Fireplace Smoking Problems
Why is my Fireplace Blowing Smoke into my Home
Factors Contributing to Smoking Fireplace
Some factors that may be causing the smoke could be: The damper is not open, obstructions or a damaged system, holes in the chimney or wood burning appliance, clearance to combustible issues - pyrolysis, turbulence, the homes building envelope, house pressure - depressurisation, poor system location, exterior wall chimney - cold chimney, chimney location - low side of roof, located in the basement, bends or off-setts in the stove pipe or chimney flue, other appliances, weather, the stack effect, a dirty chimney with excessive creosote deposits.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from a Smokey Fireplace
If your house is currently filled with smoke, it may be a good idea to put the fire out, open nearby doors and windows. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious concern when dealing with smoke or combustion gasses. Make sure that you protect yourself first and call 911 or the fire department if it is an emergency.
Prevent Smoking Problems - Annual Chimney Inspection Service
A wood burning system that is not venting and is causing smoke to billow into your home should be addressed during a comprehensive chimney inspection. Most people aren't aware that the Fire Code requires all chimneys, flues and flue pipes be inspected at least every 12 months, factory built fireplace and solid fuel appliance manufacturers require annual inspection and service.
2.6.1.4. Chimneys, Flues and Flue Pipes
1) Every chimney, flue and flue pipe shall be inspected to identify any dangerous condition
a) at intervals not greater than 12 months,
b) at the time of addition of any appliance, and
c) after any chimney fire.
2) Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from dangerous accumulations of
combustible deposits.
3) A chimney, flue, or flue pipe shall be replaced or repaired to eliminate
a) any structural deficiency or decay, and
b) all abandoned or unused openings that are not effectively sealed in a manner that would prevent the passage of fire or smoke.
a) at intervals not greater than 12 months,
b) at the time of addition of any appliance, and
c) after any chimney fire.
2) Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from dangerous accumulations of
combustible deposits.
3) A chimney, flue, or flue pipe shall be replaced or repaired to eliminate
a) any structural deficiency or decay, and
b) all abandoned or unused openings that are not effectively sealed in a manner that would prevent the passage of fire or smoke.
Fireplace Venting Problems
The chimney, flue, or fireplace venting system may have distortion that is causing the system to lose pressure, and prevent the fireplace from obtaining adequate draft to vent the exhaust smoke gas to the exterior of your home. Have you ever tried to use a straw that has holes in it? Much like a smoking chimney, a straw with a hole will reduce the pressure in the straw and limit you from enjoying your drink.
Damper not Open - Broken Damper
If your damper is not open, the smoke created by fire burning will spill into the room. A broken fireplace damper that prevents the flow or limits the venting of the gases may not vent properly up the chimney and to the exterior of your home.
