Q: We had a new stainless steel flue put in our fireplace, along with a new spark-arrestor and cap on top. They cleaned the old fireplace from top to bottom. Now smoke is coming out of the hearth. What’s the problem?

A: If your contractor matched the original flue in diameter and length and used the proper spark-arrestor, no smoking should occur. Change in flue and/or cap characteristics can result in improper draft and smoky house. Advise your contractor of this problem; he should come out and take a look at it.