With the weather cooling down more and more each day, it is time for fireplace season. However, you may have a problem. IAfter starting a fire, the smoke starts to blow back into your home rather than out of the chimney. These are signs of a drafty chimney, one of the most common chimneys and fireplace issues. Unfortunately, there could be several different things causing draft problems, but Ashbusters can help you with your trouble, no matter what the cause may be. We would like to tell you about some of the causes and what can solve the problem.
The size of the flue does not match the size of the hearth appliance.
If you have updated your old masonry fireplace with a new fireplace insert, the flue is most likely too large for the insert. This can cause draft problems due to your chimney not getting hot enough to draft properly. To be sure the sizes of the flue and the insert are properly matched, it is important to have your fireplace insert professionally installed. Ashbusters can inspect your insert and chimney, and we can customize a properly sized flue with a new stainless steel liner that will allow the chimney to draft correctly.
Debris is blocking the flue.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), if the airflow inside your chimney is restricted by a blockage, your chimney will not be able to draft properly. Excessive amounts of creosote, leaves, and animal nests are examples of the types of debris that can block the flue. The CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Ashbusters can inspect your chimney and remove any debris that is blocking the flue.
Your house has depressurization issues.
The air in your home is in constant motion. Changes in pressure can affect this airflow and cause draft problems in your chimney. One cause of depressurization has to do with fans in your attic, kitchen and bathroom, and other interior mechanical devices because they take away large amounts of air from your home. Other causes of pressure problems include the temperature, the wind, and your furnace. Ashbusters can identify what is causing the depressurization issues and make recommendations on how you can correct them.
Having problems with a drafty chimney? Contact us at Ashbusters to schedule an appointment for a professional chimney inspection today.