Expert: James Ball - 12/16/2009

Question
I have an Adobe house in Mx (2 years old) with a kiva fireplace in the livingroom.   I have a great deal of problems with smoke entering the house instead of going up the chimney.

Do you know why this might be happening?   I was told by 1 source that the angle of the sheet metal inside may be incorrect, or the opening to large.   Any ideas?

Answer
Hello Ian, try to open a window full, and see if smoke from incense or a cigarette  goes up if it does then you have negative pressure if not then it might be blocked and need a cleaning. 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 they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James