Smoke Fills the House - # 196
Question:When the burning wood dies down- smoke fills the house. The flue is fully open and I’ve experienced this with the glass doors open and closed.One suggestion that I’ve yet to try- is to close the door to my basement. Do you know what could cause this smoke getting into the house? Do I need my chimney swept.
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Answer:
You are experiencing “Flow Reversal” which is a function of air flows within your home. When the chimney loses it’s heat- it then reverses (as we know- Cold air falls). There is not any proven solution- some hints:
1. Make sure the house has plenty of combustion air and tune off all fans that may cause negative pressure—kitchen exhaust- Whole house fans.
2. A cracked or open window nearby may help.
3. When you start the fire- run it REAL HOT for awhile- this may warm the chimney mass better.
4. If you have glass doors- close them near the end of the fires burn period.
5. If you have an outside air duct to the Fireplace- open it..if not- consider installing one.
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