There are a lots of by-products that can come from fireplaces. These cannot be avoided, because it is just a part of owning a chimney. Burning fuel, even wood, will cause the production of various emissions. Smoke, a dangerous emission of any type of burning, is usually the most dangerous aspect of house fires. In fact, it is the leading cause of death during fires. The suffocation from smoke inhalation will cause death much quicker than actual burns from a fire. Many deaths within house fires happen because people have passed out due to lack of breathable air. Knowing this, it is important to take steps to prevent your chimney and fireplace from filling your home with smoke.
There are a number of reasons that a fireplace will start sending smoke into the home instead of up the chimney. For one, carelessness is a known cause. If you do not pay attention to what you are putting into your fireplace, you could end up burning something that releases toxic fumes into the home. Plus, burning treated or insufficiently seasoned wood can release extra creosote into the chimney. Many times, when people are finished using the fireplace, they leave all of the ashes in the fireplace. By doing this, they are creating the ideal environment for a smoking fireplace once they try to light another fire. This ends up requiring you to be much more vigilant over the fire, because the ashes from the previous fire can cause more smoke. It is good to clean it after each use so that the unwanted debris won’t cause trouble. Using quality materials is also a key to having a fireplace and chimney that doesn’t send smoke into the house. Make sure you consult with chimney professionals when making any changes to your fireplace or chimney. Remember, while your budget is a legitimate concern these days, it is important to never sacrifice safety for cost.