Fireplace Smoking Into the Room? Finding and Fixing the Cause
Smoke should go up the chimney. When it comes into the room, something is blocking it, pulling it back or giving it a poor path. The fix depends on which.
First, the safe thing
If smoke is coming into the room, put the fire out safely, open a window and do not keep burning until you know why. Smoke carries carbon monoxide. If anyone feels ill or a detector sounds, leave the house and call 911.
Common causes
| Cause | How it shows up |
|---|---|
| Damper not fully open, or stuck | Smoke right at the start of a fire. See damper repair. |
| Blocked flue | Nests, leaves or heavy soot stop the air from rising. See sweeping. |
| A cold flue | Cold air in the chimney pushes down until the flue warms up. |
| Poor smoke chamber or flue shape | Rough or irregular surfaces disturb the flow. See smoke chamber parging. |
| A flue that is too large or too small | The gases cool or do not escape. See liner installation. |
| A chimney too short, or near a taller roof or tree | Wind pushes air down into the flue. |
| A house that is too airtight | Exhaust fans and tight construction can draw air down the chimney. |
| Wet wood | More smoke than the draft can handle. |
How we find out
We look at the damper, firebox and smoke chamber, check the flue for blockage and damage, and look at the chimney’s height and surroundings. We ask when it happens: at startup, only in wind or only with certain fans on. Those clues narrow the cause. A fireplace inspection or a Level 2 inspection may be the right way to do it.
What fixes it
- Clearing a blockage or heavy deposits
- Repairing or replacing the damper
- Smoothing and sealing the smoke chamber
- Correcting the flue size with a liner
- Adding or changing the cap
- Advice on how to light and run the fire, and on household air supply
We tell you plainly when the answer is not in the chimney, for example a house that needs fresh air supply.
Opening a window slightly near the fireplace is a quick test. If the smoke stops, the house is short of air, and that points to a cause outside the chimney.
What the work involves
How we sort it out
- AskWhen does the smoke come in, and what is going on at the time?
- InspectWe check the damper, smoke chamber, flue and the top.
- DiagnoseWe tell you the cause or likely causes.
- RepairWe fix what the chimney needs and advise on the rest.
Related services
Fireplace Repair
Other fireplace problems.
Learn moreChimney Sweep & Cleaning
Clear blockages.
Learn moreChimney Liners
Correct the flue size.
Learn moreWe work throughout New Jersey. See our service areas, or browse all services.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why does my fireplace only smoke sometimes?
Wind, weather, a cold flue and household fans can all affect draft. When it happens is a useful clue.
Will a taller chimney fix it?
If the chimney is too short for the roof it sits on, it can help. We assess it before recommending anything.
Is a smoking fireplace dangerous?
It can be, because of carbon monoxide. Stop using it until the cause is found.
Can a cap cause smoke problems?
A clogged or wrongly sized one can. We check it as part of the inspection.
Ready to have your chimney looked at?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm a time. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.