Simple Steps to Avoid Common Fireplace Accidents to Keep Your Family Safe

It happens in a heartbeat. One moment, you’re cozied up by the fire, enjoying the warmth and the company of loved ones. The next, a relaxing evening turns into a disaster. Each year, countless families experience the devastation of fireplace-related accidents—incidents that are often entirely preventable with a little preparation.

As someone who knows just how inviting a crackling fire can be, we want to share four vital safety tips to help ensure that your fireplace remains a source of comfort, not danger. After all, it isn’t just about having a fireplace—it’s about using it the right way.

Here’s how you can make this winter one to remember, for all the right reasons: (read more)

1. The Chimney Check: Your First Line of Defense:

A chimney check isn’t just something you want to check off the “to-do” list —it’s essential. Creosote, that dark, sticky buildup that forms inside your chimney, is highly flammable. A chimney inspection from a certified sweep can help ensure that dangerous blockages and buildup are swept out. Think of it as your fireplace’s yearly health check-up. It’s an easy step that could protect your home and your family.

2. The Safety Zone: Keep a Safe Perimeter:

The warm glow of the fire is inviting, but creating a three-foot “safety zone” around it is crucial. Keep furniture, hanging mantel decor and children’s toys well away from the fireplace opening, better yet, install a sturdy screen to catch any sparks. This zone isn’t just for kids—make sure everyone knows the importance of staying clear. Treat it like a family rule, just like buckling up in the car.

3. The Smart Start: Fuel Your Fire Safely:

While it might be tempting to burn anything and everything to get the fire going, the wrong materials can quickly turn your fireplace into a hazard. Avoid burning old magazines, wrapping paper, sticks, wet wood, or anything else laying around the house. Stick to seasoned hardwood that’s been dried for at least six months. The right fuel helps ensure a steady, controlled burn and maximum efficiency to reduce creosote buildup.

4. The Exit Strategy: Smoke Alarms and Escape Plans:

Even the most careful fire can release smoke, so it’s crucial to have the right safety equipment in place. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas. Test them monthly, and don’t forget to replace the batteries twice a year (remember: change the clocks, change the batteries!). More importantly, create a family escape plan and talk about it regularly—don’t wait until an emergency strikes.

Remember, your fireplace is a beautiful way to create warmth and memories—but it’s also a potential hazard if not treated with respect. By following these simple safety tips, you can enjoy countless cozy nights by the fire without worry.

Take action today—schedule your chimney inspection and sweeping and make this winter the coziest yet!

The post 4 Fireplace Safety Tips You Can’t Afford to Miss appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Now is a good time to service your furnace. With warmer weather just around the corner, you will want to turn off your furnace with the confidence that when winter comes around again, it will work properly. Northeastern Chimney is there for you. Our professional technicians will clean out and check for proper functioning.

If your furnace is not venting properly, there are safety issues involved. If your furnace is not venting correctly, there can be serious safety issues, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires.

How Do I Know If There Is An Issue?

• Moisture. If the furnace is not venting, you will see moisture on your windows on a cold day. Furnace fumes are moist. When the furnace isn’t venting outside, the moisture accumulates in the house.
• Backdraft. When the furnace isn’t getting airflow, the fumes will be brought back into the home. Some of the causes of backdraft:
  • The flue size may not be large enough for your unit.
  • There may be an obstruction in the flue. 
  • There is a negative airflow. 
• Rust on your unit. Due to the moisture in the air, your unit will start to rust. Watch for the development of rust. 
• Improper alignment. If your unit is on a slope the condensation won’t drain properly. 

Our team can help with all these issues including realigning your furnace to work properly.

What Can I Do To Prevent Poor Ventilation?

• Regular maintenance which includes an annual inspection of your furnace. Our technicians at Northeastern Chimney are trained in proper furnace repair and cleaning. 
• Install a CO detector. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous, odorless, and colorless gas. The most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are incorrectly installed or poorly ventilated or maintained appliances.  Installing a CO detector will alert you if there are any concerns.
• Visual assessment. With the information above, you have an idea now as to what to look for. Take a look at your furnace. Be sure you aren’t seeing an excessive amount of moisture around the unit. Check to see if the furnace is starting to rust. If you see any of these it is time to call Northeastern Chimney. 

Annual Inspections and Regular Cleanings

All vented heating units in your home should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. This will give you peace of mind that you have done everything possible to keep your family safe and your units operating efficiently. Remember that any appliance that needs venting can become blocked. This causes the possibility of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. A clean venting system will give you better performance and run much more efficiently.

Now is the time to contact us at Northeastern Chimney. We are here to help with your appointment. Our technicians will work with your schedule.

Contact Northeastern Chimney to schedule your inspection or cleaning soon. We service Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).

The post Ensure Your Furnace Is Venting Properly  appeared first on .

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Have you noticed that odor in the fireplace sometimes smells similar to the residue of fireworks? Every New Years Eve across the world, and Fourth of July in the US, fireworks explode into a concoction of bright, beautiful colors of various shapes and movements. After the celebrations, the smoke from the sky sinks into the streets, giving the appearance of a smokey, foggy night. As the night progresses, the smell of old fireworks wafted into my nose. The first thought I had was how it smelled. The fireplace smells like fireworks! Not a pleasant smell.

Why is your Fireplace Stinking Up the House?

If you’ve lit your fireplace and suddenly, your fireplace smells like fireworks, it could be problematic. What do you think the cause is? At Superior Chimney, we’ve heard many theories or reasons for the smell. From Mom overcooked dinner, it’s a smell from the outside, bad/old wood, or an improper fireplace structure, any theory seems plausible when it comes to an odor in the fireplace.

Poor Ventilation Can Cause an Odor in the Fireplace

A blocked or improperly functioning flue can cause air flow in the wrong direction. As warm air goes up and out, cool air drops down. That cool air may be in larger amounts depending on the structure of the chimney. Poor ventilation causes a buildup of gasses and soot. Both can be dangerous to you and your family.

Dirty Fireplace or Chimney

Over time, dust, soot, creosote, ash and debris accumulate in the chimney and fireplace. Even if you don’t use the chimney often or at all, these small particles still build up. When the fireplace is lit, these particles can ignite, which can be dangerous, and also develop an odor in the fireplace. If you have a wood burning fireplace, creosote, a product of combustion, forms on the sides of the chimney that leads up to the termination. This substance accumulates, or builds upon itself, and when it gets wet or reacts with moisture, creosote gives off a horrible, smoky odor.

Can Odors Be Prevented?

Yes, of course you can prevent odor in the fireplace. The first thing you’ll want to do is hire a certified professional chimney sweep like Superior Chimney. A certified chimney sweep technician will conduct a 14-point inspection on your chimney as the technician sweeps the system. This might involve removing creosote and dust from places that are very hard to reach.

Keeping your home ventilated and maintaining proper airflow will help remove odors, too. Every fireplace could have a faint odor to it, even if perfectly built and swept. Keeping that downdraft to a minimum will help reduce the fireplace odors. And finally, check out the top of your chimney. Are you missing a chimney cap, or your cap is damaged or falling off? It’s a simple, yet effective way to prevent moisture and animals from getting inside your chimney and ultimately your house. Our certified technicians will automatically check several points on the exterior, and the chimney cap is just one aspect.

Time to Get Rid of that Smell! Odor in the fireplace can be frustrating. With consistent annual maintenance and repairs, it is possible to enjoy a clean scent coming from the fireplace! To start with your chimney inspection and sweep, contact a chimney professional from Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349. And get of the fireplace smells like fireworks.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Around the start of the year, most homeowners in the Chicagoland area start thinking about sweeping out the fireplace. Why does this happen? Well, we had the holidays, maybe a couple of birthdays and then we are all exhausted. As January progressed and we began to recover, many began to say, “Sweeping the fireplace can be done in the Spring.” Then smelly stuff comes out of the fireplace or maybe even a leak. Ugh.

Have you gotten around to sweeping the fireplace yet? Now that January is ending, let’s look at 2024’s most popular articles. Maybe it can be inspirational or a late entry for the New Year resolution.

Chimney Leaks

Each Season brings a ‘special’ kind of chimney leak, especially Winter with the freeze & thaw cycle. This is an important part of sweeping the fireplace, as monitoring for chimney leaks is very important. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend contacting Superior Chimney as soon as possible. This means there is a good chance that you have a chimney leak. Here are a few ways to identify a chimney leak, then review the article from June.
A pool or drips of water near the fireplace

1. Dampness in your home
2. Dripping sound of water
3. A musty odor coming from the chimney
4. A stain on the wall or ceiling

Drafts

We know that in any season, drafts can happen. Sweeping out the fireplace includes taking care of any persisting cold or musty air drafts. If you are noticing cold air coming from your chimney, you may have a draft problem. Drafts make you feel cold inside your room, even if the furnace is on! Usually, negative air pressure causes drafts, and so do obstructions. To prevent unwanted drafts, you might have to replace or buy a chimney cap, but usually a Superior Chimney professional will determine the cause. Let’s review the article from February.

Removing Debris and Creosote

Removing debris and creosote from wood burning fireplaces is crucial to your chimney’s health. Debris that obstructs the flow of smoke out from your chimney means that it will back up and enter your home where your family is living. In addition, creosote can be extremely flammable and cause a fire in the home. It is also common that debris and leaves fall down the chimney, sparks can fly up past the firebox. When lighting up your fireplace, it is important to keep safe and call Superior Chimney to get started on sweeping the fireplace. Review the November article.

Chimney Odors

Chimney odors is a common occurrence and is a sure sign you need to get your chimney swept! Chimney odors come from humid air during the various times of the year. One of the downfalls of humidity is the development of mold. Mold does have an odor as well as creosote. Both exude a smokey, burning smell. Without sweeping the chimney, you might experience a nasty chimney odor which a technician can safely diagnose. Refresh yourself on the February article.

Calling A Chimney Professional, Superior Chimney! If you notice any signs of chimney damage discussed above, give Superior Chimney a call at 877-244-6449. A Nationally Certified chimney professional will go through a 14-point chimney inspection of your chimney system. We will check the exterior and interior to ensure all is in working order before you light up your chimney again. If you haven’t registered for your annual chimney sweep, now’s the time. The Chimney Safety Institute says to have your chimney swept at least once a year. A Superior chimney professional will help you through this process. Sweeping out the fireplace means call us at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

What a wonderful addition to your home! A fireplace that brings warmth and a vibe of relaxation is a great addition. We become accustomed to the joy that a fireplace brings us. But it is not always the joy of our lives. Periodically, there may be an odor that comes from the fireplace. There are many causes of these smells. It is usually an easy fix, and we can help you solve this situation. Our staff at Northeastern Chimney will be happy to help you work through these annoying smells. 

Why Does my Fireplace Smell?

There are many reasons that you may be experiencing odors from your fireplace. Let us discuss some that you may be experiencing these odors.

Air Circulation

When you have negative air pressure you may find that the odor is flowing into your house. You may notice a negative airflow issue if you have recently had a new roof put on or a small task such as changing out your kitchen vent system. Any adjustment may affect the flow of air. There are ways to prevent the effects of negative air pressure.

• Using the fireplace damper properly will help with this. The damper should be open when you have a fire burning—and closed when you no longer have a fire.
• Install a glass door to the opening of your fireplace.
• Install a top-sealing damper. Keep the damper closed when not using the fireplace.

Excessive Creosote

Keeping your chimney cleaned from creosote and soot will help to keep the smells under control. Plan an annual chimney sweep from Northeastern Chimney. Yearly cleanings will keep the smells at bay.

Animal, debris, and remains

Periodically small animals or birds get trapped in the chimney. Unfortunately, they may pass in the chimney and decompose causing a foul odor. While animals may find their way into the chimney, you may also find that leaves, sticks, and other debris find their way in as well. Once leaves get into the chimney, they may get wet. Once the leaves start to decompose, an odor will be emitted. Inserting a chimney cap can help to keep your chimney free of debris. 

Moisture

If water gets into your chimney you may start to smell an odor from the mold or mildew that starts to grow. Installing a chimney cap will protect your chimney from water as well. Working with Northeastern Chimney to protect your home from water will save you costly repairs in the future. The intrusion of water not only will cause odors but may also bring damage to the interior of your home.

Taking the steps to prevent odors is your first defense to avoiding the smells. First and foremost, contact Northeastern Chimney to set up your annual chimney sweep. Keeping up with an annual maintenance program will help you keep the smells away.  

Call Northeastern Chimney to schedule your inspection or cleaning soon. We service Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). 

The post Reasons Your Fireplace Smells Bad   appeared first on .

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

When your fireplace and chimney run efficiently in winter, you save money on heating while also enjoying the fireplace more. Unfortunately, it is no accident that a fireplace runs efficiently every winter. A series of parameters operate in tandem to guarantee that fires burn hot and combustion byproducts depart through the chimney as they should.

What can you do to ensure that your fireplace functions optimally? Well, there are a number of things you should do. These things, as given by chimney contractors, include:

Only use seasoned wood.

Whether you cut your firewood or acquire it from a local supplier, the wood you load into your fireplace should have had time to dry or season. Firewood that has not been adequately seasoned (green wood) produces excessive smoke and does not provide as much heat as it should.

Freshly cut wood normally takes 6 to 12 months to dry out and season correctly. Properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less.

You can use a wood moisture meter to determine the moisture level of your wood. It is also a good idea to test any wood you intend to buy to confirm that it is ready to burn.

To keep wood dry, keep it off the ground, split-side down, and allow air circulation around it. To keep rain and snow off stacked wood, cover it with a tarp.

Keep the dampers closed.

When the fireplace is not in use, you should use the damper, which is a metal mechanism that keeps air, moisture, and debris out of the firebox. When you don’t close the damper after the fire has extinguished, it would be like leaving a window open—all the hot air will be lost.

Additionally, all of the heat produced will exit through the chimney. When the fire is totally out, close the fireplace damper to keep the heat in the firebox, which will keep your living area warm for a few hours.

You should note that before you start a fire in your fireplace, fully open the damper to allow the chimney draft to function correctly. This may seem obvious to some, yet thousands of people are inundated with smoke every year because the damper remains closed when they are igniting a fire.

For the damper to give you the results that you are after, it must make a tight seal. If it doesn’t, you should have it replaced as early as possible.

Start the fire the right way.

While starting a fire may appear simple enough, there is a way to create a strong burning fire that produces more heat while using less fuel. Here are some pointers for getting your fire started properly:

Start Small: Before you start the fire, ensure that all of your fireplace’s air controls are open to offer the air your fire requires to thrive. Begin with shredded newspapers and small bits of kindling. After you’ve filled the newspaper and kindled it, place one or two logs on top and light them.

Allow the small fire to build until it is roaring before adding more wood. When you’re ready to add more wood, leave enough space between the pieces to promote airflow and keep the fire going.

Install a fireplace insert.

A classic masonry fireplace sends up to 85% of the heat it produces up the chimney. That is not a particularly efficient means of home heating. However, you can reverse the situation with an EPA-certified fireplace insert.

Fireplace inserts are self-contained heating units that fit directly into the opening of an existing masonry fireplace. Its ingenious design maintains the majority of the heat it generates (80% to 90%), requiring only one-third the amount of fuel.

It not only improves your fireplace’s heating effectiveness, but it is also more environmentally friendly, emitting only a fraction of the smoke, soot, and creosote than a regular fireplace does.

When getting the insert and installing it, ensure that the work is done by a professional who knows what they are doing.

Make use of glass fireplace doors.

Closing the glass doors will help to radiate the heat in the firebox throughout the living area and prevent the heated indoor air from being sucked into the fireplace, even though the damper must remain open to vent exhaust when flames are present.

Installing glass fireplace doors is a simple, affordable, and useful way to improve the heating efficiency of your fireplace.

Many fireplace enthusiasts enjoy an open-fire burning experience with nothing more than a mesh screen for protection. However, this will have a negative effect because the warmer indoor air will be drawn back into the fireplace and up the chimney.

Prime the chimney

If the smoke enters the room rather than going up the chimney when you light the tinder to start your fire with the damper open, it’s time to prime your chimney. Once a column of cold air has filled the chimney flue, you must prime the chimney.

To force out the cold air and enable the hot air to ascend, there must be enough heat. Making a torch out of newspaper, lighting it, and carefully holding it up toward the damper is the standard way for priming the chimney.

You can have a great winter fire after priming the chimney, which may take two or even three tries to get right, so you should exercise some patience when doing it.

Keep your chimney in good shape.

Maintaining your chimney and fireplace properly keeps your family safer, in addition to increasing the chimney’s efficiency.

Wood burning can be hampered, and the draft can be reduced by soot accumulation in the flue lining of your chimney. With only a tenth of an inch of layered soot, soot and ash accumulation in the fireplace can significantly reduce the rate of heat transfer by up to 50%.

A byproduct of burning wood, creosote accumulation in your chimney can also reduce efficiency and pose a fire risk.

At least once a year, right after you stop using your fireplace in the spring, have your chimney and fireplace cleaned by professional chimney cleaning services Upper Marlboro for optimal benefits.

As a rule of thumb, work with professionals who know what they are doing.

The post Tricks to Increase Chimney and Fireplace Efficiency This Winter first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

What are the effects of the winter freeze thaw cycle on the chimney masonry the Chicagoland area? While you’re enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire, snow, rain, and ice are accumulating on the brick exterior of your chimney.

Throughout winter, temperatures often fluctuate above and below the freezing mark. When the temperature drops below freezing, moisture sitting in the bricks and mortar turn to ice, causing it to expand. As the ice crystals grow, it creates cracks in the bricks and mortar. When the ice melts during the day, these cracks fill with more moisture, only to freeze again when the temperatures go below freezing, restarting the process.

This cycle repeats throughout the Winter season and gradually worsen the damage. Over time, these expanding cracks cause bricks to flake and pieces fall off including chunks of mortar.

If this freeze thaw cycle continues to deteriorate over time and is not checked, it can weaken the chimney to the point of partial or complete collapse. It goes without saying, a deteriorating chimney poses safety risks, including an increased chance of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Yearly Chimney Inspections Are Key to Prevention

Scheduling annual chimney inspections can help detect early signs of winter damage before they turn into costly repairs. During a level 1 inspection, a Superior Chimney technician conducts a visual assessment of both the interior and exterior of the chimney. This inspection can reveal issues such as missing bricks, deteriorating mortar, damage to the chimney crown, and water leaks. Taking care of these problems early not only extends the life of your chimney but also ensures your fireplace functions safely and efficiently.

Tuckpointing to Repair Chimney Damage

For chimneys with some masonry deterioration, Superior Chimney professionals use a technique called tuckpointing. This involves filling in cracks and voids with a specially formulated bonding compound. The repair material is carefully blended seamlessly with the existing bricks and mortar, restoring the chimney to its original appearance. However, if the brick and mortar has sustained severe damage, a partial or complete chimney rebuild may be necessary to restore the chimney’s integrity.

Using a Waterproof Agent to Extend the Life of the Chimney

Applying a waterproof agent such as Chimney Saver, is an effective way to protect your chimney from absorbing water. Before applying the waterproof agent, any existing masonry damage will need to be repaired. Using the wrong type of waterproofing product can cause more harm than good, so it is essential to hire a licensed and experienced chimney professional such as Superior Chimney. Experts will apply the agent that keeps moisture out while allowing the bricks to release trapped water vapor. To maintain protection, the waterproof coating should be reapplied every 8 – 10 years. Our technicians will keep an eye on it for you during our yearly inspection.

Contact our office today to schedule a chimney professional to check the effects of the winter freeze thaw cycle on the chimney masonry.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

January and February are slow times in the chimney service industry. That’s because the holidays are over and we’re trying to look forward to Spring. With the temperatures being as cold as they are, clearly that’s not going to happen for a while yet. So, this is a perfect time to get the fireplace and chimney swept! You can get the fireplace swept and chimney inspected without a long wait. That’s a plus for sure! Who are we talking about?

The procrastinators: These are homeowners that have said, the fireplace doesn’t need swept yet, I’ll do it later. When later comes, they consider it again, and pushes it off to another later date. When that happens, now the homeowner will need to wait to get on the schedule. Why not call now? Get it done and you’ll be glad you did. Why? Because you know that your home is safer and so is the family. Good reasons to call Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349.

The Gas Fireplace Owners: We have a gas fireplace; we don’t need a chimney sweep. Just so you know, natural gas is a clean burning gas fuel, so it doesn’t produce the same byproducts, creosote, as wood. However, there is still heat and flame just the same as wood… worthiness of firewalls is the primary intent of a chimney sweep, not cleaning.  Gas fireplaces can still produce buildup that needs to be swept. A chimney inspection and sweep aren’t just about the removal of creosote, it’s inspecting for other potentially problem areas and build up too. According to the National Fire Protection Association, they recommend swept the gas fireplace once per year for safety, integrity of the chimney and removal of any build up.

The Non-Fireplace Users: I never use it! I have glass doors for my fireplace and keep it closed. Why should I bother getting it checked? The fireplace is only one part of the chimney system. It also is a means for appliances. Keeping the chimney clear and clean is vital to the health of your home. In addition, the elements from the outside have an effect on the chimney. Firewalls need to be swept and checked for their integrity. Your chimney continues to live and breathe even if you don’t use the fireplace. Again, according to the National Fire Protection Association, getting a fireplace and chimney inspected and swept once a year is vital for the heath and safety of your home.

The 14-Point Chimney Inspection

When a Superior Chimney technician comes to the home, their job is to ensure that a comprehensive inspection is completed. We ensure the thoroughness of the chimney inspection with our 14-point chimney inspection document. Our technician will review the document with you so you know what was done, why it was done and the results of our findings. In most cases, we take pictures as well to show you (especially in hard to view areas) what is going on in those areas, whether it is a problem situation or not. We believe it is important for you to know, so if you suspect an issue in the coming months, you know what to report so it can be immediately taken care of so the repair or issue doesn’t end up growing and costing you a large investment. Be sure to contact Superior Chimney today, because the perfect time to get the fireplace and chimney swept … is now.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for homeowners: you light a fire in your fireplace, and instead of enjoying the warmth and ambiance, your house quickly fills with smoke. A smoky fireplace can be not only unpleasant but also a sign of a deeper issue with your chimney and fireplace setup. Understanding the top contributing factors behind why your fireplace may be smoking out your home can help you troubleshoot the problem and restore the cozy, smoke-free atmosphere you desire.

1. Chimney Height

One of the most critical factors in proper fireplace ventilation is the height of your chimney. The taller your chimney, the better the draft will be, which helps smoke escape effectively. If your chimney is too short, it won’t create the proper updraft needed to draw smoke away from the firebox. Instead, the smoke will flow back into your living space, filling your home with that unmistakable odor.

Building codes often specify a minimum chimney height to ensure proper smoke ventilation. If your chimney is too short for your fireplace, consider consulting a professional to extend it to the correct height. A short chimney can also be a problem if there are obstructions, like nearby trees or buildings, that block the airflow. In this case, trimming back foliage or changing the position of your chimney may be necessary.

2. Improper Sizing Between the Flue and Firebox Ratio

Another common cause of a smoky fireplace is improper sizing between the flue and firebox. The flue is the duct or pipe that directs the smoke from the fireplace to the outside, while the firebox is the area where the wood is burned. If the size of the flue is too small for the firebox, it won’t be able to handle the volume of smoke generated by the fire. This mismatch in sizing can cause smoke to build up inside the firebox and spill into the room.

On the other hand, if the flue is too large, the fire won’t get enough airflow, causing inefficient burning and excess smoke. To ensure your fireplace is properly sized, it’s essential to have a professional evaluate the flue-to-firebox ratio and make the adjustments if necessary.

3. Dirty Chimney

Over time, chimneys accumulate soot, creosote, and other debris. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can obstruct the flow of smoke and cause it to back up into your home. Creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood, can also present a fire hazard, so it’s essential to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year before the start of the burning season.

A dirty chimney can also contribute to an inefficient fire, with wood burning slower and producing more smoke. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings are necessary to prevent both smoke problems and the risk of a chimney fire.

4. Clogged Flue

A clogged flue can also be the culprit behind a smoky fireplace. Over time, debris like leaves, animal nests, and soot can block the flue, restricting the flow of smoke. This causes the smoke to spill back into your home instead of escaping outside. Animals, such as birds or squirrels, may nest in the chimney, and their nests can obstruct the flue and cause dangerous blockages.

If you suspect a clogged flue, it’s important to have it inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure safe operation. A properly functioning flue will allow smoke to exit efficiently and prevent it from entering your living space.

5. Bad Firewood

The type and quality of the firewood you use can make a significant difference in the amount of smoke your fireplace produces. Wet or green wood is one of the biggest offenders. When burned, wet wood doesn’t burn hot enough, producing excess smoke and releasing harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, burning wet wood creates more creosote buildup in your chimney, leading to future smoke problems.

To prevent this, always use seasoned, dry wood that has been stored for at least six months. You can test wood for dryness by tapping it together; dry wood will produce a hollow sound, while wet wood will sound dull. Hardwood varieties like oak, maple, and hickory are ideal for burning because they burn hotter and longer, producing less smoke.

Contact Southern Chimneys, LLC. at 678.744.4046 or by email at [email protected] to get your smoking chimney issue resolved!

The post Solving the Mystery: Why Your Chimney and Fireplace Smoke Up Your Home When Burning Wood first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

When it comes to having a successful fire, the first and most essential task is ensuring that the chimney damper is open. While many people refer to the damper as the flue itself, it’s important to remember that the damper is the actual mechanism that controls whether the flue is open or closed. 

At Best Chimney Services, we specialize in both residential and commercial chimney care, offering expert services ranging from chimney cleanings to repairs, inspections, and more. Ready to book an inspection or service? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

In the meantime, if you want to learn how to tell if your chimney damper is open, read on while we walk you through the steps to check!

1. Look for the Damper Handle

The first step on how to tell if your chimney flue is open is to locate your damper, which is typically found in the throat of the fireplace just above the firebox. It’s usually controlled by a handle or a pull chain. In most cases, when the damper is open, the handle will be pulled up, or if it’s a lever, it will be in an upward position.

If you don’t see a visible handle, check around the chimney area to see if there’s a small latch or door. The mechanism varies by design, but it’s often easy to spot once you know where to look.

2. Use Your Hand to Feel for a Draft

A simple, hands-on method is to stand in front of your fireplace and hold your hand a few inches from the opening of the flue. If the chimney flue is open, you should feel a cool draft of air coming down the chimney. If the air is stagnant or warm, it may indicate that the damper is closed or partially shut. This is a quick way to tell and gives you an idea of what you’re working with.

3. Listen for Sounds

When the flue is open, you may hear air moving through the chimney, especially if there’s a noticeable difference in outside temperature. In some cases, the flue will make a soft whooshing sound when it’s fully open and air is flowing freely through the system. If you don’t hear anything or hear a hissing sound, this could indicate that the damper is not open all the way.

4. Test the Draft with Newspaper

Another method on how to tell if your chimney flue is open is to burn a small piece of newspaper and hold it high in the firebox.  Cold chimneys normally have a natural downdraft, so you may see the smoke move in a circular motion seeing the smoke get drawn up into the chimney. If the smoke hangs around or drifts back into your living room, this indicates that the flue is not fully open, and you may need to adjust the damper.

Why It’s Important to Know if Your Chimney Flue is Open

Ensuring that your chimney damper is open before starting a fire is critical for safety. A closed or partially closed damper can cause hazardous conditions, including fire hazards, carbon monoxide buildup, and inefficient burning.

Need Professional Assistance?

If you’re unsure about the condition of your chimney or need help ensuring your flue is functioning correctly, contact the experts at Best Chimney Services today. Our certified technicians are ready to inspect, clean, and repair your chimney, keeping your home and business safe all year round. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us today!

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