Expert: James Ball - 10/18/2011

Question
When we use our fireplace a strong odor fills our home. It is not the smell of the wood burning. The odor does not come out of the chimney on the roof. Thus we think it is something outside of the firebox. We've removed the electrical including the heatilator from underneath the firebox and have ruled this out as a source from the smell. The smell to us smells kind of like an electric heater getting too hot and also smells somewhat like plastic burning. Can you help?

Answer
Hello Mark, have you had an electrician in the check the wiring? the heater may be drawing to much and thus melting the wires? Do not use this until it is checked. I would also 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