neighbor is smoking us out

[JAred]

My new neighbor across the street purchased the home with a wood stove it looks old...I can't remember because we looked at the house before we bought ours two years ago. Anyway he doesn't always have a fire going... and when he does it smokes the entire block out. the previous owner of the house had no problems running the stove..... What would be a nice way to mention to him his smoke is offensive and bothersome? I thought maybe I should offer him some very dry pine I have and see if that helps...Or say nothing? I'm a really nice guy and don't want to look like a jerk. Our city has a wood smoke complaint hot-line That I think would be the worst idea.. Any thoughts on my smoking neighbor?

 

[count brewski]

bring beer (or another amusement aid), and tell him another neighbor was complaining to YOU, and then offer to help solve the problem as per your post.....go broncos

 

[Corie]

good call!


And take a picture, i want to see!!

 

[Eric Johnson]

I would just be honest about it. Lay your cards on the table. The fact that the previous owner was able to use the stove without all the smoke ought to be great news to him. Offer to help him learn how to do it. And if he slams the door in your face, then call the hotline.

 

[JAred]

Maybe I'm over reacting. I just don't want the other neighbors to think it's me smoking like crazy. And give wood burning a bad name. I alot of people think it's a major source of air polution...

 

[HarryBack]

Well, it CAN be a major source of pollution....Libby, Montana. I also like the friendly neighbor routine.......go over with something like a house-warming gift....show him you are a nice guy....then tell him something like youve a friend in the town offices, and that his name came up as a source of alot of smoke in the area....tell him abt the smoke hotline.....then offer to help him.....ie:, the old neighbor must have been doing something different, maybe burning different wood, etc......if hes nasty, then you know what to do....


"You get more flies with honey than vinegar, but who wants flies anyways?"

 

[richg]

You can even frame it in the context of you are looking out for his safety. if it is smoking that badly, creosote deposits are sure to follow, risk of chimney fires, etc. Offer to look at the stove and help him get a cleaner burn, which will put out more heat for him, save him money, etc etc.

 

[kregars]

As having an old stove I can state that I was concerned about the smoking out of the other neighbors. I wish I'd have had someone offer some tips on getting the old Bat Cave up to temps faster to minimize all the smoke from the get go, but I had to learn it myself. I found that asking for help from another wood burner with a similar stove awkward, however, they were over one night while we had a fire going and he pointed out some things to make burning more enjoyable to everyone (neighbors included). So I didnt have to ask for the help, it was readily offered...and I am grateful he did offer the tips. Now we (he and I) are both in the running for a new stove and we will likely be getting the same thing as the rooms we are heating in the back of the house are the same layout/size etc. Again, we will be able to offer tips to each other and enjoy the warmth and learn about the stoves together

 

[Shane]

I'm with Eric just be outright and tell him.

 

[mommamorin]

I had the same problem with my neighbor. Although we are an acre apart, his smoke still permeates my home no matter what direction the wind is blowing.

What I did just the other day, when the neighbors were outside and in hearing distance, I said to my husband, "wow look at all the smoke. They must be burning green wood or burning the fire too low". I thought that would be a good hint to them as they are new to woodburning this year and probably don't know any better. I have not seen black willowing smoke since.

 

[DavidV]

I gotta go with the concerned neighbor. Creasote danger from the smoke/poor burn. . could be his wood supply.. He might be inexperienced and afraid to burn it hot enough. I would talk to him. one thing to keep in mind. you don't want to go convincing the guy to burn real hot if he hasn't had it properly cleane dand inspected. That "advice" might cause him to burn his house down and he would blame you.

 

[drizler]

Just make sure he actually drinks beer if you go the 6 pk route. These days some folks have such a holier than thou attitude if others so things and they don't ( referring to smoking , drinking , coffee ect) that it might start off on the wrong foot. I especially love some of the health nuts I work with when I ask them if they want a cup of coffee. THe response is "no I don't USE coffee". as thought its heroin or coke. There is often such a militancy these days with foks about such things it can start you off on the wrong foot. I would rather get to know people before I find a reason not to like em though my neighbors are all 300 yards away and it still isn't far enough.

 

[Scraper]

Sounds to me like he dampers down too quick and makes it smolder. Be a good neighbor and go over and show him how to burn.

 

[JAred]

Thank you everyone for resonding to my dear Abby question. Maybe I should call Oprah, Dr. Phil or the Talk Sex lady. JK

 

[JAred]

I can see it now...

Next up on Oprah... How Can Jared deal with his smoking neighbor....We'll find out after these messages....

 

[roac]

Well since you live in Colorado I wouldn't start out with..."How about those Broncos!!" "Jake's our man!!" :lol:

 

[elkimmeg]

gone fishing running around in a circle