A smelly fireplace usually comes down to one of a few causes — creosote, moisture, animals, or a draft problem. The good news is that most fireplace odors are fixable once you find the source.
Creosote — the most common cause
That sharp, smoky, tar-like smell is usually creosote coating the flue. It gets worse in warm, humid weather and when the air conditioner pulls air down the chimney. A professional sweep removes the creosote and the odor that comes with it.
Moisture and mildew
A musty, damp smell often means water is getting into the chimney through a cracked crown, a missing cap, or failing masonry. The water mixes with soot and creosote to create a mildew odor. Fixing the leak and capping the flue solves it.
Animals or debris
A rotting or foul smell can mean an animal has nested — or died — in the flue, or that leaves and debris have collected. Clearing the flue and installing a cap keeps critters out for good.
A draft coming down the chimney
Sometimes the chimney is fine, but negative air pressure in the house pulls chimney odors down into the room. Keeping the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use, and addressing buildup and moisture, usually fixes it. A top-sealing damper helps in stubborn cases.
Ready to get rid of the smell?
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Call (708) 432-5330Frequently asked questions
Why does my fireplace smell worse in summer?
Warm, humid air and air-conditioning both increase chimney odors. Humidity reacts with creosote and soot, and AC can pull chimney air down into the room.
Will cleaning the chimney remove the smell?
Usually yes, if creosote is the cause. If moisture or animals are involved, those need to be addressed too — an inspection identifies which.
Can I just use an air freshener?
That only masks the smell temporarily. The lasting fix is removing the creosote, stopping any leak, and capping the flue.
Is a smelly fireplace dangerous?
The smell itself is mostly a nuisance, but the causes — heavy creosote, water damage, or a blockage — can be safety issues, so it is worth having checked.
Written by Adam Evans, owner of Chimney Sweep Brothers and a chimney technician with 12 years of experience serving La Grange, IL and the western suburbs.