Smoke entering a room is a reason to stop using the fireplace. Leave immediately if there is a carbon monoxide alarm, significant smoke, or anyone feels unwell; call emergency services from outside.
Updated September 10, 2026
Your home in Rochester.
About 75% of occupied homes in Rochester heat primarily with utility gas. Many chimneys in Rochester therefore vent a gas furnace, boiler, or water heater rather than a wood fire, and those flues still need inspection for liner condition, moisture, and blockage. About 0.1% of occupied homes in Rochester use wood as their primary heating fuel. Most fireplaces in Rochester see occasional use, and even occasional use calls for an inspection before the heating season. The nearest NOAA climate normals station (Rochester International Airport, about 8 miles from the Rochester city center) averages 7,720 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
- Once safely outside, note what was happening when the problem began.
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
- Obstruction or restricted smoke path
- Venting or appliance issue
- Air-pressure conditions requiring diagnosis
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Chimney inspection in RochesterA 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.
Sources & further reading
Source checked 2026-09-10.