Updated September 10, 2026
How much housing does Nashville have?
The Census counts 333,074 housing units in Nashville for a population of about 684,298 — roughly 2.1 people for every housing unit.
That is the largest of the four Tennessee cities with a page here; the next, Memphis, counts 292,290.
Who arranges chimney work on a Nashville home?
About 53% of occupied Nashville homes are owner-occupied, which leaves about 47% rented.
Even at 53% owner-occupied, the remaining 47% of Nashville homes are rented, where the person who notices a problem and the person who authorizes the repair are not the same. Say which you are when you send a request.
Tenure also decides who keeps the paperwork. A Nashville chimney's earlier reports follow the property, not the occupant, so ask for them whichever side of that 53% you are on.
Which cities near Nashville have their own page here?
Chattanooga, about 115 miles away, Knoxville, about 159 miles away, and Memphis, about 193 miles away — measured from Nashville.
Those are great-circle distances between the Census 2023 Gazetteer interior points of each place, so the drive is longer than the figure.
Chattanooga's median build year is 1975 against Nashville's 1985, a 10-year difference in the housing the two chimneys belong to.
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 NashvilleA 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.