How to Fix a Smoky Fireplace

Charlyne Mattox shares tips for preventing smoke from filling your home when using the fireplace.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:55am

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After experiencing issues with smoke filling her home when using the fireplace in her Birmingham, Alabama house, the author reached out to a chimney professional for advice. The article outlines two key steps to fix a smoky fireplace: priming the flue to establish an upward draft, and creating a temporary smoke barrier using aluminum foil across the top of the fireplace opening.

Why it matters

Fireplaces can be a cozy addition to a home, but improper use can lead to dangerous situations like smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. These tips help ensure the safe and effective use of a fireplace, allowing homeowners to enjoy its benefits without the hassle of smoke-filled rooms.

The details

To prime the flue, the author suggests lighting a piece of crumpled newspaper or paper bag and holding it up the flue. This heats the cold air inside the chimney and establishes an upward draft to prevent smoke from backing up into the home. If priming the flue is not enough, the author recommends creating a temporary smoke barrier by placing a long piece of aluminum foil across the top of the fireplace opening, called the facing. This lowers the top edge of the fireplace and stops smoke from escaping while the fire heats up. The foil should be removed once the fireplace is drawing properly.

  • The author experienced issues with smoke filling her home the first few times she used the fireplace after moving into her Birmingham, Alabama house.

The players

Charlyne Mattox

The Food and Crafts director with over 20 years of recipe development, recipe editing, and crafting experience. Prior to starting at Country Living in 2014, she worked in the crafts department at Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Kids before attending cooking school at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Weirdly, this is not something I had ever had to do with past fireplaces, even in the depths of winter in rural Massachusetts.”

— Charlyne Mattox, Food and Crafts Director

What’s next

The author recommends having the fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned and inspected annually for safety.

The takeaway

By following these simple steps to prime the flue and create a temporary smoke barrier, homeowners can safely and effectively use their fireplaces without the hassle of smoke-filled rooms, ensuring they can enjoy the cozy ambiance without risking their health and safety.