That odd lever sticking out from the side of your fireplace isn’t just a leftover piece of hardware; it actually serves a purpose, and it’s more useful than most people realize. Whether you’ve spotted it while cleaning out ashes or just happened to notice it while lighting a fire, you might be wondering what it does. Instead of guessing, here’s a simple breakdown of what that lever likely controls and how it can affect the way your fireplace works.
Identifying the Fireplace Lever
You’ll usually find the lever either just inside the firebox or on the side of the masonry or metal surround. Depending on your fireplace model and fuel type; wood-burning, gas, or even a stove insert; it may control different features. However, in most traditional wood-burning fireplaces, that lever is most likely your damper control.
Most Likely Function: The Damper Control
What a Damper Does?
A damper is a metal flap inside the chimney flue that opens and closes to control airflow. When you start a fire, opening the damper allows smoke to travel up and out through the chimney instead of filling your living room. Once the fire is out and the fireplace cools down, closing the damper keeps warm air from escaping through the flue. It’s a key part of fireplace efficiency and indoor air quality.
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How to Tell If the Lever Controls the Damper?
The easiest way to test it is when the fireplace is cold. Gently move the lever and listen or feel for airflow coming through the chimney. In many cases, you’ll hear or feel a draft change. You can also shine a flashlight up into the flue from inside the firebox to see if a metal plate moves when the lever is pulled or pushed. If it does, that’s your damper in action.
Other Possible Functions of the Lever
Air Intake Lever
In some fireplaces or inserts, the lever controls a secondary air intake system. This mechanism adjusts how much outside air enters the firebox to feed the fire. By increasing or decreasing the air supply, you can affect how hot the fire burns and how quickly the wood is consumed. These are more common in modern, high-efficiency fireplace systems.
Ash Dump Lever
Some wood-burning fireplaces include an ash dump, a small trapdoor in the firebox floor that leads to an ash pit below. If your lever is located near the base of the firebox, it might open this trap. You simply push ashes into the hole, then clean them out from below. It’s a cleaner way to manage ash buildup without scooping it out every time.
Gas Flow or Pilot Control (For Gas Fireplaces)
If your fireplace is gas-powered, the lever might control the gas flow, flame height, or even the pilot light. These are usually clearly labeled, but not always. If you’re unsure, don’t adjust it until you’ve checked the fireplace manual or consulted a professional; it’s important to be cautious with any gas component.
When to Use the Lever and When Not To?
If the lever is connected to your damper, always open it before lighting a fire to allow smoke and gases to escape. Keep it open until the fire is fully out and the embers are cold. Closing it too soon can trap dangerous fumes indoors. Likewise, forgetting to close it after the fireplace cools down lets warm indoor air escape through the chimney, which can drive up heating costs.
If the lever controls an air intake or ash dump, use it according to your fireplace’s operation guide. These features are meant to improve performance or simplify cleaning, but they still need to be used properly to avoid issues.
In Closing
That mystery lever on the side of your fireplace is most likely a damper control or possibly an air intake or ash dump, depending on your setup. It’s a small piece of hardware that has a big impact on how your fireplace functions. If you’re ever in doubt, take a look at your fireplace manual or call a professional for a quick check. Once you understand what the lever controls, you’ll be able to use your fireplace more safely and efficiently.
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