It’s a chilly evening in the Northshore, so you decide to light the fireplace to provide some much-needed warmth. Besides, the crackling fire is the perfect ambiance for guests coming over for dinner. Everything is all set. There is a nice stack of seasoned hickory logs that will fill the air with a pleasant aroma. You light the fireplace and poof! Suddenly, thick smoke is filling up inside instead of going up the chimney. Surprised by this unexpected dilemma, you’re perplexed as to what may be causing your smoky fireplace. At Smoke Stacks, we’ve seen this problem before. You can count on our certified technicians to quickly resolve your smoky fireplace issue and any other problem you may be experiencing.
Why is My Fireplace Smoking?
A smoky fireplace is a frustrating issue with several potential causes. The most common reasons are:
Cold Chimney Syndrome
When the chimney is cold, the dense, chilly air inside is too heavy for the lighter hot air, so the smoke falls back down into the fireplace. To fix this, open the damper and light the end of some rolled newspaper and hold it under the firebox for a few seconds to warm the air in the flue before starting your fire. Preheating the flue when the chimney is cold will help prevent a smoky fireplace.
Closed Damper
Another common culprit is a closed or partially closed chimney damper. The damper must be completely open to allow smoke to escape as fresh air is being drawn in to feed the fire. Sometimes, the damper is stuck due to rust or creosote buildup.
Creosote Buildup
Speaking of creosote, the buildup of the flammable tar-like material can also cause a smoky fireplace. As this substance accumulates, it restricts the airflow in the chimney, making it difficult for smoke to vent outside.
Negative Air Pressure
Negative air pressure in your home is a less obvious but another frequent cause. Newer homes are often so tightly sealed for energy efficiency that they don’t have enough oxygen coming in to replace the smoky air going out. When you run exhaust fans (like a kitchen fan or clothes dryer), they can create negative pressure that sucks the hot, smoky air back down the chimney and into the house!
Flue Obstruction
Finally, an improperly sized or blocked flue can be the issue. If the flue is too small for the fireplace opening, or if it is blocked by debris, leaves, or a bird’s nest, smoke will have nowhere to go but back into your room. This often occurs when there is a change to your heating system, such as a new furnace or fireplace that is attached to a flue that doesn’t meet the specifications of the new appliance.
How to Prevent Smoky Fireplaces:
Prevention is always the best approach. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your fireplace running cleanly and safely:
- Inspections, Inspections, Inspections: We cannot overstate the importance of annual chimney inspections to prevent a smoky fireplace and many other chimney problems. A certified chimney sweep will assess the condition of your chimney, flue, and heating appliances. The technicians will also remove creosote buildup and other debris and blockages, inspect the damper, and ensure all components are functioning correctly.
- Burn Seasoned Wood: Always burn wood that has been seasoned for at least six months to a year. Seasoned wood burns hotter and produces less smoke and creosote than green or wet wood. Here in Milwaukee, there are plenty of places to buy responsibly sourced firewood for your fireplace, stove, and fire pit.
- Open a Window: If you experience a smoky fireplace, try opening a window or door a few inches on the same floor as the fireplace to provide a source of fresh air.
- Preheat the Flue: Double-check that the damper is open all the way before lighting the fire. For cold chimneys, start with a small roll of newspaper to warm the flue.
Is a Smoky Fireplace Dangerous?
Yes, a smoky fireplace can be dangerous. Smoke contains carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas. While some smoke escaping is not an immediate emergency, a chimney that consistently backs up with smoke can expose you and your family to hazardous levels of CO. The smoke and soot can also blacken your walls, furniture, and carpets, causing long-term damage. It’s also not a pleasant look for arriving dinner guests. More importantly, the creosote buildup that often accompanies these smoky issues is the leading cause of chimney fires, which can spread throughout the house.
Let Smoke Stacks Fix Your Smoky Fireplace in Greater Milwaukee
The Smoke Stacks family of certified technicians has extensive experience and training to fix your smoky fireplace and other common and not-so-common problems. For over thirty years, we have proudly served homeowners with restorations and repairs throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including Timmerman West, Lakefield, Yorkville, and Waukesha. We treat each customer like family, ensuring that every repair we perform is done with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or request a free estimate and enjoy a beautiful wood fire ambiance while dining with your guests. Family Pride. Exceptional Results.
