Having trouble with getting the draft (smoke) to UP the chimney. It seems to be coming down and into the house. This is not a new fireplace but just started this season.

Have you tightened up the house or added a furnace or something else that would compete for combustion air? If so, some suggest cracking a window. I have my house so tight, my fire place wasn't drawing right. You can buy kits for some fireplaces. I made my own, a length of 4'' stove pipe out to the drafty garage. I can give details if you want.

This may be a stupid question, but did you do the following?

1. Have the chimney swept prior to lighting a fire
2. Ensure that the draft is open (the draft is a flap of metal that basically closes off the chimney when you're not using it).