"old dirtbeard" wrote in message
. ..
I bought my house in December and am just now getting to poke around. I
have two fireplaces -- a smaller one with a rectangular flue and damper
that fully closes and appears to seal very well.

The larger fireplace (48"W x 32"H) has a round flue and damper that has a
threaded "adjustment rod" that will not let the damper close. As set
currently, it only allows the damper to be set at about a 45 degree angle.
I had a $140 natural gas bill last month (in Southern California) and am
thinking that I probably am trying to heat Palos Verdes with hot air
escaping out my flue.

Both fireplaces have glass doors that fit quite well, but I can feel the
draft from the flue on the larger fireplace when the damper is closed as
far as the adjustment rod permits (again, open it is at 90 degrees and
closed it is about 45 degrees).

The thing that puzzles me is that the rod does not look like it can be
adjusted down any more than its current position.

Any reason why the damper would be adjusted so it cannot close? (this is
my first experiences with owning fireplaces). I am thinking about just
removing the adjustment rod so that the flue can fully close, but I do not
want to violate code or cause a fire, etc.

best,

old dirtbeard

I put a gas log (propane) in my fireplace in Arizona and the kit came with
the clamp to prevent the damper closing. Was supposed to be a requirement
for gas logs...at least for propane. But my clamp only required a very
small opening when closed. Maybe they put the clamp on backward or
something. Reminds me of the time I started a wood fire in the fireplace
for my wife to enjoy while lying on the couch, her leg in a cast from a car
accident. I left for work but forgot to open the damper. Lucky for her, my
aunt only lived a few houses away and was able to run down and open the
damper. I still hear about my attempt to asphyxiate her, 30 years later.
Tom G.