Fireplaces act as a heater, but unfortunately they are not the most efficient at heating. For vented sets, the chimney needs to vent the byproducts of combustion and the better it is at venting, the worse it is at heating. For vent-free sets, the flame isn't going to be as strong and is already at the limit of what it can do. So the thought comes up to take more of the hot air from the fireplace and push it into the room. Unfortunately fans and blowers are not the solution with our products.
While fans and blowers can potentially push more hot air out of the fireplace and into the room, there are potential negative effects that prevent us from recommending any of these products from being used with our fireplace sets. For blowers, it will likely blow soot into the room and make it dirty. It could also potentially blow the negative products of combustion into the room that normally go up the chimney in vented sets, or alter the flame in vent free sets to produce negative products of combustion that are not normally formed in the normal operation of these sets. With heat exchange fans it can be similar as far as pushing soot into the room, but also they require electricity in the firebox and can be noisy. As a result, we do not recommend the use of fans or blowers with our fireplace sets.
Instead, there are a few other solutions for generating more heat from your set. A heat-reflecting fireback can be used in the back of a fireplace to direct more heat into the room. Also a hood can be installed in front of your fireplace to trap some of the warm air and move it out more horizontally. Another interesting solution would be if you have a ceiling fan to run it in reverse to blow the hot air that has risen to the top of the room down lower, but be careful that it doesn't affect the flame like a fan or blower inside the firebox might. Finally, although it may be too late for most, if you are building a new fireplace or remodeling an old one, try making it a Rumford fireplace as that design of fireplace is generally better at projecting heat into the room than traditional types.
FAQs
The released air from the blower helps increase the ambient temperature of the air in the room and, therefore, increases the fireplace's effectiveness, insert, or stoves heating. It does not increase the heating capacity of the unit.
How do I get more heat from my gas log set? ›
Instead, there are a few other solutions for generating more heat from your set. A heat-reflecting fireback can be used in the back of a fireplace to direct more heat into the room. Also a hood can be installed in front of your fireplace to trap some of the warm air and move it out more horizontally.
Can you use a fan to circulate heat from a fireplace? ›
While fans can (and often do) help cool you down, their primary function is simply air circulation. Fans can also be utilized to spread warm air. If you have a fireplace that only heats the two square feet around it, a fan can help amplify the warmth to the whole room.
How to circulate heat from gas logs? ›
Place the box fan on low facing into the space where your fireplace is, blowing the cool air at the unit. This will cause convection reaction and the hot air will be forced away from the burning unit. If in a small room, the hot air will be moving out the door into larger spaces in no time.
Does a blower make a gas fireplace more efficient? ›
A gas fireplace with a blower can significantly improve heating efficiency by increasing heat output, distributing heat more evenly, and providing faster heating. These factors can result in energy savings and increased comfort in your home.
Do heat-powered fans work on a gas fireplace? ›
Yes, you can add a fan/blower to most gas and wood fireplaces, inserts, and stoves.
How do I make my fireplace radiate more heat? ›
9 Ways To Increase the Heat From Your Wood-Burning Fireplace
- Burn Good Wood.
- Coals Are Your Goal.
- Stack Wood Log Cabin Style.
- Get a Fire Back.
- Use Andirons, Not a Grate.
- Build a New Fireplace.
- Add a Fireplace Insert.
- Cool It With Cleaning.
That's great, but why should you have one? Well, because it increases the efficiency of your fireplace. Without a blower or fireplace fan, a significant amount of heat is lost. It'll keep the firebox and your chimney comfortable in the middle of winter, but not your home like it's supposed to.
How effective are fireplace fans? ›
Improved Energy Efficiency
In addition to even heat distribution, a fireplace blower also contributes to energy efficiency. By helping to circulate warm air, it reduces the need to constantly stoke the fire or turn up your central heating system.
How to use a fan to circulate heat? ›
Your ceiling fan can help distribute and maintain heat pumped out your furnace. In turn, you can adjust your thermostat to a lower setting, but still keep warm and save on your heating costs. In cooler months, your ceiling fan should be spinning clockwise at a low speed.
People often ask if they can they add a fan or blower to their vent-free fireplaces. The answer is, yes — there are many gas fireplace models that have louvers (grilles) on the front where a blower kit can be easily installed.
Do gas log sets give off heat? ›
Gas logs are usually more for looks and aesthetics than for warmth. While they will emit some heat, they do not discharge as much heat as a built-in gas fireplace or gas insert. Most of the heat that is generated from a gas log set goes right up your chimney – just like a wood burning fireplace.
How do I make my gas fire pit radiate more heat? ›
Reflective Surfaces: Fire pits incorporating reflective materials like stainless steel or copper can enhance heat radiation. These materials reflect the heat energy into the surroundings, effectively increasing how warm the fire pit's heat feels to everyone around the flames.
Why does my gas fireplace not heat the room? ›
Make sure to fully open the damper when starting the fire. When you have a great fire going, slightly close the damper to prevent excess heat from escaping. If the room still isn't warm enough, close the damper a little bit more. This will enhance your heating output.
Why is a blower better than a heater? ›
Application Environment. Hot air heaters are typically better for smaller, enclosed spaces that require precise heat control. In contrast, hot air blowers are suitable for larger industrial environments where powerful air movement is necessary.
How to heat a whole house with a fireplace? ›
One traditional fireplace can't produce enough heat to warm your entire house. Fireplaces typically generate enough heat to warm the room they're in, and they can be very effective at heating that space. To heat your entire home, you would need a fireplace in every room that you want to be heated.
Why is log burner not getting hot enough? ›
Your woodburner relies on the pull of air through its vents or air supply, into the firebox and up the flue to keep it burning effectively. If there's a build-up of soot or creosote in your flue, this can hinder the efficiency of the stove and reduce the amount of heat that it produces.
Why doesn't my log burner give out much heat? ›
The most likely explanation here is that not enough fuel is being burnt quickly enough to generate the heat output capabilities. When lighting the fire it is important to get the appliance very hot and to establish a glowing fuel bed before adding new fuel. This enables new fuel to start burning straight away.
Why is my gas fireplace not hot enough? ›
Adequate airflow is imperative to the combustion process, so it makes good sense that inadequate air flow would lead to reduced heat output. Issues may arise from a variety of factors: creosote build up or other blockages in the chimney flue, insufficient ventilation, or negative air pressure within the home.
Why is my log burner not warm? ›
Make sure your log burner has an adequate source of fresh air, such as an air vent. Some log burners come with an integrated external air connection, feeding them air for combustion directly from outside your property. Also, check the air control settings on your stove to ensure they are not restricting the airflow.
