‘My Chimney Smells Like Gas’: 7 Signs You Need a Myrtle Beach Chimney Sweep for Creosote-Related CO Risks (And When to Test)

By Andrew and Aguilar Chimney Inc Team · Updated October 13, 2026

If your Myrtle Beach chimney smells like gas, natural gas, or rotten eggs, it’s a sign of incomplete combustion—often caused by creosote buildup or a blocked flue. This isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a carbon monoxide (CO) risk. Schedule a chimney sweep immediately and request carbon monoxide testing. In Myrtle Beach’s high-humidity climate, creosote dries slower, accelerating dangerous buildup. Never ignore the smell: even a ‘minor’ odor can mask a life-threatening issue. Contact a Myrtle Beach chimney sweep for an urgent inspection before winter’s first fire.

1. What ‘Gas Smell’ in a Chimney Actually Means (And Why It’s Not Just Gas Leaks)

A chimney that smells like gas, rotten eggs, or even ‘wet dog’ isn’t always a gas line leak—though that’s a possibility. In 90% of cases where Myrtle Beach homeowners report this odor, the culprit is creosote, the tar-like byproduct of burning wood. When creosote coats your chimney walls, it blocks proper airflow, forcing smoke (and harmful gases like CO) to seep back into your home instead of venting outside. The ‘gas smell’ you detect is often carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that becomes noticeable only when mixed with other combustion byproducts.

Here’s the kicker: Myrtle Beach’s humid, coastal climate makes creosote buildup worse. The moisture in the air slows creosote’s natural drying process, turning Stage 1 (sooty) creosote into Stage 2 (tar-like) or even Stage 3 (hard, glassy glaze) faster than in drier regions. This means what might be a ‘light’ odor in upstate SC could signal an emergency in Myrtle Beach.

Pro Tip: If you’ve never burned wood in that fireplace, the smell is likely a gas leak—call a Myrtle Beach chimney sweep and your gas company immediately. But if you’ve used the fireplace recently, creosote is the top suspect. Learn how to distinguish gas leaks from chimney issues before assuming the worst.

A chimney inspection is a detailed, hands-on evaluation of your chimney’s structure, flue, and venting system to identify hazards like creosote buildup, cracks, or blockages—before they cause carbon monoxide leaks or chimney fires.

While a quick visual check might reveal obvious issues (like a cracked cap), a true chimney inspection goes deeper. In Myrtle Beach, where older homes with brick fireplaces are common, inspections often uncover hidden problems like mortar deterioration (from salt-air corrosion) or flue obstructions (from bird nests or debris). Here’s what a certified inspector will do during a Level 2 inspection (the gold standard for safety):

1. Creosote Assessment: Use a chimney camera to measure buildup thickness and stage (Stage 3 glaze is a fire hazard). 2. CO Testing: Deploy a high-accuracy CO detector near the fireplace to measure real-time emissions during a test burn. 3. Structural Check: Inspect for spalling bricks (common in Myrtle Beach’s coastal humidity) or flue liner cracks that could let CO seep into your home. 4. Draft Test: Verify proper airflow with a manometer—poor draft is a top cause of gas-like odors.

Why This Matters in Myrtle Beach: The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends inspections before winter, but our team sees creosote-related CO risks spike in October—when homeowners fire up their fireplaces for the first time after summer. If your inspection reveals Stage 2 or 3 creosote, we’ll recommend a deep cleaning (not just a sweep) to remove hardened deposits. Schedule a Myrtle Beach chimney inspection before your first fall fire—it’s cheaper than repairing CO damage.

2. The 7 Warning Signs Your Myrtle Beach Chimney Needs a Sweep Right Now (Beyond the Smell)

A gas-like odor is the most urgent sign, but creosote-related CO risks often show up in other ways. Here’s what to watch for in Myrtle Beach homes—especially those with older brick fireplaces or wood stoves (common in areas like Carolina Forest and North Myrtle Beach):

1. Yellow or Flickering Flames: Healthy fires burn blue. Yellow flames mean incomplete combustion, which creates more creosote and CO. 2. Soot on Walls or Ceilings: Black streaks near the fireplace? That’s creosote escaping into your home. In Myrtle Beach’s humid air, soot sticks to surfaces faster. 3. Condensation Inside the Chimney: A ‘wet’ chimney smell (like damp wood) signals moisture trapped by creosote, which accelerates rust and CO risks. 4. Animals Nesting in Your Chimney: Birds, squirrels, or raccoons (common in Surfside Beach’s wooded areas) block flues, forcing smoke back into your home. 5. High Humidity Days Trigger the Smell: If the odor worsens when Myrtle Beach’s humidity spikes (like in August or September), creosote is the likely cause. 6. Your CO Detector Beeps After Using the Fireplace: Even if the alarm clears quickly, this means CO is present—creosote buildup is the #1 cause. 7. Your Fireplace ‘Smokes’ Indoors: If smoke lingers in the room instead of rising up the chimney, your flue is partially blocked by creosote or debris.

Local Note: Homes near Myrtle Beach State Park or Broadway at the Beach often have older masonry chimneys prone to creosote buildup. If your home was built before 2000, annual inspections are non-negotiable. See our Myrtle Beach chimney maintenance calendar for seasonal checklists.

3. ‘I Smell Gas, But My Fireplace is Gas—What’s Really Happening?’

If your fireplace is gas-powered, a ‘gas smell’ isn’t from burning wood—but it’s still an emergency. In Myrtle Beach, three scenarios cause this:

1. Venting Issues: A blocked or cracked vent forces burner gases (including CO) back into your home. This is common in older homes with clay tile liners (prone to cracks from humidity). 2. Faulty Appliance: A malfunctioning gas valve or pilot light can leak natural gas (which smells like rotten eggs due to added mercaptan). 3. Creosote from Past Wood Burns: Even if you’ve switched to gas, old creosote from previous wood fires can trap gases. The smell might not appear until you light the gas fireplace.

What to Do: - Turn off the fireplace immediately and open windows. - Call a Myrtle Beach chimney sweep and your gas company—we’ll inspect the venting, while the gas company checks for leaks. - Never use the fireplace again until both issues are resolved.

Pro Tip: If you’re converting from wood to gas, have your chimney inspected first. Leftover creosote can ignite when exposed to gas flames, causing a chimney fire. Compare wood vs. gas fireplaces to choose the safest option for your Myrtle Beach home.

4. Carbon Monoxide Testing & Ventilation Checks: What Myrtle Beach Chimney Sweeps Do Differently

Not all chimney sweeps offer CO testing—but in Myrtle Beach, where humidity and older homes increase risks, this step is critical. Here’s how we handle it:

1. Pre-Burn CO Test: We use a portable CO analyzer to measure baseline levels before you light a fire. This tells us if your chimney is already leaking CO. 2. Controlled Burn Test: After cleaning, we conduct a test burn with the analyzer running. If CO spikes during operation, we’ll identify the cause (creosote, draft issues, or structural flaws). 3. Post-Cleaning Verification: We retest after sweeping to confirm the problem is resolved. If CO levels drop but aren’t zero, we’ll recommend additional repairs (like relining or waterproofing).

Why This Matters: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 20% of CO poisonings come from heating appliances—including fireplaces. In Myrtle Beach, older homes (especially those near Murrells Inlet or Garden City Beach) are at higher risk due to salt-air corrosion weakening chimney structures.

Local Example: Last winter, a home in Loris had a gas fireplace that smelled like rotten eggs. Our CO test revealed 120 ppm (well above the 35 ppm safety threshold)—caused by a cracked flue liner. The homeowner had no idea until we tested. See our CO safety guide for more on why testing isn’t optional.

5. ‘I Found Creosote—How Fast Can It Turn Deadly?’ (Myrtle Beach’s Unique Risks)

Creosote doesn’t become a CO hazard overnight, but in Myrtle Beach’s climate, it progresses faster than in drier areas. Here’s the timeline:

| Creosote Stage | Appearance | CO Risk Level | Myrtle Beach Acceleration Factor | Action Needed | |---------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Stage 1 (Sooty) | Light dusting on walls | Low | Humidity slows drying → advances to Stage 2 faster | Sweep every 3–4 burns | | Stage 2 (Tar-like) | Sticky, gooey buildup | Moderate (CO possible) | Coastal salt air hardens tar → cracks form | Deep clean + inspect for cracks | | Stage 3 (Glaze) | Hard, glassy coating | High (CO + fire risk) | Humidity + heat cycles crack glaze → CO leaks | Emergency sweep + reline if needed |

Why Myrtle Beach Speeds This Up: - Higher humidity keeps creosote damp longer, preventing it from flaking out naturally. - Salt air corrodes metal components (like dampers), creating gaps for CO to escape. - Older masonry (common in Conway’s historic districts) absorbs moisture, trapping creosote.

Real-Life Case: A North Myrtle Beach homeowner ignored Stage 2 creosote for a year. By winter, it had glazed over—blocking 80% of the flue. When they finally lit the fire, CO levels spiked to 180 ppm, requiring hospital treatment. Avoid this by scheduling a sweep before creosote reaches Stage 2—it’s a simple fix that prevents disasters.

6. ‘I Can’t Afford a Chimney Sweep—What Are My Cheaper Alternatives?’ (And Why They Fail in Myrtle Beach)

Skipping a chimney sweep to save money is a false economy. Here’s what ‘cheaper’ options cost in the long run:

- DIY Sweeping: Using a brush from a hardware store might remove surface soot, but creosote clings to walls—especially in Myrtle Beach’s humid chimneys. You’ll miss 90% of the buildup, leaving CO risks untouched. See why DIY fails. - Waiting Until ‘It’s Bad’: By the time you see creosote (Stage 2/3), you’re looking at $500–$1,500 for deep cleaning + repairs—plus potential CO poisoning medical bills. - Ignoring the Smell: CO exposure can cause headaches, nausea, or even death. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates 430 accidental CO poisonings yearly from heating systems—many preventable with inspections.

The Smarter Investment: - Preventive Sweeping: Costs $120–$250 in Myrtle Beach (vs. $500+ for emergency work). - CO Testing Add-On: Only $50 extra—but catches hazards before they’re deadly. - Annual Inspections: The CSIA says this cuts repair costs by 60% over time.

Local Cost Note: In Georgetown or Little River, where homes have taller chimneys, sweeps run $150–$300 due to equipment needs. But the real cost is avoiding CO poisoning. Get a free estimate to lock in your seasonal rate before prices rise in fall.

7. ‘I Fixed the Problem—When Should I Sweep Next?’ (Myrtle Beach’s Seasonal Schedule)

The answer depends on how you use your fireplace and your chimney’s condition. Here’s our Myrtle Beach-specific timeline (based on local climate and home types):

| Your Usage Level | Recommended Sweep Frequency | Best Time to Schedule | Why It Matters in Myrtle Beach | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Rare use (1–2 times/year) | Every 2 years | October (before first burn) | Humidity slows creosote drying—waiting risks Stage 2 buildup. | | Moderate (weekly burns) | Annually | September–October | Coastal humidity accelerates creosote—don’t wait until winter! | | Heavy (daily burns) | Every 6 months | Spring + Fall | Myrtle Beach’s damp winters worsen creosote—bi-annual sweeps are safest. | | Gas fireplace only | Every 2 years + CO test | Before winter | Old creosote from past wood burns can ignite with gas flames. |

Pro Tip: If you’re in a high-humidity area (like near Barefoot Landing or Duck Pond Woods), schedule your sweep earlier—creosote dries slower. See our full Myrtle Beach chimney maintenance calendar for month-by-month tips.

Local Insight: Homes in Aynor (with older brick chimneys) often need more frequent sweeps due to mortar erosion from salt air. If your chimney is over 30 years old, annual inspections are a must. Book your fall sweep now—slots fill fast as Myrtle Beach homeowners prep for winter.

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