Have you ever been enjoying a warm and inviting fire in your fireplace when suddenly smoke starts to fill the room? This can be a frustrating and even dangerous situation.
But why does smoke come out of my fireplace? Smoke can come out of your fireplace due to a closed damper, a blocked chimney, an improper fire, a too-airtight home, or an insufficient chimney height.
This is a common question that many homeowners ask, especially during the winter months when fireplaces are used more frequently.
In this blog, we will explore the common causes of smoke in fireplaces and how to get rid of them.
Common Causes of a Smoking Fireplace
Smoke puffing out of your fireplace is not only unpleasant but can be dangerous as well. It’s important to identify why smoke is not going out the chimney. And address the underlying cause of a smoking fireplace to prevent potential hazards and ensure optimal fireplace performance.
Here are some common reasons why your fireplace might be smoking–
- Closed or Partially Open Damper
The damper, a metal plate located at the top of the chimney, plays a crucial role in regulating airflow. When the damper is fully open, it allows smoke to escape freely up the chimney. However, when the damper is closed or partially open, it obstructs the upward flow of smoke, causing it to backdraft into the room.
This is a common cause of smoke backdraft, especially when homeowners forget to open the damper before lighting a fire. Ensure that the damper is fully open before building a fire to prevent smoke from filling your home.
- Chimney Blockages
Over time, chimneys can accumulate various debris, including creosote buildup, animal nests, and fallen bricks. These blockages can significantly impede the flow of smoke, leading to smoke backdraft.
Creosote, a sticky byproduct of incomplete wood combustion, is a particularly common culprit. It can build up on the chimney walls, narrowing the flue and creating a blockage. Animal nests, especially those of birds, can also obstruct the flue, preventing smoke from escaping.
Regular chimney cleaning is essential to prevent blockages and ensure proper drafts. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney cleaned and inspected annually, more frequently, if you use your fireplace heavily.
- Negative Pressure in the House
Modern homes are often designed to be airtight, which can lead to negative pressure inside the house. This negative pressure can create a downdraft in the chimney, pulling smoke back into the room.
Excessive ventilation can exacerbate negative pressure. Additionally, homes with tightly sealed windows and doors may be more prone to this issue.
To address negative pressure, ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows or using a fan that draws air from outside. Consider using a fireplace insert, which can help establish a stronger draft and reduce the impact of negative pressure.
- Wind Downdraft
Strong winds can create a downdraft in the chimney, preventing smoke from rising and causing it to backdraft. This is particularly common when the wind blows from the direction of the chimney.
To mitigate wind downdraft, consider installing a chimney cap, a device that deflects wind currents and helps maintain a positive draft. Additionally, planting trees or shrubs around the chimney can help reduce wind gusts and prevent downdrafts.
- Improper Chimney Design
In some cases, smoke backdraft may be caused by flaws in the chimney’s design. An oversized flue, for instance, can create a weak draft, making it difficult for smoke to escape properly. Additionally, a chimney too short or too close to other structures may need to generate more drafts to remove smoke effectively.
If you suspect that your chimney’s design is contributing to smoke backdraft, consult a qualified chimney professional for an assessment and potential solutions. They may recommend chimney extensions, flue liners, or other modifications to improve the draft and prevent smoke backdraft.
How to Fix a Smoking Fireplace
Ensure the damper is fully open: A closed or partially open damper can obstruct smoke flow, causing it to backdraft into the room. Open the damper entirely before lighting a fire.
- Check for chimney blockages
Blockages due to creosote buildup, animal nests, or debris can restrict smoke escape. Consider regular chimney cleaning and inspections to prevent blockages.
- Address negative pressure in the house
Excessive ventilation or airtight construction can create negative pressure, pulling smoke back into the room. Open windows or use a fan to balance air pressure.
- Mitigate wind downdrafts
Strong winds can create downdrafts, preventing smoke from rising. Consider installing a chimney cap to deflect wind currents and maintain a positive draft.
- Evaluate chimney design
An oversized flue, a short chimney, or a chimney too close to other structures can weaken the draft, leading to a smoke backdraft. Consult a chimney professional for potential solutions.
- Use dry, seasoned wood
Wet or green wood produces more smoke and can contribute to creosote buildup. Opt for dry, seasoned wood for efficient combustion and reduced smoke.
- Maintain proper ventilation
Open a window or use a fan when using the fireplace to allow smoke to escape and prevent buildup in the room.
- Consider alternatives to fireplace use
Electric or gas fireplaces do not produce smoke and may be a safer option for homes with recurring smoke backdraft issues.
Why Smoke From A Fireplace Is Bad
While the sight of a crackling fire in a fireplace can be cozy and inviting, the smoke that comes from burning wood can pose a number of health risks. It’s important to be aware of these risks so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your family.
- Respiratory Problems
Smoke from a fireplace contains a variety of pollutants, including fine particles, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can irritate the airways, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In people with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, exposure to fireplace smoke can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms.
- Cardiovascular Problems
Fine particles in fireplace smoke can also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. These particles can damage the blood vessels and increase inflammation, which can lead to the formation of blood clots and blockages.
- Cancer Risk
Some of the chemicals in fireplace smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are considered carcinogenic. This means that they can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including lung cancer.
- Reduced Lung Function
Long-term exposure to fireplace smoke can damage the lungs and reduce their ability to function effectively. This can make it difficult to breathe and can lead to chronic respiratory problems.
For people with compromised immune systems, exposure to fireplace smoke can increase the risk of infections. This is because the pollutants in smoke can damage the body’s natural defences against infections.
- Children and the Elderly
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of fireplace smoke. Children’s lungs are still developing, and they are more likely to experience respiratory problems from exposure to smoke. The elderly are more likely to have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke.
How Often You Should Clean Your Chimney
Regular chimney cleaning is crucial for maintaining optimal fireplace performance and ensuring your safety. The frequency of chimney cleaning depends on several factors, including–
- Type of Fuel
Wood-burning fireplaces require more frequent chimney cleaning than gas fireplaces. This is because wood combustion produces creosote, a sticky byproduct that can build up in the chimney and pose a fire hazard. Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, produce less creosote, so they may not require cleaning as often.
- Frequency of Fireplace Use
If you use your fireplace frequently, you’ll need to have it cleaned more often. This is because more frequent use means more creosote buildup and a higher risk of blockages.
- Chimney Condition
The overall condition of your chimney can also affect how often it needs to be cleaned. If your chimney is older or in poor condition, it may require more frequent cleaning to prevent problems.
Conclusion
Fireplaces can provide a warm and inviting ambiance to your home. However, it is important to understand and address the potential risks associated with smoke backdraft. By identifying the causes of– ‘Why does smoke come out of my fireplace?’ and maintaining a clean chimney, you can enjoy the benefits of a fireplace without putting your health or your home at risk.
At 832 Service, we offer a variety of other services to keep your fireplace in top shape, including chimney repairs, chimney inspections, and chimney sweep Houston.
Contact us today to schedule a chimney cleaning appointment and enjoy a smoke-free fireplace experience.
Is it normal for smoke to come out of fireplace?
No, it is not normal for smoke to come out of your fireplace. Smoke should rise up the chimney and out of your home. If smoke is coming into your home, it is a sign that there is a problem with your fireplace or chimney. This could be due to a blockage, a weak draft, or improper ventilation.
What Colour should chimney smoke be?
Chimney smoke should be almost colorless and thin. If the smoke is black, thick, or yellow, it indicates that your fireplace or chimney is not functioning properly. Black smoke is a sign of incomplete combustion, which can produce harmful pollutants. Thick smoke suggests a blockage in the chimney, while yellow smoke indicates the presence of sulfur compounds.
Why is there so much ash in my fireplace?
The amount of ash produced in a fireplace depends on the type of wood burned, its moisture content, and the fireplace’s efficiency. Hardwood produces less ash than softwood, and dry, seasoned wood produces less ash than wet wood.
