Expert: James Ball - 1/4/2010

Question
I recently purchased a house, built in 1981.  The fireplace has a flu lever in the top of the fireplace that pulls forward to open.  The are also metal sides with what appear to be vent slots. Halfway up the metal "vents" there is a pull chain.  the is one on each side of the fireplace. The chains can be pulled just a couple of inches or so and can be held in that position be sliding them into the smaller opening they are coming out of. If I let them loose they are pulled back into the metal side. I have no idea what these do.  Are they for ventilation to help the fire burn, or perhaps heat exchange? Or do they have something to do with the damper? I can not tell any difference with them in either position.  I can not seem to find any information on this feature anywhere online.  Your help is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Michael G

Answer
Hello Michael, if you have not read the owners manual you should find it and read it, there it will tell you every thing about your unit. If you do not have a copy get me the manufacturer and model # and I will see what I can on my end. if you live in a condo check with the board every one should have a copy.
James