smoke not going up chimney

[123456]

I have a relatively new home (4 years old) with a wood burning 3 sided fireplace. Sometimes when we have a fire, the smoke doesn't go up the chimney, it comes out into the room. Not enough smoke to choke you, but enough to notice. I don't remember this happening in past years and it doesn't happen all the time. The chimney doesn't appear to be blocked in any way.

Any ideas as to why this happens and how it can be prevented?

[Ed Imeduc]

This can happen a lot. First is the house tighter now than it was have you been caulking around the home?? Also 4 years any trees that have got higher around the home? Does it tend to stop if you open a window near by?
Post back here in the same post We might be able to help.

ED ;)

[123456]

We did caulk around some windows that were neglected by the bricklayer, but that is something that should have been done anyway, other than that, no other caulking/insulating. Oh yea, we did install a storm door on our entry way door this past fall, it is in the same room and keeps out some drafts.

Unfortunately our trees are still the short sticks they were 4 years ago :( and we have two acres, so none are close to the house.

Sometimes the smoke goes right up the chimney like it is supposed to ? :confused: :confused:

[majakdragon]

Sometimes if the furnace is also on with the fireplace, the cold air return duct will pull smoke out of the fireplace. Any moving air in the house that is not going up the chimney will create a negative atmosphere and the smoke will follow it. Lots of people forget to turn off the ceiling fans while running the fireplace and it does the same thing. Cracking a window often relieves the negative and lets the smoke flow up the chimney.

[Ed Imeduc]

Hey caulking can do it. I have ran into this more times. You didnt say what it does when you open a window? You say the flue is clear for sure?? The damper does open all the way??? lots of time they warp from to hot of fire and dont open all the way. Id also check the wind and see if it is the same way every time it smokes on you Can be the roof top also

ED ;)

[sean_sarah]

Other things that can effect your draft include any fans or dryers vented to the outside. They have to draw replacement air from somewhere and the fireplace is a low resistance path.
Scott