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LookingM4FnearUCONN OP t1_ite6zvn wrote

Reply to comment by redd-whaat in How do I start a fireplace and not smoke? by LookingM4FnearUCONN

Will have to check chimney for blockage. Don’t have a cap so maybe

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sucksatgolf t1_ite8eh8 wrote

Don't light another fire until you have the chimeny inspected. Ask the chimeny person about how to safely operate it. Lots of people overlook having chimneys cleaned and inspected. If your new to the area there's a chance the prior owner never had it done simply from not using it. A chimney with heavy creosote or animal nests can cause a chimney fire which can easily get into your walls or attic. We get these calls often during winter. Please also put a CO alarm in or near where the fire is. A blocked or unopened flue causing smoke build up and a CO condition which can be deadly very quickly. Please get a CO detector if you plan to use the fireplace for fires!

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urBEASTofBURDENog t1_ite8i5c wrote

You don't have a cap??? You should have started with that. We have a bird that makes nests in them.

Also Google priming a flu. It's easy

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LookingM4FnearUCONN OP t1_ite8y10 wrote

Yeah looking into that, house is 3 stories so getting up there isn’t easy

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Sparker355 t1_itehiav wrote

As people said, get that thing inspected and cleaned! The temperature difference comment is legit but I’d be surprised if thats your issue this time of year. Either way (after you get the thing inspected), make a torch by tightly rolling up a big piece of newspaper then light it, hold it up towards the top (by the open flue) to get hot air moving up), then light crumbled newspaper sitting on top of the wood, then light newspaper on the sides of the pile of wood and then light under the wood…… also, make sure you get seasoned wood. A lot of places will sell you crap wood that won’t burn easily and will create a lot of smoke

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LookingM4FnearUCONN OP t1_itei6xb wrote

Even if it was crappy wood and the flute was opened and primed would the smoke enter the house? Instead of going up the chimney?

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urBEASTofBURDENog t1_iteke67 wrote

Not oyf the flu was primed first... Hire a "chimney sweeper" Google how to prime a flu.... These two things will solve all problems. Chimney sweeping services are found in those little flyers in the mail with coupons. They may be busier this time of year.

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