Chimney Smell - Toxic?

[Misty818]

I have been having a smoke smell in my house for a couple months or so. It had gotten very strong. I thought it was from the recent fires that were in the area, but the smell remained even after the smell outside had gone.

This morning I realized that I’d left my flue open since the beginning of July when I’d made a fire. It has been very hot here some days and the hot air must have brought the fumes into my house. I’m very worried now that myself and my dogs have been breathing this in for so long. Can anyone tell me how toxic this can be?

 

[begreen]

Yes, this sounds like downdraft due to warm weather. Close the damper, open up the house to air it out and see if that fixes the problem. I suspect that the odors are much less toxic than the smoke-laden air that the fires have caused.

 

[Misty818]

Sounds like downdraft due to warm weather. Close the damper and see if that fixes the problem.

I closed it when I realized it but I’m concerned that I and my dogs been breathing that air for three months.

 

[brenndatomu]

To me, a downdraft months (or even days) after the last fire will just give you that dank creosote/smoke smell...not really dangerous, just annoying.
Now if this happens while there are still hot coals burning down, then you could have CO coming in the house...not good! Make sure you have a working CO alarm...

 

[Misty818]

To me, a downdraft months (or even days) after the last fire will just give you that dank creosote/smoke smell...not really dangerous, just annoying.
Now if this happens while there are still hot coals burning down, then you could have CO coming in the house...not good! Make sure you have a working CO alarm...

Thank you. I do have a working CO2 detector.

 

[begreen]

I'm guessing that the downdraft was caused by high outside temps and air conditioning running. Was that the case?

 

[Misty818]

I'm guessing that the downdraft was caused by high outside temps and air conditioning running. Was that the case?

The air conditioner was running a lot. My bill is extremely high.

 

[begreen]

I can imagine. I hope that the fire season has passed and you can enjoy nice weather now with the windows open.

 

[Misty818]

I can imagine. I hope that the fire season has passed and you can enjoy nice weather now with the windows open.

Thank you. The air has improved.