A: Heat and smoke are two different elements of a fire. Heat carries smoke up the chimney. A small start-up fire often produces smoke but not enough heat to draft up the chimney. Therefore, the smoke drifts into the room until the fire gets larger and hotter. This is also true of a fire that is burning out at the end of the evening.

Glass doors help during these phases of the fire. Close them partially when you are starting the fire and close them completely before you go to bed.

One idea is that the fireplace box might be too large for the flue to vent all the smoke properly. Also the flue might need cleaning due to a possible obstruction.

Don't burn anything but good dry hardwood. Never burn trash in your fireplace.

To locate a reputable mason to check size of your fireplace box, or a chimney sweep to clean it, visit Home Advisor, enter a service request, and be matched with the ideal service professional in your area.

This information is brought to you by Bert Roberts of General Contractor in Roseville, CA .

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com