Why Does My Chimney Smell in the Summer, and How to Fix It? 

As the warmer months approach, homeowners face new challenges with their fireplace and chimney. One of the most common issues during the summer months is experiencing odors in the area where your fireplace is. This odor is often described as musty, smoky, or rotten. These odors can stem from a variety of issues and may need immediate attention. 

Understanding where these odors originate is the first step in resolving the problem. Whether you are experiencing humidity issues, airflow problems, or a buildup of debris from the outside environment, you need to address the issue immediately so your home can smell fresh again. 

Why Do Chimneys Smell in the Summer?

The summer heat is not the only factor that contributes to the smells emanating from your chimney. The most common key factors that play a role in odors are airflow, creosote buildup, moisture, and debris: 

1. Airflow:

When it is colder, warm air from your fireplace rises up and out through the chimney, but in the summer, the airflow can reverse. Hot outdoor air will come through your chimney and bring other smells along with it. Air pressure also affects the airflow in your home. Appliances like air conditioners and fans can create negative air pressure inside the home, which can compromise airflow in the chimney. 

2. Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a tar-like substance that forms when wood is burned inside a fireplace. During the warmer months, the creosote emits a smoky odor. Creosote buildup is extremely dangerous and can create a serious fire hazard, and should be addressed immediately by a professional to reduce the risk of a fire occurring inside the home. 

3. Moisture

Most areas experience high humidity during the summer, resulting in increased moisture levels inside the chimney. Whether it’s rainwater or humid air, moisture can cause molding issues inside the home. Mold has a distinct musty smell and grows over time in damp environments. This makes it a common cause of a chimney smell in summer. Mold also poses a health risk to those who inhale the spores. If you suspect mold growth in your chimney, call a professional immediately.

4. Debris

Whether debris comes from the outside environment, animals, or ash and soot, a buildup can cause unpleasant smells in your home. Be sure to perform regular cleanings, especially after using it during the colder months. 

How to Get Rid of Chimney Smells?

There are several ways to fix a chimney smell in summer:

1. Schedule a Professional Cleaning 

The best option for fixing chimney odor is hiring a professional to perform a thorough sweep. While homeowners can perform regular cleaning to prolong the need for a professional, it is still recommended to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year by an expert. A sweep performed by a professional will ensure no debris or blockages are left behind. 

2. Replace Chimney Cap

A chimney cap will keep out the outside environment, like rain, debris, and animals, from entering your flue. This is a great addition to your chimney that will help reduce the risk of many unpleasant odors. 

3. Check your Damper

A fireplace damper acts as a door between your chimney and living area. Keeping it closed during the summer helps block airflow from the chimney. If your damper is broken or doesn’t seal tightly, odors can sneak through into your home. 

4. Control Humidity

While you can’t control the outside humidity, you can control the level of humidity inside your home. Using a dehumidifier typically keeps humidity under 50% inside the home and reduces the amount of odors from inside the chimney. Baking soda is also very absorbent and can keep moisture levels low when placed near the fireplace. 

5. Improve Airflow

By using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and opening a window, you can bring fresh air into your home. Another plus side to this is improving airflow, which will help the reverse draft that contributes to the chimney smell in summer. 

6. Use Odor-Neutralizing Products

To combat stubborn chimney odors in summer, use an odor neutralizer specifically designed for chimneys and fireplaces. These products can be chimney deodorants, gels, or sprays, and they work by absorbing odor-causing particles from sources such as mold, creosote, and soot. 

When Should You Call a Chimney Professional?

While most odor control options can be done by the homeowner, many chimney problems should be handled by a professional. If you notice these signs, you may need to call a professional chimney sweep: 

• Worsening odors
• Visible blockages in the flue
• Signs of water damage or mold
• Broken damper
• Backdrafts of smoke

A chimney professional will be able to perform a thorough inspection and identify problems that may be hard to see with a naked, untrained eye. Many of these issues that cause odors can also create health and fire hazards inside the home. Hiring a professional will save you from health hazards and future expensive costs from damage. 

Preventing Future Chimney Smells in Summer

Once the chimney smell issue is resolved, you should work on the next steps to prevent it from recurring. Here are a few maintenance tips that can help you prevent odors from making their way back to your chimney: 

• Have your chimney inspected annually 
• Burn seasoned hardwood, never wet wood
• Close the damper
• Install a chimney cap
• Use odor-absorbing products
• Ventilate your home properly to promote airflow

By performing these quick and simple tasks, you can enjoy an odor-free home during the summer months. Prevention will also reduce the need to hire a professional more often, thereby lowering costs for homeowners in the long run. 

Calling a Professional to Fix Chimney Smell in Summer: Valley Chimney

As the summer months approach, turn to the experts to ensure your chimney is prepared. Our experts at Valley Chimney can help eliminate unpleasant odors emanating from your chimney, as well as prevent them from recurring. Contact us today to have a fresh-smelling home again!