The air starvation problem or lack of room ventilation 3.
Chimney flue problems advice.
This can be accomplished by priming the flue with a rolled up newspaper.
The smell is from creosote in the chimney a natural byproduct of the combustion process.
Non functional or stuck dampers can be the cause of smoking problems.
Periodic inspections will uncover minor problems before they turn into major ones.
High humidity and a situation called negative pressure can worsen this.
Oil gas fired heating appliance chimneys also need to be inspected and cleaned.
A chimney sweep should be called out for cleaning and inspection.
The volume and speed of the smoke passing up the flue is insufficient to clear the large volume of fumes building up in the oversize fireplace opening below.
Let it burn down aways and drop it on the logs to finish burning.
Such issues mean that a chimney generally needs to be rebuilt every 100 years or so.
2 come prepared for a thorough inspection.
Cleaning out creosote build up or repairing a crack is easier than rebuilding the chimney after it collapses or catches fire.
Safety of those using the building.
At minimum you should inspect your chimney flue at the beginning and end of fireplace season.
Ask your heating service tech to check the chimney itself and order a cleaning if needed.
Light one end hold it way up in the damper opening.
Part of normal oil fired appliance heating service includes disassembly and cleaning of the flue vent connector.
A cold flue may have to be preheated.
Integrity of the building fabric.
Badly sited chimney terminal.