We're toying with the idea of drilling a hole through the side of our wood burning firebox to the outside to allow fresh air in instead of the fire depleting the air in our house and causing negative pressure and hence make it easier for the smoke to ventilate up the flue like it's supposed to. We did have problems with our flue with smoke coming out and then we got an exhaust fan to force it out but we still think that a vent to the outside will help.

But we're no pros.

what do you think?

Would it benefit us to make such a vent?

What size pipe is typically used for such a vent? 4" ? And what position is best? We're thinking lower side of the wall towards the back.