Why Is My Fireplace Smoking Into the Room?
Smoke coming into the room means the chimney is not drafting. There are five common reasons, and most are simple to fix.
The likely causes
There are five common causes. The table shows how to tell which one you have.
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Damper closed or partly open | Smoke pours out as soon as the fire is lit. | Open the damper fully. If it will not open all the way, it needs freeing or replacing. |
| Cold flue | Smoke spills at the start, then clears once the fire is going. | Warm the flue first with a lit roll of newspaper held near the damper. |
| Blocked or dirty flue | Smoke spills throughout the fire; fires are sluggish. | Have the flue inspected and swept. Nests and heavy creosote are the usual blockages. |
| House short of air | Smoke spills when a kitchen fan, bath fan or dryer is running. | Open a nearby window an inch. If that cures it, the house needs make-up air. |
| Flue too short or the wrong size | Smoke spills in windy weather or always has, since the fireplace was built or altered. | An inspection will show whether the flue needs extending or relining. |
What to do right now
Put the fire out safely if the room is filling with smoke, and open windows. Do not keep feeding a fire that is spilling smoke, because carbon monoxide comes with it.
When to call a professional
Call a sweep if smoke spills every time, if opening a window makes no difference, or if you see anything in the flue when you look up with a flashlight.
Want it looked at?
Call (816) 239-8989Related pages
These pages cover the services that deal with this problem: chimney inspection, chimney sweep and cleaning, fireplace cleaning and service. For the full picture, read our chimney care guide.
Common questions
How do I warm up a cold chimney flue?
Roll up a sheet of newspaper, light one end, and hold it up near the open damper for a minute or two. The heat starts air moving up the flue. Once you feel the draft pulling the flame upward, light the fire. Chimneys on outside walls need this most.
Why does my fireplace smoke only when it is windy?
Wind can push air down a flue that is too short or sits below a nearby roofline or tree. A properly designed chimney cap helps deflect wind, and in some cases the flue needs extending. An inspection shows which applies.
Can a dirty chimney cause smoke in the house?
Yes. Creosote narrows the flue, and nests or fallen masonry can block it, so the smoke has nowhere to go but back into the room. Sweeping the flue and removing any blockage restores the draft, and it is the first thing to rule out when a fireplace that used to work starts smoking.
Is smoke from a fireplace harmful to breathe?
Yes. Wood smoke contains fine particles and carbon monoxide. A little smoke at start-up is common, but smoke that keeps entering the room is a health hazard and a sign the chimney is not working. Put the fire out and have it checked.
Why did my fireplace start smoking after new windows were installed?
New windows and doors make a house more airtight, so the fire can no longer draw the air it needs through gaps. The chimney then pulls air down instead of up. Opening a window slightly while the fire burns, or adding an outside air supply, corrects it.