
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.