Circulate Heat and Comfort with Fireplace Insert Fans

There's nothing quite like gathering around a cozy fire on a cold winter day. The dancing flames provide warmth and comfort. But if you have a fireplace insert, you may find that the heat doesn't circulate well throughout the room. Only the area right near the fireplace feels toasty, while the rest of the room remains chilly. Installing a blower fan designed for your fireplace insert can help spread warmth more evenly. Keep reading to learn how these handy fans can optimize your insert's heating performance.

Fireplace inserts are prefabricated sealed fireboxes that get inserted into an existing masonry or zero-clearance fireplace. They burn more efficiently than old drafty masonry fireplaces. But without a fan, most of the heat still rises straight up the chimney instead of entering the room. A blower fan on your insert pulls in cool room air, warms it up, and disperses it back out into the living space. This circulation helps transfer heat from the fire into the whole area.

How Do Fans Improve Fireplace Insert Performance?

Fireplace insert fans utilize a straightforward concept. An electric motor turns a fan blade that draws cool air from the room into an air channel around the sealed firebox. As this air gets warmed, the fan pushes it back out into the living area through built-in vents. This constant circulation improves convection, or the natural movement of air due to temperature differences.

Without a fan, room air only circulates through natural convection around the fireplace. Most of the rising warm air gets sucked straight up the chimney. Adding a fan enhances this convection effect. More heated airflow gets directed into the space rather than up the flue. With better circulation distributing warmth, the entire room feels cozy instead of just the immediate fireplace vicinity.

Types of Fireplace Insert Fans

Several types of electric fans are designed to help circulate air and improve heat distribution from fireplace inserts. The most common are blower fans. These fans mount either internally or externally to the sealed firebox. Internal blowers sit underneath the firebox inside the surround behind grilles. Exterior blowers attach to the front or side vents.

Blower fans come in different CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings indicating airflow. More airflow means they can move heat faster and farther. Smaller inserts may only need a 90 CFM fan, while larger ones perform better with 140-200+ CFM models. Always match the fan capacity to the insert's BTU (heat) rating.

Tube or slim fans offer a more low profile and discreet option. Rather than a bulky box, these fans form a slender ring that installs around the perimeter of the insert surround. Duct or ventilating fans mount outside the firebox and use ductwork to direct airflow.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Fan

Several factors go into choosing the right fan for your needs:

• Size and airflow (CFM) required
• Sound rating (quieter dB is better)
• Adjustable speed settings
• Added features like thermostat, remote control, finish
• Ease of DIY vs. professional install

Always check that the fan model is specifically designed and properly sized for your fireplace insert make and model. Getting the right fit ensures optimal performance.

Benefits of Adding a Fan to a Fireplace Insert

Installing a blower fan provides multiple benefits that make your fireplace insert even more efficient and enjoyable:

More Even Heat Distribution - Fans help heat travel beyond just the immediate fireplace area to warm the whole room evenly. No more cold spots!

Circulates Heat Faster - Quicker air circulation means you'll feel warmth sooner after lighting a fire.

Warms Larger Areas - A fan lets you effectively heat open concept great rooms that masonry fireplaces struggle to impact.

Allows Lower Burn Rates - Don't need as big a fire to warm a space. Slow fans and lower flames save wood and boost efficiency.

Reduces Cold Air Drafts - The positive pressure from airflow reduces cold air down drafting from chimneys.

Filters and Distributes Air - Circulating air through filters improves overall indoor air quality.

Fan Placement and Installation

Fan type and placement affect performance. Internal blower fans mount under the firebox behind surround side grilles. Exterior fans attach to front or side vents. Each has pros and cons regarding installation difficulty, sound, and airflow path.

While some inserts come with built-in proprietary fans, most homeowners add a fan kit later. DIY retrofit kits are available. But fans have electrical and ventilation requirements. Professional installation is recommended to ensure safety and optimized function.

Operating and Maintaining the Fan

Once installed, some testing helps balance the fan speed and fire intensity. Start slowly and increase fan speed and flames until the desired heat level is reached. Remember, slower fans promote efficiency. Regular maintenance like cleaning intake vents, checking wiring connections, and motor lubrication keeps the fan working properly for years.

Improving Overall Fireplace Efficiency

A fireplace insert fan improves circulation. But other steps also boost efficiency:

• Burn only well-seasoned wood for cleaner burns, less smoke
• Get chimneys cleaned annually to increase draft
• Check door seals to prevent heat loss
• Install fan to distribute warmth through the space

Taking a whole-house approach helps your fireplace insert perform optimally. Added insulation, sealed ducts, and energy-efficient windows all contribute to better heat retention.

If you already own a fireplace insert, installing a properly sized and selected fan offers multiple benefits. Better circulation means more comfort along with increased efficiency. Fans let homeowners get the most out of their fireplace investment. Take control of your heat distribution and create a welcoming space by adding a blower fan to your insert.

Now that you know how fireplace insert fans work and all their advantages, it's easy to see why they are a worthy addition. Don't settle for a cold room when you want cozy fireside comfort. Get your fan installed before this winter and enjoy reliable warmth in every corner.