There’s nothing quite like a warm, crackling fire on a cold evening. However, if not built correctly, a fireplace fire can quickly turn into a smoky mess. To ensure a clean-burning, efficient fire, follow these six simple steps to build a cozy fire that won’t fill your home with smoke.
Open the Damper
Before you do anything else, make sure your chimney’s flue is open. This allows smoke to escape properly rather than lingering in your home. Double-check that the damper is fully open by shining a flashlight up the chimney. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to confirm before lighting any fire.
Improve Airflow
Fire needs oxygen to burn efficiently, so take a moment to enhance airflow in your home. Turn off your furnace to prevent it from competing for air, and crack open a window slightly. This will create a natural draft that helps move smoke up and out through the chimney.
Start with an “Upside-Down” Fire
Rather than stacking kindling at the bottom, try an upside-down fire setup. Place your largest logs at the base of the fireplace first. This creates a solid foundation and ensures that the fire burns downward, producing less smoke and more consistent heat.
Stack Smaller Logs and Kindling
Once your base logs are in place, add smaller logs on top, followed by kindling and crumpled-up newspaper. This layered approach allows the fire to catch more effectively while reducing the risk of excess smoke.
Warm Up the Flue
Cold air trapped inside your chimney can cause a backdraft, pushing smoke into your home. To prevent this, warm up the flue before lighting the fire. Roll up a piece of newspaper, light it, and hold it at the top of the fireplace just below the flue for a couple of minutes. This will help establish an upward draft.
Light the Fire from the Top
Finally, ignite the kindling and newspaper at the top of your stack. As the fire burns downward, it will catch the larger logs naturally, creating a cleaner and more efficient fire. This method ensures a steady burn with minimal smoke production.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a cozy, smoke free fireplace experience all winter long. Happy fireside lounging!
A1 Quality Chimney Can Help With All Your Chimney Needs!
The Ontario Fire Code requires that a chimney be inspected at least on an annual basis and that it be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup. The majority of our customers come to us annually for their inspections and cleaning. If you are using your fireplace or wood stove once or twice a week in the winter, it is essential that you get the chimney cleaned every year. Contact us today at (416) 231-6560 to book an appointment or feel free to reach out to us online.
