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Q: I am getting nasty smells down my chimney, like burned wood and creosote. I wonder if the downdraft is caused by the use of exhaust fans in the house. How can I stop that odor?
You have a reverse chimney effect, where the air pressure in the house is lower than outside, so air plunges down the chimney, carrying the creosote and other goodies lining the chimney with it. Closing the damper won't do it, and closing off the firebox opening won't either. Here's a sure-fire cure, which a reader told me about: He bought a kerosene lantern, like those used for signaling on a railroad train. Open the damper, light the lamp and put it on the firebox floor. Its heat will get the air moving up and out. It might even work with the damper closed. Or, with the damper open, put in a bank of votive candles. It will give a festive look to your fireplace.
