Fireplace makes house smell like smoke

Did you open a window to help the fireplace draft?

No. I only had to turn on the starter for like 5 seconds before the fire took off. So all windows and doors are closed.

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No way

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Use a few sheets of newspaper and crumple them lightly. Stick them up into the flue a few inches, light them and watch. There is enough heat from the fire to draft the smoke up and out. If any smoke does not draft up immediately you have some type of restriction. Use newspaper because it burns hot quickly and it will burn out fast so if it isn’t drafting properly you won’t be dealing with a fire or much smoke at all because it will be out very quickly.

Then why ask the question if you are gonna argue about it?? Have your husband Call the damn builder!

The drier and more seasoned the wood is, the less smoke you’ll have. I’ve found the bundles you pick up at the grocery store or Lowe’s/Home Depot still have a lot of moisture in them and create a slow smokey fire.

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If youve got a new tight house, you need to crack a door or window. This will create more draw

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Helps with older houses as well. Grew up in a house built in the 40s, and the main fireplace off the kitchen/den area was the one we used. We would crack the door slightly. Helped to bring fresh air in, and even with a big fire going, it wouldn't get too hot in the room.

But I'm with the OP, it shouldn't smell like too much smoke. I would love to use our wood fireplace, but my wife is super sensitive to smells and gets migraines, so we have never built a fire in there in all the years we've lived here.

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No need to be a jackass. Im guessing my house shouldn’t smell like a smoke chamber from lighting a small fire the fireplace.

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Is smoke going up your flue or billowing out into the room? Smoke shouldn't be billowing out into the room btw.

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Smoke shouldn't be billowing out into the room btw.

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What was the weather like? Where was the smoke going after it left the chimney? It's not super likely, but sometimes, depending on the houses around your, air pressure, wind or lack of wind, you can pull some smoke back into your house from the outside. It's probably another issue, but wouldn't hurt to check this while you have a fire going.