Fireplace in basement family room...little smoke/haze?

We have a ZC Superior fireplace in the basement.

I have some mixed wood, mostly Oak to the best of my knowledge. Cut and split since last year. Covered most of the time.

I get a nice coal bed, toss on some splits, pull the screens and enjoy. I tend to run the recirculator? constant when burning a good fire.

But the last couple fires seem to put out a bit of haze into the basement. It got irritating enough to my eyes last night I didn't reload like I normally would about 7:30ish. I just let it die out.

What could I do to improve this?

I haven't fully made up my mind about a insert, and if I had, I'm not buying one until mid season (November/December) for financial purposes.

I haven't cleaned yet :ahhh: but plan on it in a couple weeks when Dad gives me my brush and handles back.

Thanks,
Blair