problem with smoke coming into the room

[PA Mountain Man]

Thank you for your thoughts. One main question we have had is why is it an issue this year-never had this problem in the past 10 years.

It probably just took that long to build up and cause a problem. Every burning season is different and the wood is different. I clean mine out at the end of the burn season and then 2 times every winter. I have a three story clay flue liner and I need to stay on top of chimney cleaning during the season. For me it's piece of mind to clean and inspect the system. Sometimes I get the glossy creosote, it doesn't take long and I can tell by the way the draft is functioning.
Welcome to Hearth. Good luck getting your stove back in top shape.

 

[treborfrodsrem]

Wl have had the chimney cleaned every year. However I believe that no on has cleaned inside the stove. I agree that it probably just took this long for the stuff to build up. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.