No one wants to deal with unpleasant odors anywhere in the home, and the fireplace is definitely included in this conversation. While odors from the fireplace aren’t exactly common, there are a few things that can cause them if you’re not taking the right precautions – but also a few very simple methods for how to get rid of fireplace smell.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re here to offer a huge range of custom fireplace options to clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, including modern gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces and more. In this two-part blog series, we’ll look at some of the possible rare causes of odors in or around your fireplace area, plus some general tips and steps for avoiding them or remedying them if they’ve appeared already. 

Possible Causes of Fireplace Odors

Again, fireplace odors tend to be relatively uncommon. In the cases where they can occur, however, there tend to be a few particular causes:

• Problems with air pressure: Some of the most common fireplace odor causes relate to the air pressure in your home. If your home has negative air pressure, for instance, it can cause odors from outside the home to be pulled into the house through vents or other openings. This is often an issue with newer, more efficient homes that are built tightly and don’t allow for enough air circulation.

• Buildup in chimney: In other cases, odors may come from your chimney itself, and this is often due to buildup of soot or creosote. These substances can gather within the chimney over time and begin to give off unpleasant smells – particularly if you’re using a wood-burning fireplace rather than gas.

• Animal debris: In rare situations, an animal (such as a bird or squirrel) could become stuck somewhere in your chimney or flue area. This will not only create odors but also block airflow and potentially lead to smoke backing up into your home.

• Pests: Down related lines, pests like mice, rats or insects can also invade your chimney and leave behind debris and odors. Addressing any potential pest issues quickly is important for avoiding these smells.

• Moisture: Finally, if you don’t have a proper chimney cap and moisture ends up entering the chimney, it can cause mold or mildew to grow. These substances are well-known for their unpleasant smells.

Luckily, some simple and proactive approaches will help you avoid all these risks in or around your fireplace area. Our next sections, and on into part two of our series, will go over these. 

General Chimney Cleanliness

One of the most important areas to keep clean and clear around your fireplace is the chimney itself. This should be inspected at least once a year, ideally before you begin using the fireplace for the season. Professionals can spot any potential issues that could cause odors, including creosote buildup or animal debris.

In addition, make sure to regularly remove ashes from the firebox and avoid storing anything flammable near the fireplace. Keep vents and air intake areas free of dust and debris, as these can also contribute to odor problems.

Proper Air Flow

As mentioned above, some odor issues are caused by negative air pressure in the home. To prevent this, make sure your home has proper ventilation – particularly in newer homes with tight construction. You may also want to consider installing a gas fireplace rather than wood-burning, as they are less prone to airflow issues.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over some additional important tips for avoiding fireplace odors or fixing them if they’ve already appeared. To learn about any of our custom fireplaces or speak to a representative about any of our services, reach out to us at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today. We can’t wait to show you the options available!