When you light a fire in your fireplace, does it give off a nice, smoky smell? Many homeowners love the smell of a wood-burning fireplace. However, not all odors from your fireplace are safe. There are some smells that can be indicators of danger, such as the smell of chemicals or billowing smoke. If you notice any strange odors coming from your fireplace, it’s important to investigate and determine what’s wrong. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the different odors fireplaces can emit and what they could mean.
Wood-Burning Smoke Can Be Safe & Comforting
One of the best things about wood-burning fireplaces is the smell. For many people, the smoky smell is comforting and makes them feel at home. This selling point is one of the reasons why wood-burning fireplaces are so popular. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you’re likely familiar with the smell of smoke. Usually, this is a normal scent and does not indicate danger unless the smoke is billowing into the room.
Lingering Odor of Sulfur
If you notice the smell of sulfur coming from your fireplace, this is a cause for concern. Sulfur odors can indicate that there’s a problem with the gas line. If you smell sulfur, it’s important to turn off the gas and call a professional right away.
Strong Smokey Smells
Smokey odors from your fireplace are usually safe and simply indicate that your fire is burning. However, if you notice a strong smoke smell, it could be a sign that your chimney is blocked. A blocked chimney can cause dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. If you notice any soot or debris around your fireplace, it’s important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
Burning Plastic or Rubber Odors
If you notice odors that smell like burning plastic or rubber, it’s important to take action immediately. These odors could indicate that there is something caught in your fireplace, such as a bird’s nest. If you see any flames coming from your fireplace, it’s important to call the fire department right away.
Chemical & Metallic Odors
Odors that smell like chemicals or metals could be a sign of dangerous gasses, such as carbon monoxide. If you notice these odors, it’s important to open your windows and doors and get out of your home immediately. You should then call the fire department or a gas professional to investigate the source of the odors.
Moldy or Musty Smells
Moldy odors from your fireplace are usually not a cause for concern. These odors could simply indicate that your fireplace needs to be cleaned. If you notice mold or mildew around your fireplace, it’s important to have it cleaned by a professional.
Odors of Oil & Fuel
If you have an oil or gas fireplace, it’s normal to smell these odors when you first turn on your fireplace. Usually, these odors will dissipate after a few minutes. However, if you notice these odors lingering, it could be a sign of a problem with your fireplace. If you have an oil or gas fireplace, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional regularly.
Contact Us for Fireplace Cleanings, Inspections, & Installations in Canton, MA
There are many different odors that fireplaces can emit. Some odors, such as wood-burning smoke, are safe and normal. However, other odors, such as the smell of burning plastic or rubber, could be a sign of danger. If you notice any strange odors coming from your fireplace, it’s important to investigate and determine what’s wrong. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to call a professional. At New England Hearth & Home, we offer installation, maintenance, and inspection services for all types of fireplaces. To learn more about our services, visit our website or give us a call today.
