Integrating Blowers into Existing Gas Fireplaces
Adding a blower fan kit is an excellent way to improve the performance of your existing gas fireplace. Blower fans help circulate warm air from the fireplace into the room more efficiently, allowing you to enjoy more even heat distribution and greater comfort.
We'll cover proper planning and preparation, provide a step-by-step blower installation tutorial, and share tips for operating and maintaining your new fireplace blower.
Benefits of Adding a Blower Fan
There are several notable benefits to upgrading your gas fireplace with an integrated blower fan kit:
- Circulates heat more evenly throughout the room
- Increases efficiency and heat output
- Helps reduce energy bills
- Ideal for heating larger rooms
- Operates quietly to enhance ambiance
- Easy DIY installation in 1-2 hours
- Improves temperature control with a thermostat
By adding a blower, you can transform an inefficient gas fireplace into a true heat source for your living room, bedroom, or other spaces. The fans distribute air warmed by the firebox outward in a convection process that grants cozier warmth for gathering areas.
How Do Blowers Improve Gas Fireplace Performance?
Gas fireplace blowers utilize the scientific principle of convection to enhance heat circulation. Convection moves heat via the natural movement of warmed air or liquid. By pulling in cool room air and pushing out warm air, blowers create beneficial air currents.
This air movement helps prevent "cold spots" in a room by distributing comfortable warmth to more areas. Blowers also increase the efficiency and BTU heat output of a fireplace by accelerating air flow. Overall, you get greater heating coverage from your gas fireplace with a properly matched add-on blower.
Types of Gas Fireplaces
Before installing a blower kit, you must identify your specific fireplace type, as blowers are designed for compatibility with different models. The main gas fireplace configurations include:
- Vent-Free Fireplaces - Affordable, no outside ventilation required
- Direct-Vent - Uses intake and exhaust pipe system
- B-Vent - Utilizes natural draft ventilation
Carefully research which blower kits are recommended by manufacturers for your make and model. Getting an accurate match helps ensure safety, performance, and simplified DIY installation.
Planning Your Gas Fireplace Blower Installation Project
Adding a blower fan to an existing wood-burning or gas fireplace requires careful planning and preparation for smooth installation. Here is an overview of key steps:
1. Research Blower Compatibility
Confirm kit compatibility with your specific fireplace make and model. Provide info like the serial number to customer support. Consider noise ratings and CFM power.
2. Purchase Recommended Kit
Buy the manufacturer recommended blower kit for guaranteed fit and safety. Check your fireplace manual as a starting point. Kits run $100 to $300+.
3. Gather Tools & Materials
Have ready a drill, screwdrivers, crimping tool, screws, insulation, crowbar, and duct tape. Ensure you can access the fireplace interior.
4. Turn Off Gas and Electric
Shut off the gas line and disconnect electricity to safely work on your fireplace innards.
Step-By-Step Gas Fireplace Blower Installation
With proper planning finished, now we tackle installing the blower kit in your gas fireplace. The main steps include:
1. Remove Glass Door & Logs
Carefully remove the glass door and inner ceramic logs or refractory panels to access the firebox.
2. Mount Motor Housing
Attach and secure the blower motor bracket/housing to the fireplace floor or rear wall per your manual.
3. Install Blower Wheels & Connect Ducting
Mount the blower fan wheels on the motor spindle and connect the flexible aluminum ducting.
4. Attach Wiring Harness
Connect the motor wiring harness to the unswitched power supply leads as outlined in the kit instructions.
5. Reinstall Logs & Glass Door
Replace the glass door and logs, verifying the blower spins freely without obstruction.
With all kit components properly installed, the blower will smoothly circulate heated air on cue. Now let's cover how to operate your upgraded gas fireplace.
How to Operate Your New Gas Fireplace Blower
Learning how to use your fireplace's variable speed blower will allow you to enjoy maximized comfort and heat efficiency. Here are some blower operation tips:
Adjust Fan Speed
Use the variable speed dial to control fan speed based on heating needs and noise preferences.
Direct Airflow
Pivot ducting to angle warm airflow where needed most in the room.
Set Thermostat
Use an optional thermostat for automatic blower activation upon reaching set temperature.
Turn Off Manually
Turn the blower on/off manually using wall switch controls as desired.
Experiment with settings to optimize heat circulation from your upgraded gas fireplace. Adding a blower fan also calls for proper maintenance.
Gas Fireplace Blower Maintenance Tips
Conducting routine blower system maintenance ensures your investment continues providing cozy warmth and energy savings for years on end. Follow these upkeep guidelines:
- Clean fan blades regularly using a vacuum or duster
- Check wiring connections to prevent hazards
- Ensure proper ventilation for motor cooling
- Listen for abnormal noises indicating issues
- Hire a professional for deep cleanings
By verifying your blower kit operates smoothly year after year, you'll enjoy ideal fireplace heating capabilities and household energy efficiency.
Adding a blower fan kit to your existing gas fireplace provides an affordable upgrade that unlocks superior comfort and heating utility from your hearth. After confirming model compatibility and purchasing the recommended kit, installation is a straightforward DIY project requiring just basic tools and materials.
Integrating a blower allows your gas fireplace to distribute heat more evenly throughout rooms for a truly cozy gathering spot. Just be sure to follow usage and maintenance guidelines for safe operation. With the improved efficiency and heat circulation provided by properly installed blowers, upgrading your gas fireplace delivers reliable returns on investment for homeowners seeking the utmost in fireplace coziness.