Few things are cozier than a crackling fire on a cold Minnesota evening. But when smoke billows into your living room instead of up the flue, its charm quickly disappears. A smoking fireplace means your chimney’s draft—the upward pull that carries smoke and gases outside—is not working properly. Poor draft is not only an annoyance; it exposes those inside to soot, creosote and potentially dangerous gases. This article explains the common causes of smoke problems, offers simple DIY fixes to try and show when it’s time to call a professional.
Matthew Klinefelter