8 Unexpected Fireplace Problems to Look Out For
A hearth is your home’s cozy centerpiece, offering warmth and charm. However, fireplaces can have unexpected challenges, such as fires struggling to ignite, backdrafts, your room filling with smoke or ugly stains.
Whether you’ve installed a gas furnace or revived the classic wood-burning stove in your home, being prepared is essential for safety and efficiency.
1. Smoke Fills the Room
Fireplaces are designed to vent smoke outside through the chimney stack, so it’s a serious issue when smoke fills your space instead. Common causes include a blocked flue, poor airflow or an improperly opened damper. Birds may also build nests in the vent, creating obstructions.
To fix this, inspect the airway for debris or creosote — a black sooty residue restricting airflow. Always fully open the damper before lighting a fire. If smoke persists, observe the exhaust outlet to test airflow when the fire is lit. Persistent issues may require a chimney sweep and consulting an HVAC technician to adjust the stack’s height to improve air draw.
2. Backdrafts Drive Smoke Into the House
Additionally, if smoke starts leaving via the stack but suddenly enters your home instead, negative air pressure is often the cause. This occurs when the space is too airtight or external gusts force air back into the vent. If you continue using a hearth in such conditions, it will deplete the available oxygen in your home and may cause hypoxia.
Crack a window to restore airflow and consider installing a wind cap to block downdrafts during gusty weather. If the issue persists, install a taller chimney stack or an external fan to prevent a room from forming negative pressure.
3. It Stinks When You Light a Fire
Unpleasant odors can indicate a serious problem. If your gas furnace smells like rotten eggs, it signals a potential gas leak. Shut off the valve immediately and contact a local gas expert and fire department.
Bad smells in wood-burning fireplaces may include debris buildup and animal activity in the vertical duct. Animal droppings and moisture trapped in the shaft can produce odors when heated. Clean the airway thoroughly, then install a rotating or solid cap to block humidity and wildlife. Persistent smells may require a professional to identify the cause.
4. Fires Struggle to Start or Go Out
No matter how well you pack the kindling, the fire won’t start or quickly burns out. Several causes include using damp wood, poor airflow, a fireplace that lacks sufficient oxygen or incorrect stacking. An airtight home may also contribute to these issues by limiting air circulation.
Use seasoned hardwood sticks to ensure proper combustion. Build a loose stack to encourage airflow and enhance ignition with artificial firestarters. Cracking a nearby window can balance the airflow if your fires fail to sustain.
5. Excessive Creosote Buildup
If the flue has black or brown stains on the sides or top, it could indicate a buildup of creosote, which is a natural by-product of burning. Safely removing it may require professional cleaning services, as creosote is highly flammable.
Prevent buildup by using seasoned wood and avoid smoldering fires, which produce more residue. Professional cleaning is often required to ensure safety, but you can maintain an annual inspection checklist to identify and address any buildup before it becomes dangerous.
6. Efflorescence Stains on the Stonework
If you notice white, powdery stains forming on your brick or stone chimney siding, it can indicate moisture damage. This buildup forms when water seeps into the building material and dries, leaving mineral deposits behind.
Protect the structure using a waterproof sealant and promptly seal the cracks to prevent further damage. Consider adding a well-fitted cap to keep rain out, preserve the fireplace’s moisture integrity, and avoid rusting and dampness.
7. A Cracked Chimney or Firebox
Cracks in masonry fireplaces can leak dangerous gases. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills 420 people annually and lands 100,000 in the emergency room, so repair cracks with heat-resistant mortar or consider installing a liner in the shaft for long-term safety. A professional inspection is essential to ensure the structure remains sound.
8. The Propane Furnace Switches on and Off
When the gas fireplace suddenly stops working despite an adequate fuel supply, it may indicate a technical challenge, such as a worn-out millivolt generator or a jammed burner. Given the flammable nature of gas, it’s best to avoid DIY repairs. Get a certified technician to resolve the problem safely.
Burn Clean Today
Ensuring your fireplace is safe and up to code requires regular inspections and maintenance. Schedule a pre-winter checkup to ensure the flue is clean and free from creosote, efflorescence buildup, or other obstructions that could compromise the structure’s integrity. Addressing potential issues early ensures stress-free warming fires and keeps your home safe.
