Why Does My Fireplace Smell Like Burning Plastic? 9 Reasons (2024)
If you’ve ever lit a fire in your fireplace and noticed that it smells like burnt plastic, you may be wondering what’s going on. Unfortunately, this is a common problem experienced by many fireplace owners, but there could be several reasons your fireplace has this smell.
Identifying the cause of the smell can help you take steps to restore your fireplace so that it burns safely and without releasing any stinky odors.
The Most common causes of the burning plastic smell in the fireplace are:
First Use of a New Fireplace.
Paint from the Stove or the Piping is burning.
Improperly Installed Chimney Flue Liner.
Piece of Plastic, New Furniture or Paint Near the Fireplace.
Creosote Build Up in the fireplace.
Leaky Flue Pipe of the gas fireplace.
Electric fireplace Wires and elements heat up.
Using Ventless Gas Fireplace.
Burning Plastic or Other Synthetic Materials.
Read this comprehensive guide to learn more about why your fireplace might smell like burning plastic in detail and how you can fix the problems.
Table of Contents
Why does My Fireplace Smell like Burning Plastic?
The Possible Causes of the Burning Plastic Smell in your fireplace are:
Reason#1: First Use of a New Fireplace
The first time you use a new fireplace can be an exciting experience. However, it may also come with an odor that smells like burning plastic, usually due to some of the materials used to construct the fireplace being burned for the first time.
Usually, this smell should dissipate after a few burning rounds and have no long-lasting adverse effects on your home.
Ventilate the area before using your chimney for the first time to prevent the smell from remaining in your room for a long time.
Reason#2: Paint from the Stove or the Piping is Burning.
The acrid smell of burnt plastic can be one of the most unpleasant odors to experience, and it often occurs when paint from the stove or piping is curing due to an overheated surface.
Unfortunately, the scent of burning plastic is a sure sign that something has gone wrong while completing a project, as it typically indicates that the paint has hardened too quickly and has begun to become charred.
Stove or piping curing smell will go away with regular use once all the paint inside the stove burns completely.
Proper ventilation and reduced heat levels can help to overcome this problem.
Reason#3: Improperly Installed Chimney Flue Liner
If you smell a strong odor of plastic or cotton burning when the fireplace is in use, this could indicate that the chimney flue liner has been improperly installed.
A properly installed flue liner will significantly reduce the smoke and foul odors produced by your fireplace. It also prevents smoke and other chemicals from entering your home, which can be hazardous to the homeowner’s health.
Make sure to get regular inspections and maintenance to ensure your chimney flue liner is functioning properly and reduce any unpleasant odors from your fireplace.
Reason#4: Plastic Material, New Furniture or Paint Near the Fireplace
While decorating a room, the fireplace is often an area of focus. Unfortunately, this can lead to potential hazards when you place or decorate your stove with Plastic, paint or wooden frames.
Certain plastic materials heat up slowly and give off an unpleasant odor that may spread throughout your room.
Never place Plastic, polythene made material, new furniture and painted objects near your fire spot.
This could not only cause a detracting smell but also lead to damage over time.
Reason#5: Creosote Build Up in the fireplace.
Creosote buildup in fireplaces is a common problem that can cause severe issues if left unaddressed. The creosote is usually made from burning wood or gas in the stove regularly.
Not only does this buildup lead to dangerous chimney fires, but it also causes an unpleasant smell in the house.
It’s easy to prevent creosote buildup in the wood stoves by cleaning it regularly and inspecting it properly.
Reason#6: Leaky Flue Pipe of gas fireplace
When it comes to bad and stinky smells, the first suspect is often a leaky flue pipe of a gas fireplace. The piping that carries toxic fumes out of the home should be checked regularly to ensure it’s properly working.
A crack or break in these pipes can lead to an influx of smelly, dangerous gases into the household while acting as a health hazard. Fortunately, regular maintenance and pipe repair can remedy this problem and prevent gas fireplace smells.
Reason#7: Wires and elements heat up of electric fireplace.
The electric fireplace is a great way to bring warmth and ambiance to your home, but it’s essential to be aware that its wiring and elements can heat up and create an unpleasant burning smell.
This happens when the insulation on the wires starts to disintegrate due to long-term use or electrical overload.
The resulting odor may be mild and infrequent but should not go unnoticed as it can indicate a safety hazard that needs attention; faulty or damaged wires can spell disaster.
To avoid any problems, maintain your electric fireplace regularly, checking all of its elements for potential signs of wear and tear.
Reason#8: Ventless Gas Fireplace
Ventless gas fireplaces increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup and release all sorts of stinky smells in your living space. Some homeowners have reported a foul odor issue like burning cloth, cotton and plastic in their fireplaces.
Considering installing ventless fireplaces, it’s essential to weigh out all pros and cons first.
Reason#9: Burning Plastic or Other Synthetic Materials
Burning chemically treated wood plastic or other synthetic materials in your fireplace can harm your health, emitting airborne toxins that spread in the entire house and may cause respiratory problems.
It also produces foul-smelling smoke and an acrid smell in the wood burning fireplace that quickly fills the room and lingers for hours afterward.
Not only is this smell unpleasant, but it can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. The poor air quality from burning plastic is bad for you, your family, and the animals in the space.
For these reasons, it is essential to ensure that any material you burn in your fireplace is safe.
Is It Dangerous If Your Fireplace Smells Like Burning Plastic?
The plastic burning smell from a fireplace is not something to ignore. It can indicate that dangerous gases are building up inside the chimney and could pose a severe fire hazard.
If you notice this smell, it’s essential to have the fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
The professional will be able to diagnose the cause of the smell and provide a solution to ensure that your fireplace is safe for use.
You May Also Like To Read:
Why Does My Fireplace Smell Like Burning Plastic?
Is it normal for the fireplace to smell?
It is usual for a fireplace to have a slight odor when used, especially for the first time or after a season gap. The smell usually results from burning any debris that may have accumulated in the chimney over the summer.
However, if the smell is strong or persists, it could indicate a problem, such as creosote buildup in the chimney, burning plastic or other materials, or a leak. In such cases, a professional must inspect the fireplace to determine the cause of the odor and take appropriate action.
How long does the fireplace smell last?
Usually, a smell caused due to a newly installed fireplace or using it after a long time will last with in 2-4 hours once the dust and debris inside the fireplace burn completely. Keep your room ventilated during this period to ensure the entrench of fresh air.
What should you not burn in a fireplace?
It is important to remember not to put anything other than wood or manufactured fuel logs into the fireplace.
Do not burn treated wood, construction scraps, plastic, paper products (such as newspapers or wrapping paper), or cardboard in your fireplace. These materials can create dangerous fumes and contaminants that can affect your health.
Burning garbage should also be avoided, as this can create a hazardous environment. Burning these materials also has the potential to damage your home and put you at risk for house fires.
Never use accelerants such as gasoline or kerosene to light a fire in the fireplace. These substances are highly flammable and dangerous inside an enclosed area like a fireplace.
Charcoal is also not recommended, as it can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas and cause the temperature in the room to rise quickly.
Never attempt to burn hazardous materials such as paint, aerosol cans, or pressurized containers in your fireplace. These items contain dangerous chemicals that can be released into the air when burned and explode, which may lead to severe injury or damage to your home.
Safety Tips for Using Gas Fireplaces
Have the gas fireplace inspected and cleaned by a licensed professional annually to ensure it is in good working condition.
Ensure that the gas fireplace is adequately ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture, and rugs, at least three feet away from the fireplace to prevent fires.
Only use the type of fuel the manufacturer recommends for your specific gas fireplace.
Regularly check the gas line and connections for leaks using a soapy solution. If you detect a leak, turn off the gas and contact a professional immediately.
Only use the gas fireplace in an enclosed space with proper ventilation.
Keep a fire extinguisher near the gas fireplace in case of emergency.
Please familiarize yourself with the gas shut-off valve and how to turn it off in an emergency.
Keep the controls for the gas fireplace accessible and in good working order.
Keep children and pets away from the fire.
Safety Tips for Using Electric Fireplaces
Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture, and rugs, at least three feet away from the electric fireplace to prevent fires.
Only use the electric fireplace with a properly grounded outlet and never with an extension cord.
Please do not use the electric fireplace in damp locations, as it may pose a shock hazard.
Keep the controls for the electric fireplace accessible and in good working order.
Ensure that the wiring and cords for the electric fireplace are in good condition and free from damage.
Regularly clean the electric fireplace to prevent dust buildup, which can be a fire hazard.
Use caution when handling the electric fireplace, and avoid touching the heating elements with bare skin.
Keep children and pets away from the electric fireplace to prevent accidental injury.
Do not use the electric fireplace if the cord or plug is damaged, frayed, or shows any signs of wear.
Importance of Cleaning Your Fireplace, stove and Chimney
Cleaning your fireplace, stove, and chimney is essential for several reasons:
A dirty chimney, stove, or fireplace can pose a severe fire hazard. Creosote buildup in the chimney can ignite and cause a chimney fire.
A clean fireplace, stove, and chimney will allow for better airflow, resulting in improved heating efficiency and reduced heating costs.
A dirty chimney can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, harming your health. Regular cleaning can help improve indoor air quality.
Regular cleaning of your fireplace, stove, and chimney can increase the lifespan of these appliances and reduce the need for costly repairs.
In some areas, local building codes and regulations may require cleaning your chimney.
Regular cleaning can help maintain the appearance of your fireplace, stove, and chimney, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your home.
FAQ:
Does Creosote smell like burning plastic?
Yes, Creosote makes a stinky smell and often smells like burning plastic or burning cloth.
Why does my fireplace smell burn?
A fireplace often smells burnt when you use it after a long time or seasonally. When you fire your fireplace. The build-up of dust, debris and Creosote starts burning and producing a stinky smell.
Can I spray vinegar on my fireplace?
Yes, you can spray vinegar with 1:1 mixing it with water on your fireplace wood before firing your stove. Remember never to spray vinegar directly on fire to prevent potential hazards.
Can I go to sleep with a fire in the fireplace?
Never sleep with a fire in the fireplace, stove, heater or chimney. A fire in the fireplace can pose a fire risk, especially if it is not properly tended to or spreads to nearby flammable materials. If the chimney is blocked or there is a problem with the venting system, the fire in the fireplace can produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal if inhaled.
Do fireplaces affect indoor air quality?
Fireplaces can affect indoor air quality. The smoke produced by a fireplace contains particles and gases, such as carbon monoxide, that can be harmful if they enter the indoor air. In addition, if the chimney is not maintained correctly or there is a blockage, the fire can produce carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that can be fatal if inhaled.
If you smell burning plastic in your home, the first thing you need to do is open all of the doors and windows to ventilate the space. There are a few possible causes for this odor, and none of them are pleasant. The most apparent reason is that you accidentally melted or burned plastic.
If you smell burning plastic in your home, the first thing you need to do is open all of the doors and windows to ventilate the space. There are a few possible causes for this odor, and none of them are pleasant. The most apparent reason is that you accidentally melted or burned plastic.
Why Does a Gas Fireplace Smell Like Gas When Turned On? The smell you notice when using some gas appliances actually isn't natural – it's added to the gas to make it easier to detect a leak. However, it's perfectly normal for a gas fireplace to vent a small amount of gas when it's first turned on.
Creosote, which smells much like mothballs, is a chemical concoction that has been widely used as a preservative to treat pier pilings, railroad ties, utility poles, and other wood that sometimes winds up in the construction of a home or office building.
New gas fireplace logs typically have a break-in period during which they can smell strongly. This will go away after the first three or four hours of use and is not cause for concern. Other things that can cause more persistent gas fireplace odors include: Pet hair, dander or dust.
A plastic burning smell in house situation can occur from a number of sources. Faulty wiring or an overheated appliance can have an odor that smells like burning plastic. If it's coming from your HVAC system, it could be from an overheated blower motor -- possibly due to heavy dust buildup or a clogged air filter.
Phantosmia refers to any smell you detect that isn't actually there. For some people, these odors are pleasant, like freshly baked sweets. But most people describe unpleasant smells, such as: Burning rubber.
While carbon monoxide is invisible and can't be detected by smell, the following are possible clues that there is a CO problem in your home: Water streaking or rusting on your chimney or vent.Furnace panels which are missing or loose.A buildup of soot.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, color or taste. You wouldn't be able to see or smell it, but it can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal.
3. Why does my house smell like gas, but there's no leak? A faint propane smell may not be cause for alarm. It's normal for a propane odor to linger when lighting a stove, or if the pilot light in a gas fireplace, hot water heater or other appliance goes out.
These reports indicate that brief exposure to large amounts of coal tar creosote may result in a rash or severe irritation of the skin, chemical burns of the surfaces of the eye, convulsions and mental confusion, kidney or liver problems, unconsciousness, or even death.
Even with the fireplace doors and damper closed, a dirty chimney can take over your living space with overwhelming smoky and barbecue smells. Odors of smoke and barbecue are actually caused by a chimney and fireplace that is filled with soot and creosote.
Long-term exposure by breathing or swallowing creosote can affect the kidneys, liver, and brain. Exposure to creosote may cause cancer in hu- mans, according to both the EPA and the Interna- tional Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Although it is normal for a fireplace to omit a slight odor, it is important to take proper precautions if you think you may smell a potential gas leak. Natural gas itself is odorless, but has an additive that makes it smell like rotten eggs.
All fireplaces have some type of odor, but a normal working fireplace will send the smell up and out of the chimney with the draft before it seeps into the home. If you have a smell coming in from your fireplace, it means that air from the outside is being sucked into the room.
How Often Do Gas Fireplaces Need To Be Cleaned? While gas fireplaces don't burn wood and produce smoke like a wood-burning fireplace, you should clean them once a month. Regular cleaning will keep dust and debris from building up in the mechanisms and allow you to inspect the unit.
Phantosmia is when a person smells something that is not actually there. The smells vary between individuals but are usually unpleasant, such as burnt toast, metallic, or chemical smells. Possible causes range from nasal polyps to a stroke. Phantosmia is also called a phantom smell or an olfactory hallucination.
Burning Plastic: The acrid odor of an electrical fire is often described as that of burning plastic. This is because wiring insulation, connectors, and many other electrical components are made of plastic materials. Electrical fires often start behind walls, so you'll sometimes start to smell rather than see one.
The smell may resemble the scent of burning plastic. If you smell a burning odor in your house, please do not ignore it and please do not waste valuable time searching for a possible cause. Immediately dial 911 and ask for the fire department to respond.
Some people refer to this as a urine or burning rubber smell. This could be something electrical in the home overheating and melting its insulating plastic or rubber — which could lead to a fire. The most likely culprit is an appliance, such as a dishwasher, washing machine or air conditioner.
Electrical Fires Not Only Smell Bad, But They're Also Toxic
This results is toxic fumes that include ketones and aldehyde gases that are harmful to inhale. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) by-products are also emitted from electrical burning equipment that can cause cancer and other serious health issues.
What does a gas leak smell like in your house? Natural gas is odorless, but a substance known as mercaptan is added to your natural gas so that it gives off a pungent rotten egg smell. If you notice this odor in your home, it's possible you have a natural gas leak.
Signs of a carbon monoxide leak in your house or home
Stale, stuffy, or smelly air, like the smell of something burning or overheating. Soot, smoke, fumes, or back-draft in the house from a chimney, fireplace, or other fuel burning equipment. The lack of an upward draft in chimney flue. Fallen soot in fireplaces.
If the pilot light in one of your gas appliances is frequently blowing out, it could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Here's why: Carbon monoxide is emitted during the burning of fuel. If the flame is burning clean, there will be trace amounts of CO in the air.
Carbon monoxide has no smell. It is an odorless, colorless gas that's a byproduct of combustion. Because carbon monoxide can leak from your gas furnace, stove, dryer, water heater, wood stove or gas fireplace, it is essential to put safeguards in place for immediate detection when a leak occurs.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs at low concentration levels in the air. It is commonly known as sewer gas, stink damp, and manure gas. At high concentration levels, it has a sickening sweet odor.
The heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that will transfer the heat from the combustion chamber. If this part becomes cracked or damaged, it can release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes into the air that can circulate through your HVAC ductwork and out into the air in your home.
If the odor is strong, leave the premises immediately and tell others to leave. Then, call your propane company from a neighbor's home. Outside gas odors should be reported right away - do not try to locate the source yourself.
For safety purposes, utility companies use an additive called mercaptan that gives colorless and odorless gases a smell that is hard to miss. Most people describe this smell as something like rotten eggs, sewage, or sulfur.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that coal tar is carcinogenic to humans and that creosote is probably carcinogenic to humans. The EPA has determined that coal tar creosote is a probable human carcinogen.
Damage to the Respiratory System – As mentioned above, creosote contains toxic chemicals that are harmful if inhaled and are known to cause damage to the lungs. Cancer-Causing Chemicals – Creosote doesn't just restrict airflow through a chimney, the chemical byproducts are also carcinogens.
The two best products to use To remove this hard as a rock glaze, it must firare Anti-Creo-Soot Liquid spray or ACS Powder. ACS in liquid form is a chimney creosote removal spray that can be applied directly onto the fire or used to pre-treat the wood before burning.
It is not safe to assume that a chimney fire will burn itself out. Though it is possible that it will eventually burn off and end, it is much better to call 9-1-1 if you have a chimney fire. A chimney fire can potentially spread to other parts of your home and risk the lives of the people inside.
Close inlet valves and chimney hatches.Use water or a fire extinguisher if the fire has spread outside the flue. You should leave the job of putting out the fire in the flue to the fire service, but if they cannot get to you quickly, you can try to control the fire with a powder extinguisher while you wait.
Third degree creosote buildup in a chimney. Hot fires kill creosote. If you have little to no creosote built up in your chimney, keep burning your fires hot! If you keep your chimney temperature above 250º F, you are far less likely to have problematic amounts of creosote accumulate between yearly cleanings.
4) It still smells (quite a bit) – The original Creosote was well known for its odour that would last for years and deter horses and other animals from chewing the timber.
Chimney creosote can also lead to chimney fires. Creosote is very flammable, so if it catches on fire, it can spread to your roof or into other parts of your house.
The initial and foremost guideline of any gas fireplace system is to have it inspected every year. With professional chimney companies, you can usually have your annual chimney cleaning and gas inspection scheduled at the same time. Matter of fact, your whole system should be inspected annually, top to bottom.
Place vinegar in a few shallow bowls around the room to absorb any smells that pass by. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the fireplace area to deodorize at the source. Spray a towel with vinegar and wave it around the room to absorb the fireplace odor.
A The odor you describe is that of creosote. Your chimney may need cleaning. But it also could be that your chimney is having trouble drafting, due to creosote buildup or pressure imbalances within the house, rather than outdoors.
How often should you clean your chimney? Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.
It's not safe to leave it on. Why Isn't It Safe? The biggest reason is that gas fireplaces can release deadly carbon monoxide gas, which is odourless and can go unnoticed until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is best to not leave your fireplace on for more than three hours at a time.
A: Yes, it's generally safe to leave the pilot light on in your gas fireplace. This small flame is designed to stay lit all the time. Q: What are the benefits of leaving the pilot light on? A: Keeping the pilot light on can prevent the build-up of moisture in the fireplace, which can lead to corrosion over time.
Inhaling burnt plastic is bad for you because it can expose you to a number of harmful chemicals. These chemicals include benzene, dioxins, particulates, and toluene. Each of these chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from respiratory problems to cancer (in severe cases).
Since most electrical wirings come with rubber or plastic insulation, an unusual burnt plastic smell can be a sign that you're at risk of an electrical fire. When this smell is inhaled into the lungs, such toxic particles can make breathing difficult and cause severe respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma.
Cognitive impairment is common during stroke and can be a lasting side effect. There is a common myth that during a stroke, the victim will perceive the smell of burning toast. The medical term for this is phantosmia; an olfactory hallucination. In other words, a phantom smell, or a smell that isn't really there.
The heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that will transfer the heat from the combustion chamber. If this part becomes cracked or damaged, it can release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes into the air that can circulate through your HVAC ductwork and out into the air in your home.
An electrical fire initially has a fairly acrid smell of plastic burning. The short could be in the outlet or in the wiring inside a wall and can be hard to locate. Experts say if you smell something electrical burning you are lucky – most warning signs of electrical fires are invisible and odourless.
Warning signs of an electrical fire include the smell of something burning, smoke emanating from sockets, walls or outlets that are warm or discolored, and flickering lights or circuits tripping.
Address: Suite 447 3463 Marybelle Circles, New Marlin, AL 20765
Phone: +5816749283868
Job: Sales Executive
Hobby: Air sports, Sand art, Electronics, LARPing, Baseball, Book restoration, Puzzles
Introduction: My name is Jerrold Considine, I am a combative, cheerful, encouraging, happy, enthusiastic, funny, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
