Quick Answer
Okay so here's the quick version. Nine times out of ten, your house is filling with smoke because of a simple draft problem. It's almost always one of three things: a closed damper you forgot to open, a flue that's full of cold, heavy air preventing proper draft (often called a 'cold flue' effect), or you're burning wet wood. Before you panic, just check that damper handle or lever. If that's good, try 'priming' the flue. Take a rolled-up newspaper, light it, and hold it up inside the fireplace opening near the damper for a minute or two to warm the flue and encourage the draft. If that doesn't fix it, you might have a more significant issue like a blockage, negative house pressure, or even an issue with insufficient combustion air. That's when you should call a qualified chimney professional.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Physically confirm the damper plate is fully open before lighting a fire.
Step 2
Perform a 'smoke test' by lighting a rolled-up newspaper and holding it up in the firebox to see if the smoke is drawn up the flue.
Step 3
Check for negative air pressure by cracking a nearby window and repeating the smoke test to see if the draft improves.
Step 4
Use a strong flashlight to perform a visual inspection from the bottom of the firebox, looking for obvious obstructions, heavy creosote, or damage.
Step 5
Evaluate the wood being used to ensure it is seasoned (dry) hardwood, not wet, green, or soft wood.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Sweeping & Cleaning Creosote | $30 - $100 | $150 - $350 | 2-4 hours (DIY), 1-2 hours (Pro) |
Installing a New Chimney Cap | $50 - $200 | $200 - $600 | 1-2 hours |
Damper Repair/Replacement | N/A | $300 - $1000+ | 2-5 hours |
Installing a New Chimney Liner | N/A | $2,500 - $7,000+ | 1-2 days |
When to Call a Professional Chimney
- If you see thick, tarry, or flaky creosote buildup inside the flue.
- If the damper is broken, stuck, or the handle moves but the plate does not.
- If smoke continues to back up into the house after trying all basic DIY solutions.
- If you see visible cracks, crumbling mortar, or broken tiles inside the firebox or chimney.
- If there's a strong smoky smell even when no fire is lit, indicating a potential leak.
- For your annual inspection and cleaning, which should be done by a CSIA-certified professional.
Prevention Tips
- Get your chimney inspected and swept annually by a certified professional.
- Always burn seasoned, dry hardwood. Avoid green wood, trash, or treated lumber.
- Install a proper chimney cap to keep out rain, debris, and animals.
- Pre-heat the flue with a rolled-up newspaper before starting a fire on cold days.
- Ensure there's adequate air supply by cracking a window if the house is tightly sealed or exhaust fans are running.
- Build smaller, hotter fires instead of large, smoldering ones to minimize creosote buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
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