A damper on a wood stove is either mounted in the chimney or in the stove itself, and it is used to block off the air flow going out. Put a damper in an open position when starting a fire in a wood stove with help from a certified home inspector in this free video on home carpentry.Click to see full answer. Similarly, you may ask, what does the damper do on a wood burning stove?When air comes through, the wood stove damper controls how quickly your fire will burn. By opening the wood stove damper, it allows air to get into the chimney so the fire can start. If you keep the damper open, the fire will build and the smoke and soot will vent through your chimney.Also Know, where does the damper go on a wood stove? Each stove has some type of damper, a metal disc inserted inside a bypass duct or stovepipe exiting the stove. A damper is usually located approximately 12 to 18 inches from the stove, prior to the spot where the pipe exits into a chimney, if present. The damper retains heat that escapes up the chimney or flue. Moreover, do I need a damper on my wood stove? Modern stoves usually do not need a damper. Agree with Harry. Most all modern wood burning appliances control burn rate by the amount of combustion air that is allowed to reach the fire, so there is no need for an exhaust damper. You should check out recommendations of the particular model you intend to install.What is the purpose of a damper?A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a duct, chimney, VAV box, air handler, or other air-handling equipment. A damper may be used to cut off central air conditioning (heating or cooling) to an unused room, or to regulate it for room-by-room temperature and climate control.