dampers for residential use. 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.