Ready to start using fireplace, how do you keep the smoke out of the house?

my parents have one and sometimes it just depends on which way the wind is blowing too, on those days, they just don't put the fire place on and plug the heater in instead. sometimes, you cannot keep the smoke out of your house.

Hello BlueStarMom, When the wind is blowing outside, it helps to keep a constant updraft flowing through the chimney. If, when the wind is still, or blowing from multiple directions, you will naturally have decreased airflow through the chimney. I would recommend that you ponder your chimney maintenance. Do you have the chimney cleaned at least once per year? And, is your flute in good working order? Meaning, is it free of residual creosote build-up? As for the rooftop, many chimneys have a protective screen boxing in the chimney openning. This screen can get mucked up with creosote as well. In fact, this happened to us last winter. I hope this is helpful. It's terrible when smoke backs up into the house -- and dangerous. Good luck & best wishes!