The #1 problem we find when a customer calls to tell us that their stove wont draft or can't start a fire without a lot of smoke coming in my home or a strong smell of smoke in the home when using their wood stove relates to the 1/2" Screened Spark Arrestors that are a California Requirement and need to be checked periodically for cleanliness. If you start to smell smoke in your home, check your Spark Arrestor!