Fireplaces are a gorgeous way to add ambiance to your home, but that warm and cozy feeling can quickly evaporate if smoke is coming back in instead of out. There are many different reasons why fireplace smoke might blow back into your home, and here are some of the most common ones.
Look at the Firewood
One of the biggest reasons why smoke blows back into the house is the firewood being used. If you use low-quality firewood, there is a much higher risk of issues. Make sure that you purchase seasoned wood that was allowed to dry completely for 12 months or longer. If you place damp firewood into your fireplace, you’ll hear a sizzle that indicates there is too much moisture. Damp wood leads to excess smoke, which can end up in your home.
Check the Flue
When there is cold air sitting in the chimney or the flue, it can force smoke into your home because the cold air is denser than the warmer air the fire is creating. This can happen in extremely cold periods (like we just experienced in Maryland) or if you have not used your fireplace in a while. One way to avoid this is burning kindling before starting the fire with logs.
Examine the Calendar
When was the last time that you had a chimney cleaning? The biggest reason why fireplace smoke is coming back into a house is that the chimney is blocked or dirty. You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year to avoid the risk of a house fire and other issues like smoke reentering the home.
Look at the Damper
The damper to your fireplace is a key part of the chimney, as it prevents drafts from coming into your house and allows smoke to exit the chimney when you’re burning a fire. When dampers age or break, it can lead to excess smoke in the home. We can inspect your damper to determine if it is opening properly and repair or replace it so that you enjoy many smoke-free fires in the future.
Stay Cozy and Safe This Winter with Clean Sweep Maryland
Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep, slate roofing and duct cleaning services designed to keep all your listed properties clean and safe for sellers and buyers. If you are a prospective home buyer or home seller in need of chimney inspection or repairs, we are here to help.