Expert: James Ball - 1/7/2009

Question
Hello James,
            I have a fp industries indoor wood boiler located in my basement. I bought my home two years ago and have been using the wood boiler without any problems. Recently I started having a problem with heavy smoke backdrafting into the basement. I also have a problem with the fire being so weak it just goes out and the logs smolder. The chimney was cleaned in the fall and once again around Christmas. I have also replaced the pipe that goes from the boiler into the wall. The chimney is clear of obstructions from top to bottom. Do you have any advise?
   Thanks Brendan

Answer
Hello Brendan, some thing has changed either in the chimney (blockage, not re installed correctly) or some thing in the basement is pulling the air/smoke back into the home.  I would say open doors and windows in the basement and see if you have draft in the boiler/chimney if you do try lighting the system (start slowly and small) if is works then you need make up air in the basement.
What did you chimney sweep say about it? I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have.
James