When the temperature drops, there’s nothing like the cozy warmth provided by a roaring fireplace. While it can keep you toasty and create a comfy ambiance, fireplaces can sometimes produce unwanted smoke indoors. If your fireplace is sending smoke into your home, you may need fireplace and chimney maintenance. Here are three of the most common causes of this issue.

What Causes Fireplace Smoke?

1. A Short Chimney

When you light the fireplace, smoke will naturally begin traveling upward. A short chimney can lead to smoke gathering up at the top, resulting in a backup that may push some smoke back into your house. To remedy this problem, consider having your chimney extended. For a less extensive solution, build a smaller fire with fewer logs to reduce smoke buildup and decrease the chance that smoke will gather.

2. Chimney Blockage

If your chimney is blocked, smoke will not be able to escape. There are two main types of blockages. The first results from a closed damper – make sure this component is open so smoke can escape.

The other common type of blockage results from a buildup of creosote, a highly combustible substance that accumulates when wood and fossil fuels are burned in enclosed areas. Regular chimney maintenance can reduce and eliminate this buildup. 

3. Cold Flue

If your flue is unobstructed, but smoke consistently enters your home when you light a fire, it may be because your flue is cold. This often occurs when cold drafts from outside enter your chimney. A number of factors could be causing this issue, such as a lack of a chimney cap or an oversized flue.  

When you need chimney maintenance to stop smoke from building up in your home, let Absolute Chimney Service in Kennebunkport, ME help. For nearly four decades, they’ve offered a variety of chimney-related services, including chimney cleaning and fireplace repair. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®, this is a specialist you can trust. Get in touch via their website or by calling (207) 967-2274.