A fireplace is a fantastic addition to any home. It provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy. However, if your fireplace is smoking up the house, it can be a real nuisance.
There are several reasons this issue happens. Fortunately, there are also ways to prevent it from happening. Read on to learn more.
Why Is Smoke From Your Fireplace Bad?
Smoke from a fireplace can cause many problems in your home. It can discolor walls and ceilings, damage carpets and furniture and even cause health issues. Wood smoke contains fine particles that can irritate your eyes and respiratory system. It can cause asthma attacks, irregular heart rhythms, stroke and even heart failure.
Common Causes of a Fireplace Smoking Up the House
Draft
Smoke can fill your living space instead of escaping your home if there is a draft in your fireplace.
Blockage
Debris, bird nests and animals can obstruct your chimney.
Insufficient Ventilation
Poor airflow in the room where your fireplace is will cause smoke to back up.
Exhaust or Blower Fans
Exhaust fans running in your bathroom or kitchen can cause negative pressure. The same scenario can happen due to the blower fan in your heating system.
Improperly Sized Logs and Fire Grate
A grate that is too small for your fireplace can restrict airflow in the room. It’s the same when you use improperly sized logs.
Wet Firewood
Wet or green wood can produce more smoke than dry wood. This increases the likelihood of your fireplace smoking up the house. Always let the wood dry out before burning.
How to Prevent This Problem
There are several ways to keep your fireplace from smoking up the house. One of which is to schedule regular cleaning to eliminate debris and clogs. Be sure to use a fire grate appropriate for your fireplace. Using a fireplace screen will prevent sparks from escaping into the room.
Before lighting the fireplace, ensure the damper is open and only use dry, seasoned wood. Turn off exhaust fans or blowers when using your fireplace. If you notice issues with your chimney, contact professionals and get repairs immediately.
You can always rely on Batts’ Chimney Services for your chimney and fireplace-related concerns. We specialize in chimney cleaning and repairs. Call us at (205) 956-8207 (Greater Birmingham Area) or (256) 660-1338 (Northern Alabama). You can also complete our online form to schedule an appointment.
