When you walk through the neighborhood and catch a whiff of a bonfire in the distance, does it instantly conjure memories of a weekend evening around the fire pit? …a childhood bonfire with family friends? …or maybe a vacation at the campground?
Less pleasant, however, is remembering what it’s like when that fire gets too smoky – and when that smokiness clings and lingers. What could make matters worse? If that unpleasantly smoky smell is setting up camp in your living room.
What Causes My Fireplace To Smell Smoky?
We’ve heard the saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” But does it work for other situations too? Does there have to be smoke (and a smoky smell) wherever there’s a well-loved fireplace?
The answer is “no” – a smoky smell isn’t an inevitability when you use your fireplace. So, don’t settle for an unpleasant effect. Instead, consider these potential causes, and take steps to eliminate the smell at its source.
- Creosote buildup can be a major contributor to smoky odors. If you’ve used your fireplace long, you’re probably familiar with creosote – a stubborn, tarry substance that forms when wood burns (especially when firewood isn’t sufficiently well seasoned). Creosote can build up in your chimney, affecting airflow and creating those smells. Creosote is undesirable for another reason too – it’s very combustible and poses a fire hazard.
- Poor air pressure can also play a part. Air pressure has a significant impact on chimney function. If your indoor air pressure is lower than the air pressure outside, you might end up with regular backdrafts. This tends to happen in tightly sealed homes, where fresh air can’t easily get in and equalize air pressure. A backdraft can pull smoke and smoky (and other potentially unpleasant) odors into your living space.
- Damp firewood or wood that’s too newly cut can create issues when burned. Wood with a moisture level that’s too high simply won’t burn as well, but it might create a lot of smoke trying! This excess smoke can escape into your home as well as making its way up the chimney, where it can contribute to creosote formation
- Chimney blockages can trap smoke and odors, which can then filter back into your home. A blocked chimney is never good because it messes with ventilation, making it harder for your chimney to do its job safely and well – and it puts you at increased risk of a chimney fire.
- Damper issues or other problems with your chimney system can also lead to smoky odors. Similarly to having a blockage, an obstructed damper, or one that’s inadvertently left closed when you light a fire, will keep smoke from escaping as it should. If your damper is in poor repair and is either not opening or not sealing correctly, either of these issues can disrupt airflow and ventilation.
How Can I Get Rid of Fireplace Smoke Smells?
So how can you solve a smoky-smell dilemma? The resolution depends on the cause. At the end of the day, though, most smoky smells may be automatically eliminated by simply following a few good fireplace practices. In other words, taking steps toward overall good fireplace health and efficient functionality may have the side effect of driving smoke smell woes away.
Here’s what the doctor prescribes:
- Regular sweeping and inspection. This is the best way to fight back against smoky odors and keep your chimney fresh as a daisy. A professional chimney sweep can effectively remove that nasty creosote, check for blockages, and help ensure your system is operating the way it should. Your chimney should be inspected annually and swept as recommended.
- Burn Seasoned Firewood. Well dried firewood will burn hotter and more cleanly, generating less smoke. Make sure your firewood has been dried for at least six months, and store it off the ground with good circulation. Another tip? Don’t overload your fireplace. Fires need good air circulation to burn well, so start smaller and feed your fire as it burns.
- Think About Drafts. If you have issues with drafts, consider cracking a window or using a makeup air system to improve airflow. You should also check that your damper is fully open before starting a fire, and if an inspection reveals that it’s not in great shape, think about having it repaired or replaced.
What About Other Chimney Odors?
Smoky smells aren’t the only ones that can afflict fireplace owners. If you’re dealing with other odors, consider these sources as well:
- Animal intrusions can create unwanted odors. Birds, squirrels, and other animals can find their way into your chimney, sometimes nesting and leaving behind droppings. Regular inspections can help address these issues and keep odors at bay.
- Moisture and mold can lead to musty odors. Moisture is not good for chimneys on multiple fronts, but if there’s a crack, leak, or poor ventilation it can build up, making conditions prime for mold growth. If you’re catching a damp smell, mention it to your chimney tech. You may need to check for leaks or have a chimney cap installed to protect your system from the elements.
- Soot and residue can build up over time and contribute to unwanted smells. Regularly cleaning your fireplace with a gentle, but hardworking mixture of vinegar and water can alleviate the issue.
- Drafts can pull in more than smoky smells. They can pull outdoor air that carries other odors in as well. A top-sealing damper can work wonders in reducing outside air intrusion when you aren’t using your fireplace.
Leave Unpleasant Odors in the Past
Keeping your chimney well-maintained and following a regular rhythm of inspections and sweepings will help keep chimney odors behind you. If smells persist, however, don’t suffer through it! We can help. From trouble-shooting to resolution, our business is keeping chimneys healthy and working at their prime – efficiently, safely, and odor-free.
Call or book online now.