ᐅ New Cheminee Frei Oeko Plus 75 x 57 F+ is producing smoke

Instead of the 30-year-old open fireplace, we had a new Cheminée Frei Oeko plus 75 x 57 F+L installed. When operating with the door open, an unpleasant smoke smell soon spreads, which after no more than half an hour requires closing the door and intensive ventilation. The fireplace installer says we just have to live with it and use it with the door closed, or have a new chimney cap installed to improve draft. Some additional information:

• The old fireplace had very good draft and never caused smoke odors
• The draft in the new system is also very good
• The manufacturer explicitly allows operation with the door open in the user manual and even sells accessories for grilling...
• An external air supply is installed
• Smoke emission is constant and independent of weather conditions

The smoke appears clearly ONLY when the door is open and ONLY from the gap between the door and the outer wall of the insert. It seems that inside the firebox, “swirling” currents develop that cause the smoke to move along the inside of the open glass door, then creep along the door, descend on the outside, and enter the living space. We therefore fear that the proposed draft improvement is not the cause of the smoke leakage.

Does anyone have any advice? Is this not a design flaw of the insert? Do we really have to live with it?

Thank you very much for your help.

Hello Jimbo,
It is not easy to identify the fault remotely; however, based on your description and my own experience, you should try all the adjustable settings on the fireplace to regulate the draft:
Do not exceed the recommended quantity of firewood stated in the user manual, and adjust the combustion air slider and the flue gas damper correctly (also depending on the chimney height).
Carefully review the user manual, as it contains several tips regarding the settings.
Also keep in mind: During the first fires, unpleasant odors can occur due to the heating of metal coatings. This usually subsides quickly. The user manual recommends carrying out the initial fires in a well-ventilated living space.

Thank you, Hertweck, for the advice. Unfortunately, the whole issue has already been thoroughly examined. Specifically:
- The amount of wood used was not excessive, rather below the recommended quantity.
- Settings were made according to the manufacturer’s instructions from the fireplace builder and then repeatedly checked, including by the insert manufacturer.
- Initially, fumes resembling grease vapors from sheet metal were noticeable during the first fires, but no longer. The smell is clearly that of wood smoke.

In my opinion, the key factor is the "movement" of the smoke along the inside of the raised glass panel and its subsequent descent on the outside. I am somewhat skeptical about the effectiveness of the draft improvement measures. Two sheet metal components have already been removed – the draft is now better than with the old system, yet the smell continues unabated...

Jimbo

Well, as I said, just from a distance... Have you already contacted the manufacturer directly, or the district chimney sweep master (that’s what it’s called here in Germany; maybe there is a similar professional in Switzerland)? A fireplace definitely should not smell.

Hello Jimbo

We also had a fireplace from the company Frei installed (model KK Front 65/70).
Operating it with the door open is impossible, as smoke immediately flows into the living area. When burning with the door closed, there is a strong smoke odor in the corners of the lintel. That is why the fireplace front needs to be repainted every winter. The sliding glass door turns black after only two uses.

The system was installed according to the company’s guidelines, including fresh air supply, chimney cross-section, etc. (The chimney draft works excellently.)
The company’s service technician has checked all settings several times.
The sliding door was replaced and the entire installation inspected. No visible defects were found.

Have you been able to solve this problem, or does anyone else have any advice?
We would be very grateful for any information or assistance.

Many thanks and best regards

Fellini

Hello Fellini,

In cases like this, the draft of the chimney and/or the combustion temperature are not correct. The smoke gases must not flow into the living area; with proper draft, they should be drawn up the chimney.
In Germany, we still have the traditional role of the "district chimney sweep master," who always provides expert advice in such cases. Is there a similar professional in Switzerland, like a chimney sweep or related expert? If so, you should consult them for advice. These kinds of issues can only be resolved on site.