An odor is a useful symptom to report, but smell alone does not identify the material or prove the chimney is safe. Arrange a professional assessment before further use.
Updated September 10, 2026
Your home in Idaho Falls.
About 49% of occupied homes in Idaho Falls heat primarily with utility gas. A chimney in Idaho Falls may therefore serve an oil, electric, or wood-heated home, so identify the appliance connected to each flue before planning service. About 0.5% of occupied homes in Idaho Falls use wood as their primary heating fuel. Most fireplaces in Idaho Falls see occasional use, and even occasional use calls for an inspection before the heating season. The nearest NOAA climate normals station (Idaho Falls Kifi, about 2 miles from the Idaho Falls city center) averages 7,335 heating degree days per year. That is a long heating season in which venting runs for months and freeze-thaw cycles work on exposed masonry, so check exposed brick and the crown after winter from a safe position.
What you can observe safely
- Note whether the odor happens during use or when the fireplace is cold.
- Record the date of the last inspection if known.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Combustion deposits
- Moisture interacting with deposits
- Airflow conditions
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Chimney cleaning in Idaho FallsA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.