By Johnathan Mason, Ace Chimney Service.
The first fire of the year is usually lit on impulse, on the first genuinely cold evening, with no preparation at all. That is also when we get the most calls about smoke in the living room. Ten minutes of checking beforehand prevents nearly all of it. Here is the run-through we would give any Lake in the Hills homeowner.
Open the damper — and confirm it
Start here because it is the single most common cause of a smoke-filled room. Reach up with a flashlight and look, do not just move the handle. Dampers rust, warp, and drop off their pivots over a summer of humidity, and a handle that moves does not prove a plate that opens.
Look up the flue
From inside the firebox, shine a light up. You are looking for daylight at the top, for nesting material, and for leaves or twigs sitting on the smoke shelf. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons treat an uncapped chimney as available housing all summer, and a nest is both a blockage and fuel.
Check the firebox
Look for cracked or missing firebrick, crumbling mortar joints, and gaps at the back corners. Small hairline cracks in the refractory are common; open gaps that expose what is behind the brick are not, and they need attention before a fire goes in.
Warm the flue before you load it
A cold chimney holds a column of cold, dense air that resists the fire’s exhaust, which is why the first minutes are the smoky ones. Roll a sheet of newspaper, light one end, and hold it up inside the damper opening for a minute to start the air moving upward. Then light the fire. This one habit solves most first-fire smoke complaints.
Burn the right wood
Dry, seasoned hardwood, split and stored under cover for a season or more. Wood that hisses, refuses to catch, or shows no cracks in the end grain is too wet, and it will smoulder, throw little heat, and coat your flue with creosote. Our DIY chimney care page goes further into fuel and habits.
The one thing this checklist cannot do
None of this tells you what is happening inside the flue above the smoke chamber, and that is where cracked tiles and creosote live. An annual sweep and inspection covers what a flashlight cannot reach. Autumn books up quickly, so early is better than urgent.
Test the smoke alarms and the carbon monoxide alarms while you are at it. Ace Chimney Service has been at this for 29 years, is insured and bonded, quotes the price up front, and works seven days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM serving Crystal Lake and McHenry County. Call (815) 320-0883.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the first fire always smoke?
A cold flue holds dense air that pushes back against the exhaust. Warming the flue with a rolled newspaper first usually fixes it.
How can I be sure the damper is open?
Look with a flashlight rather than trusting the handle. Rusted or dropped dampers can move at the lever without opening.
What does a nest in the chimney look like from below?
Twigs, leaves, or matted material on the smoke shelf, and often no daylight visible at the top. Do not light a fire to burn it out.
Is a little smoke on startup normal?
A brief puff as the flue warms is common. Continuous smoke into the room is not, and means the fire should be put out and the cause found.
How do I tell if firewood is dry enough?
Cracks in the end grain, a light feel, and a hollow knock when two pieces are struck together. A moisture meter is the certain answer.
Can I burn the leftover wood from last year?
If it was stored covered and off the ground, it is likely better than new wood. If it sat exposed all summer, it has taken water back on.
Should the glass doors be open or closed?
Open while burning on most masonry fireplaces, unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Closed doors on an open fire can restrict combustion air.
Do I need a sweep if I only burn a few times a year?
An annual inspection still applies. Light use produces less creosote but does nothing to stop water damage, animals, or deterioration.
Published September 7, 2026