You installed a fireplace to keep bone chilling winter out of your house. The fireplace should provide warmth and coziness. It should not make you cough and make it hard to breathe. In this article, you will learn why you are experiencing this problem. Following are the most common causes of the smoky fireplace:
Check the damper
Damper is a metal plate inside your chimney that you can open and close using a handle. As the fireplace is not in use during summer, people often close the damper. The fireplace stove does not vent properly when the damper is not completely open.
Ventilation
There must be a proper flow of air through your house. This is how smoke flows out of your chimney. Open a window a little bit to create a draft through the house making smoke flow up and out of the chimney without polluting the room. However, don't open the window too much.
Firebox Orientation
When you place the grate too close to the firebox face, instead of rising up into the chimney, heat rises into the room. You can avoid this problem by building fire closer to the firebox's back wall.
Construction problems
Sometimes air does not flow properly due to too large flue. A chimney with too many angles can also cause problems. Venting does not work properly when flue does not proportionate the firebox's size. Make sure that the chimney is constructed properly.
Creosote Buildup
Burning natural wood at a low temperature produces creosote as a byproduct. It is collected inside the chimney's walls and can start a fire. It can also clog the chimney when creosote buildup becomes severe. Air and smoke cannot escape through a clogged chimney. Inspect the chimney at least once a year and clean it on a regular basis even when you use your fireplace less often.
Downdraft
A flow of air can cause downdrafts. Air entering the chimney from the roof causes the smoke to flow into the room. You may have to extend the chimney to avoid this problem.
Wrong type of wood
Some types of firewood naturally produce more smoke and less heat. Look for redgum firewood for sale if you want to buy the right wood type. Firewood should not be chemically treated. Make sure that it is well-seasoned.
Air pressure
Hot air and smoke rises but not always. If the temperature inside the room is too high, the smoke is likely to fall instead of rising.
In most cases, you can prevent this problem. Find well-seasoned redgum firewood for sale and pay attention to regular fireplace and chimney maintenance.
