To open a fireplace damper, locate the handle or lever usually located inside the fireplace or on the chimney. Pull or push the handle to open the damper fully, allowing for proper ventilation and airflow in the fireplace.
Shut and Open
In most cases, the fireplace damper is open when the chain is up and closed when the chain is down. Pulling the chain up usually opens the damper to allow smoke and gases to escape, while pulling it down closes the damper when the fireplace is not in use.
When you use the fireplace, the damper should be open all the way. If not, you probably will not get enough updraft and your house will fill up with smoke...not a good thing. When it is not in use, the damper should be closed...otherwise you will lose a lot of heat up the chimney.
Your chimney damper is open
To open the vent of a fireplace, locate the damper control, which is typically found inside the firebox. This may be a lever, a handle, or a chain that you can pull or push to adjust the damper. If the damper is stuck, gently move it while ensuring the fireplace is cool and not in use. Always ensure the vent is fully open before starting a fire to ensure proper airflow and ventilation.
When the fire is burning, until the ashes are cold. The damper should be open at these times.
You close the damper when you are not using the fireplace too keep air from coming in and to keep the air from being sucked out. This is most important in the winter. You don't want cold air coming in and your heat sucked out. When you are using the fireplace you have to open the damper to allow the smoke and fumes to escape.
The purpose of the fireplace damper is to keep the outside elements, outside. The damper is opened only when there is a fire in the fireplace.
Virgie ammons invented the fireplace damper in September 30,1975
It is important that you KEEP THE FIREPLACE VENT DAMPER OPEN when you are using it. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN LEAD TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND DEATH.
When using a vented gas fireplace, the damper should be fully open to allow proper ventilation and ensure that the gases produced by the burning gas escape safely through the chimney. Keeping the damper fully open also helps in preventing backdrafts and promoting efficient burning of the gas.
If it is a wood burning fireplace- yep.