A fireplace is a cozy addition to any home, but like any appliance, fireplaces require some upkeep to function correctly. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common fireplace problems and how to troubleshoot them. By familiarizing yourself with these issues, you can keep your fireplace in tip-top shape all winter long!
- Smokey Fires: If you notice that your fires are producing a lot of smoke, there are a few potential causes. First, check to see if your flue is open. The flue is the metal damper located at the top of the fireplace; it should be fully open when you’re using your fireplace. If it’s not, open it up and see if that solves the problem. If not, there might be an issue with your chimney. Birds or other animals could have built a nest inside, blocking the passage and causing smoke to back up into your home. You’ll need to call a professional to take care of this problem.
- Sputtering Fires: If your fire is sputtering or popping, it could be because there’s too much air coming into the room. This causes the fire to burn less efficiently and can create a messy situation inside your fireplace. To fix this, try opening a window or door in the room to help circulate air and reduce the draftiness near your fireplace. You might also want to check for any gaps around your fireplace that might be letting in cold air; if you find any, seal them up with caulking or weatherstripping.
- Yellow Flames: Yellow flames are usually caused by dirty burning materials, such as coal or unseasoned wood. When these materials burn, they release chemicals into the air that can cause discoloration in the flames. To fix this problem, make sure you’re only burning clean-burning materials such as dry wood that’s been seasoned for at least six months. You should also have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis to remove any built-up soot or debris.
- Weak Flames: If your flames seem weak or feeble, it could be because there’s not enough oxygen reaching them. This problem is usually caused by a closed flue or an obstructed chimney. As we mentioned before, you’ll want to make sure that your flue is fully open when you’re using your fireplace; if it’s not, open it up and see if that helps solve the problem. If not, there might be something blocking your chimney; take a look outside and see if there are any birds’ nests or other obstructions that need to be removed.]
Fireplaces are wonderful additions to any home—but like any appliance, they require some upkeep to function properly. In this blog post, we’ve gone over some of the most common fireplace problems and how to troubleshoot them. By familiarizing yourself with these issues and calling Strait Comfort for regular maintenance, you can keep your fireplace in tip-top shape all winter long!
