smoke smells in the house - why?!

[Human Torch]

Hi - We had an open fire installed about a year ago. We probably light it only once or twice a week during the winter but after using it we get smells in our bedroom which is a loft conversion.

We have not yet had the chimney swept or had a cowl fitted (the latter is in the offing), but I'm unsure as to whether this will make a difference. It's also not terribly efficient and have to wack a fair bit of fuel on before it heats the room.

Someone suggested to us that our chimney breast might need repointing but a roofer has been to check and says our chimney breast is fine.

The house is about 120 years old.

Any advice from wiser forum users most welcome!

 

[BobUrban]

If it is after you use the fire and not while it is going you are likely just smelling the creosote and what not from inside the chimney when there is a reverse draft. Not uncommon especially when it is damp out with heavy air which pushes air into the house and exagerates the smell.

Blocking off the flu is one option during non-use months or some burn a candle inside their wood stove to create a positive draft. Not sure this would work with an open fireplace?? Worth a try.

 

[stoveguy2esw]

sounds like negative pressure drawing the "fireplace" smell out through the fireplace into the room. as above if a damper is installed above the smoke chamber in the top of the fireplace , when the fireplace is not in use close it (but remember to open before you intend to use it!) as for the candle trick, while its not going to be as effective in an open fireplace it may help, an operable damper would be the better solution

 

[begreen]

Has the chimney been cleaned to be sure there are no birds nests in it? Also, are there any other fireplaces in the home with chimney pots next to this one?

 

[stoveguy2esw]

Has the chimney been cleaned to be sure there are no birds nests in it? Also, are there any other fireplaces in the home with chimney pots next to this one?

good points both, i forgot about "competing flue's" if one is "drawing" harder than the other particularly in a relatively "tight" house the strong flue can pull air down the weaker one thus bringing the smell into the house.

 

[Human Torch]

Many thanks chaps - I will try out your suggestions.

 

[dougand3]

It's also not terribly efficient and have to wack a fair bit of fuel on before it heats the room.

Yes, an open fireplace is horribly inefficient. A wood stove or wood stove insert in the fireplace would give appreciable heat. And use less wood. It's 37*F/3*C in Newcastle/Tyne now - that's real winter to yankee southerners.

 

[stoveguy2esw]

Yes, an open fireplace is horribly inefficient. A wood stove or wood stove insert in the fireplace would give appreciable heat. And use less wood. It's 37*F/3*C in Newcastle/Tyne now - that's real winter to yankee southerners.

upgrading to an insert makes a massive difference in "btu's for the buck" into the room. there are several models available in the "euro" market, several are to die for. the stove manufacturers over there don't get the respect here that IMHO they are due (except maybe in here )