High-Altitude Fireplace Draft: What Colorado Homeowners Should Know

Direct Answer

Treat smoke, soot, odor and draft changes as signs that the system needs attention. If combustion products enter the home or a chimney fire is suspected, stop normal use and have the system evaluated before using it again.

Smoke, soot, odor and draft problems are symptoms, not diagnoses. They can point to wet wood, deposits, pressure problems, blockage, venting defects or appliance issues. If smoke or combustion gases are entering the home, continued use should wait until the cause is understood.

This guide focuses on high altitude fireplace draft from a Colorado homeowner's point of view. Explain that altitude, temperature, chimney height/system design and house pressure can influence combustion/draft; avoid claiming altitude alone causes every issue.

Draft fundamentals

If the symptom includes smoke entering the room, a suspected chimney fire, a gas odor or a carbon-monoxide alarm, normal fireplace use should stop until the immediate safety concern is resolved and the system is evaluated.

Do not use a shortcut that defeats a damper, safety switch, vent or other combustion control just to keep the fireplace operating. When the system is not venting normally, the priority is finding the cause before returning to regular use.

Altitude and air density

If the symptom includes smoke entering the room, a suspected chimney fire, a gas odor or a carbon-monoxide alarm, normal fireplace use should stop until the immediate safety concern is resolved and the system is evaluated.

Do not use a shortcut that defeats a damper, safety switch, vent or other combustion control just to keep the fireplace operating. When the system is not venting normally, the priority is finding the cause before returning to regular use.

Chimney height/system design

If the symptom includes smoke entering the room, a suspected chimney fire, a gas odor or a carbon-monoxide alarm, normal fireplace use should stop until the immediate safety concern is resolved and the system is evaluated.

Do not use a shortcut that defeats a damper, safety switch, vent or other combustion control just to keep the fireplace operating. When the system is not venting normally, the priority is finding the cause before returning to regular use.

House pressure

If the symptom includes smoke entering the room, a suspected chimney fire, a gas odor or a carbon-monoxide alarm, normal fireplace use should stop until the immediate safety concern is resolved and the system is evaluated.

Do not use a shortcut that defeats a damper, safety switch, vent or other combustion control just to keep the fireplace operating. When the system is not venting normally, the priority is finding the cause before returning to regular use.

Manufacturer requirements

If the symptom includes smoke entering the room, a suspected chimney fire, a gas odor or a carbon-monoxide alarm, normal fireplace use should stop until the immediate safety concern is resolved and the system is evaluated.

Do not use a shortcut that defeats a damper, safety switch, vent or other combustion control just to keep the fireplace operating. When the system is not venting normally, the priority is finding the cause before returning to regular use.

When to Call a Professional

Stop using the fireplace and arrange evaluation if smoke enters the home, a carbon-monoxide alarm activates, a chimney fire is suspected, masonry is visibly moving, or an obstruction or venting defect is suspected. These are not good situations for trial-and-error operation.

Frequently Asked Questions