flue damper

[jeepin in maine]

whats the opinions on flue dampers?well.... first off whats there purpose?do you recommend them on an older airtight?my dad always ran one so i installed one when i put the stove in.i had found another forum before this one and they were dead set against them,so when i installed all new stove pipe i removed the damper.now i'm wondering if that was a good move.since i'm unsure of its purpose in life i don't know whether i'm missing something not having one.thanks......jeremy

 

[Hogwildz]

I don't have one in my insert for obvious reasons. When I install the new free standing, I will use one. For me, it will be open most the time. More for in case of a run away to help choke the stove down. Also can be helpful with a taller chimney that drafts too good.

 

[jeepin in maine]

so its just to control draft...............doesn't reduce heat loss or anything.cool.overdraft is not an issue for me with my fabulous 16' outdoor masonry chimney.thanks hog

 

[Hogwildz]

Nah not for heat loss, strictly to control draft. No problemo

 

[BrotherBart]

Acutally Hog in the old airtight inserts controlling heat loss was exactly what the dampers were for. Held the gases in the firebox longer so they had a chance to burn.

 

[Hogwildz]

I stand corrected