Why Does My Fireplace Smell Like Smoke When It Rains

On The Level: Your breathing house is what makes your fireplace smell. Our fireplace smells after it rains. … Your house is breathing air down the fireplace flue and you probably notice it more after a rain — especially a warm spring or summer rain — because the air migrating into the house via the chimney is humid.

Is it normal to smell smoke from fireplace?

A: The odor is from creosote. Your chimney may need cleaning. … The result is that makeup air is pulled down the chimney, which is a big, unrestricted hole in the house. If that happens when you have a fire going, smoke will fill the room.

Why does my fireplace smell when it's humid?

When wood is burned in the fireplace, deposits of a natural by-product called creosote are left inside your chimney. These creosote deposits have a smoky scent, which grows especially strong with heavy summer rains, winds, humid air, and frequent air conditioner use.