Installing a fireplace blower dramatically decreases the utility bills, so your pocket. Plus, a quality fireplace blower makes your fireplace more effective in heating your entire house.
Thinking about all these amazing benefits, you have got one of the best fireplace blowers. But, now you are struggling to install it. That’s the reason you are here.
Don’t worry. You are in the right place. We will tell you how to install a fireplace blower in just 4 simple steps.
If you follow our steps, you would be capable of installing your fireplace blower yourself. Thus, you can save at least 100-150 dollars from the installation fee.
So, let’s get started without further ado…
How to Install a Prewired Fireplace Blower in 4 Easy Steps
These days, you can get pre-wired fireplace heat exchangers. Those models are much easier to install as they don’t need to be hard-wired. We’ll first discuss how to install a gas fireplace blower that comes pre-wired as well as how to replace the fireplace blower if you previously had one.
But, don’t worry if you have a model that needs to be hardwired. We’ll discuss how to hardwire your blower kit a bit later. Don’t skip this part as the processes are mostly the same. You’ll need to read this thoroughly to properly install your blower kit.
Take a Look At Your Blower Kit
Prepare by checking all the components of your fireplace heat exchanger blower kit. Most fireplace heat exchangers come with these standard parts-
- Blower Fan
- Variable speed control
- Magnetic heat sensor
- Two or three-prong power cord
Your fireplace heat exchanger may have more or fewer components depending on the model.
Things You’ll Need for The Installation
Now that you are familiar with all of the parts in your fireplace heat exchanger, you are ready to start the installation. You’ll just need to grab a few things.
- WD40 or another lubricant
- Screwdriver
- Your fireplace heat exchanger blower kit
- Washer
- Three to two-prong adapter (for some models)
With all of these things at hand, you are good to go. Here’s how you make the installation in just a few quick steps.
Step 1: Open The Fireplace Insert
Modern gas fireplaces have gas inserts enclosing them to protect them from heat loss. They are made of steel or cast iron and fronted by insulation glass.
The first step is to open the fireplace insert. Ensure that the fireplace is completely cool before starting. Turn off the gas supply and power to your fireplace at your fusebox for safety. You will find a knock-out plate at the bottom of your fireplace insert.
This plate is screwed shut. There’s a possibility that the screws are too tight to remove without using WD40 or any other lubricant that is handy. You will only need a small amount of lubricant to apply to the screws. After waiting for the lubricant to be absorbed, the screw will turn much easier.
Carefully place the screws somewhere, you’ll need to screw them back on later.
Step 2: Removing Old Blower Motor If You Have One And Placing The New Motor
If you have an old motor installed, first you’ll need to remove it. After unplugging the motor from its power source, remove the heat sensor. Most heat sensors are magnetic, so you’ll just need to pull on the heat sensor to remove it.
A lot of blower motors have magnetic or rubber feet. If yours is like that you can also remove them with a pull as they aren’t secured that tightly in place. Some of you may have to unscrew your blower motor’s mounting bracket.
Disconnect any other additional wiring attached to your old blower kit. Remove it carefully from the blower space and you are ready to install a new one.
For those of you who don’t have an old blower to remove, here’s where your second step starts. You’ll need to put the blower at the new blower at the back of the fireplace. Leave a little bit of gap between the blower and the back of the fireplace.
This will help you reduce noise caused by vibration. Attach the heat sensor to the underside of the combustion area. It is magnetic in most models, so you may not need to screw it on.
Step 3: Securing The Variable Speed Control
Some models come with a safety pad at the bottom of the speed control which can be used to secure the speed control to the base of the service opening. If your gas fireplace has a slot for the switch, you can fit the speed control in there.
Remove the knob on the speed control. It can be very snug. Using a large, flat screwdriver can help you with the removal. Once the knob is off, you’ll see a lock nut. Use this lock nut and a washer to secure the control onto the slot.
After securing the nut tightly, put the knob back on the speed control.
Step 4: Connect The Power Cord
If your model has a two-pronged cord, you can simply connect it to a two-pronged power outlet, which is more common in households. Don’t worry if your model has a three-pronged power cord. You can get a three to the two-prong adapter to make the connection. These adapters are easy to get your hands on.
Make sure no wires are touching the underside of the combustion chamber. Other than the orange ignitor and thermo-pile wires that pass through to the pilot assembly. You can turn the blower off if you turn the speed control knob counterclockwise till you hear a click. To turn it back on, simply turn the control clockwise till it clicks.
The intensity of the blower increases as you keep turning it clockwise.
How to Install a Fireplace Blower That Needs To Be Hardwired
I’ll explain here what you need to do differently. Your hardwired blower kit doesn’t need to be connected to a power outlet. After removing the old blower motor, if you had one, follow these steps to hardwire your blower.
- you’ll need to take the service wire from your fireplace’s junction control box and thread it through the blower opening.
- You have to secure them to the blower clamp.
- Your blower will come with a black, a white, and a ground wire. Connect them to the junction box’s black wire, white wire, and ground stud respectively.
- Now, you just need to place the blower at the back as you would for a pre-wired blower kit and set up the other components.
- Turn the power on at the fusebox to get started. It is as simple as that!
FAQ
How long does it take for a fireplace blower to turn on?
Ans: This depends on the model of your fireplace. Generally, it takes a rough 10-20 minutes for a fireplace blower to turn on. This is because the fan doesn’t kick in before the heat sensor on the blower kit reaches about 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also doesn’t shut off instantly like a lightbulb. The blower keeps circulating heat from the fireplace to the surrounding air even after you’ve shut down your fireplace. It keeps running till the remaining heat is purged.
How do I make my fireplace blower quieter?
Ans: If you have been using your fireplace blower for a while, its blades will likely collect a large amount of dust. That may be what is causing the noise. There could also be some blade damage on the blower or wiring issues.
First, you’ll need to remove the blower to inspect it carefully. Clean it out with a cloth. If there is no physical damage on the blower and it seems fine, reinstall it. Make sure you’ve wired the blower motor correctly. Heat your fireplace to test the blower.
If your issue isn’t fixed still, you could have a professional look at your blower or replace it with some of the quieter models out there. Such as-
- GFK-160A-GFK-160 Fireplace Blower Kit
- VICOOL GFK-160 GFK-160A Replacement Stove Fireplace Blower Fan Kit
- AIRBLAZE T12 Universal Fireplace Blower Fan Kit
Can I leave the gas fireplace on all night?
Ans: It is not a good idea to leave your fireplace on overnight. This is because there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Even though your fireplace is unlikely to produce the amount of carbon monoxide it takes to cause poisoning, I don’t recommend taking the risk. You must have carbon monoxide detectors in your house to avoid mishaps.
If your gas fireplace’s glass door opens easily and there’s a lack of vents, they are too risky to leave on for long. A fully-vented and sealed fireplace is safer to leave on at night as they are made to be run continuously. But I’d still avoid leaving it on overnight.
Conclusion
I hope you could come up with our step-by-step installation. So, now you know how to install a fireplace blower yourself.
To stay warm even when it is cold outside, get one of the best fireplace blowers and install it following our 4 simple steps. And thus enjoy a cozy winter night.
