Expert: James Ball - 1/13/2011

Question
Hi James,
   I grew up with stone chimneys and flue that you could see open and close. We are currently renting a home with a brand-new (never been used before) heatilator fireplace. We have twice attempted to light fires in it after thinking that we had opened the flue but both times it seems that the flue must be closed because the smoke fills the room. I am a little baffled by this fireplace. Should you be able to see that the flue is open to the chimney or is it something that happens "behind the scenes?" When we press the lever down it sounds like it is opening but you can't see anything changing? I would love whatever advice you have to impart! Thank you! Tara

Answer
Hello Tara, It is possible that the unit is damaged, you should be able to stick you head (or a mirror) and a flash light up and see if the damper is open.
Also you might be getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot air rising in your home (and getting out through the attic vents, doors, lights, another fireplace (is it closed?)) your house is a better chimney than your chimney. Also kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans, clothes dryers, Radon systems and the boiler/furnace all take house air out of the house (mechanical negative pressure) your house needs make up air, perhaps an open window in the room with the fireplace to help break the vacuum until the fireplace if drafting? Or stop the air from getting out the attic and other area’s.
Trail and error until you get this fireplace to work for you, maybe close off the room from the rest of the house to use it (close doors)
Or it could be dirty? 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