Why Does My Fireplace Make the House Smell Like Smoke?

Creosote, a sticky byproduct of burning wood, coats the inside of your chimney. Over time, it gives off a strong smoky odor, especially on warm, humid days. Even a small amount of creosote can make your whole house smell like an old campfire. The odor tends to be strongest when the weather turns damp or hot, because the creosote absorbs moisture and releases the smell more readily. If you notice the smell getting worse in summer, that is a good clue that creosote is the source.

Another cause is burning wet or green wood. Damp wood produces more smoke and less heat, which means more creosote and a stronger smell. Also, if your damper is left partially closed or your flue is blocked, smoke can back up into your living space instead of going up the chimney. A flue that is too small for the fireplace opening can also cause poor draft. Sometimes the problem is as simple as a chimney cap that is missing or damaged, letting outside air push smoke back down.

To keep your fireplace from smelling, burn small, hot fires rather than large, smoldering ones. A hot fire produces less creosote. Also, let the fire burn down completely before closing the damper, so smoke doesn't linger in the chimney. Never close the damper while logs are still glowing, because that traps smoke and odors inside. Using a fireplace grate and keeping the fire off the floor of the firebox also improves airflow and combustion.

Keep the area around the fireplace clean. Ash and soot can hold odors, so sweep them out regularly. Use a metal container with a tight lid for ash disposal, and store it outside once the ashes cool. Also, vacuum the hearth and surrounding floor to catch fine ash particles that can be stirred up by air currents. If you have a glass door on the fireplace, clean it often, because soot on the glass can also contribute to the smell.