I have a double fireplace, they run next to each other in one chimney, but are completely separate. I had a new cap put on and fireplaces cleaned in the spring. We have tried a fire twice, home is filling with smoke. I do not understand the physic's, why is this happening? I used to think if I opened the flu one knotch in basement, upstairs fire would not cause smoke to come back in. This is not working now. Does one affect the other? I don't see how it can. The fire place is deep enough to not cause smoke to come into the room. Please Help!!! Thank you.
2006-12-08 22:13:18 · 6 answers · asked by Casey 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Lots of good ideas and you could indeed have a problem. But I do have what could prove to be a simple solution.
My parents had a fireplace when I was growing up that didn't draw real well when you first started the fire. The trick was to light a rolled up newspaper and "hold" the flame up in the fireplace to "jumpstart" the air moving up the chimney. If you didn't do it, the whole downstairs got smokey. It always worked like a charm. (Just don't catch your clothes on fire doing it.)
Good Luck.
2006-12-11 09:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by todvango 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like others said, open the damper first. Get the fire very hot very fast by using lots of newspaper and small kindling. If the fireplace is built properly, the heat should take the smoke straight up the chimney. If the firebox is not built properly you will have a hard time keeping the smoke from coming in. You can have a draft test done to see if there is proper draft to pull the smoke up the chimney.
2006-12-09 00:36:28 · answer #2 · answered by Mustbcrazy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The attic fan hasn't been left on, has it? Is there any other fans or devices causing a negative air pressure in your house? Open the front door or a window and try the fire. You may have to install an air vent into your firebox.
2006-12-09 11:13:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open the flue/damper. There should be a lever located inside top of fireplace. Create a draft by burning a section of newspaper first, then lay your fire.
good luck
2006-12-08 22:16:17 · answer #4 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when making a fire, you MUST open the damper...or else your house will fill wit smoke.
2006-12-08 22:21:47 · answer #5 · answered by Marlin Darlin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open both vent. Make sure you can feel the cold air, that way you know it is open.
2006-12-08 22:15:07 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋