Chimney Odors & Fireplace Smell Solutions

Also known as smoke odors, campfire like smells, chimney smells, or fireplace odors. Fireplace smells & chimney odor problems may be attributed to a multitude of different things. 

Fireplace smells come from creosote deposits in your chimney, a natural byproduct of burning wood. Chimney odors are usually worse in the summer when the humidity is high, on rainy days, and/or when the air conditioner is running. A good chimney sweep may help minimize your fireplace smell but will not solve your problem. 

Creosote absorbs into the porous masonry construction inside your chimney, embedding the fireplace smell beyond the masonry's surface (much like the walls of your firebox stain black with use). A chimney sweep will remove the surface buildup of creosote to prevent an ignition (chimney fire), but the chimney odors remain absorbed into the masonry surface causing fireplace smells.

The real problem is air coming down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems.  As air moves down through your chimney, it brings the inner fireplace smells & chimney odors along with it.  It is likely that your chimney is just the victim of a negative pressure problem.   

Some causes of pressure change & fireplace smells entry are:

1. Inefficient damper closures.
2. New furnace, boiler, and/or water heater.
3. New windows and/or doors.
4. Home additions.
5. A change in your roofing ventilation (attic fan).
6. Stove range exhaust fans.
7. Dryer vent exhausts.
8. A neighboring structure's height increase.
9. When you burn upstairs do you get chimney smoke or fireplace smells downstairs?

The tight sealing, energy top mounted damper may help reduce or minimize the airflow (fireplace smells) coming down your chimney.

A true understanding of fireplaces requires extensive knowledge of airflow patterns, pressure differentials, and actual fireplace construction techniques.  A Superior Chimney CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep can assess your chimney and its termination environment to pin point the cause(s)of your fireplace smell and prescribe the resolution.

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*Live comfortably without fireplace   smells & chimney odors.