Why Does My Fireplace Smell?
A smell from the fireplace has four usual causes. Here is how to tell them apart and what fixes each.
The likely causes
There are four common causes. The table shows how to tell which one you have.
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Creosote and soot | A sharp, smoky or tar-like smell, worst on humid or rainy days. | Have the flue swept. The deposits are the source of the smell. |
| Moisture in the chimney | A damp, musty smell, often with water stains or rust on the damper. | Find where water is getting in: the cap, crown or flashing. Then repair it. |
| A dead animal or old nest | A strong rotting smell that appears suddenly, sometimes with flies. | Have it removed and a screened cap fitted. |
| Air being pulled down the flue | Any of the smells above, noticeable when exhaust fans, the dryer or the air conditioning are running. | Close the damper; if it does not seal, fit a top-sealing damper. |
What to do right now
Close the damper and see whether the smell fades over a day. If it does, air coming down the flue is carrying it. Do not mask the smell with deodorizers in the firebox; they do nothing about the cause.
When to call a professional
Call a sweep if the smell is strong, returns after every rain, or comes with visible staining, flakes in the firebox or signs of an animal.
Want it looked at?
Call (816) 239-8989Related pages
These pages cover the services that deal with this problem: chimney sweep and cleaning, fireplace cleaning and service, chimney repair. For the full picture, read our chimney care guide.
Common questions
Why does my chimney smell after it rains?
Rain adds moisture to the creosote and soot in the flue, which releases a stronger smoky or musty odor. If rain is getting into the chimney itself, through a missing cap or a cracked crown, the smell is worse and lasts longer. Sweeping the flue and fixing the leak deals with both.
Is a fireplace smell dangerous?
The smell itself is not, but what causes it can be. Heavy creosote is a fire hazard, and a flue that lets odors into the room can also let smoke and carbon monoxide in when a fire is lit. A smell is a reason to have the chimney inspected before using it.
Will a chimney cap stop fireplace odors?
A cap helps by keeping rain and animals out, which removes two of the causes. It does not stop air being drawn down the flue. For that you need a damper that seals properly, and a top-sealing damper at the cap does both jobs.
Can I get rid of a fireplace smell myself?
You can reduce it by cleaning ash out of the firebox, keeping the damper closed, and running the house under less negative pressure by opening a window when exhaust fans run. The source, creosote in the flue, has to be brushed out by a chimney sweep.
Why does my gas fireplace smell?
A gas fireplace can smell of dust burning off at the start of the season, which passes within an hour. A persistent smell of gas or rotten eggs is different: leave the house and call the gas utility. A sooty smell suggests the logs or burner need servicing.