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SIKSUKR · 08-31-2009, 08:18 AM

That strong ash smell probably has little to do with the condition of the chimney.My chimney is in great shape and I have the same issue on cold spring rainy days.What's happening is that heavy cold air is sinking down your flue.When heat is generated in the room with the chimney,the air will rise up the flue and you will have no smell.I used to have a much more frequent issue because of the negative pressure my forced draft furnace vent would cause from sucking the air out of the house.Easiest place to come in was down the chimney even with the damper closed.I did away the forced draft even after allowing for make up air right next to the furnace.Hardly have noticed any ash smell anymore.

08-31-2009, 08:18 AM	#2
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	That strong ash smell probably has little to do with the condition of the chimney.My chimney is in great shape and I have the same issue on cold spring rainy days.What's happening is that heavy cold air is sinking down your flue.When heat is generated in the room with the chimney,the air will rise up the flue and you will have no smell.I used to have a much more frequent issue because of the negative pressure my forced draft furnace vent would cause from sucking the air out of the house.Easiest place to come in was down the chimney even with the damper closed.I did away the forced draft even after allowing for make up air right next to the furnace.Hardly have noticed any ash smell anymore. __________________ SIKSUKR