23/11/2025
Is smoke coming into your room when you light your wood burner?
When the weather turns cold, you may find that your wood burner suddenly smokes more when you first light it. Though it may be alarming, it is not uncommon and is caused by something known as 'Cold Plug'.
This occurs when cold air forms a plug inside your chimney that blocks smoke and gases from rising. The cold air plug can either reduce or completely obstruct normal air flow from your wood burner through the chimney, pushing smoke back down into your home.
The chimney doesn't have to have been left unused for long periods of time for a cold plug to form. Depending on weather conditions, it can form overnight when there is a sudden drop in temperature.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to help reduce the effects of cold flue:
• You can open your stove door slightly several minutes before lighting your fire to help push warmer air through the chimney
• Set your fire as usual using a firelighter and kindling but before lighting, open a window or leave your patio door slightly ajar. This will help maximise air flow and encourage the initial smoke to go up the chimney. After several minutes, close your window or door.
• Open all the vents on your stove even when you are not using the stove as again, this allows movement of air through the flue.
• Add your logs once you have heard the kindling crackle and you can see that smoke is being drawn up the chimney.
If you’re still having issues call or text to book a chimney sweep 07464299750
