Is Your Gas Fireplace Providing You Heat?

A gas fireplace can make a fireplace an effective heating system that warms your home. If your gas fireplace is not heating your space, it may be your system is missing some key elements.

Heat Exchangers

A heat exchanger in a gas fireplace pulls in cool air from the room, passes it over the hot air produced by the fire, and then disperses the warmed air back into the room. An exchanger effectively transfers heat from the fire to the room without allowing harmful gases into the space. It efficiently heats a room using the heat generated by the fire.

How A Heat Exchanger Works? 

A heat exchanger utilizes a series of tubes to heat the air then circulates it into the room.

1. Cool air is drawn into the heat exchanger.

1. The air passes through the tubes, absorbing heat from the fire.

1. The heated air is blown back into your home.

Benefits of Heat Exchangers

• More heat: Fireplace heat exchangers increase the amount of warmed air sent into your living space.

• Efficient heating: Fireplace heat exchangers can make a fireplace a real heating element reducing heating costs

Blower Fans

A blower fan pushes warm air out into the room while pulling cool air into the fireplace’s air channel. As air travels through the blower and is released into the room, the ambient temperature in the room increases. Although the blower does not increase the heat capacity of the unit, the blower spreads the warm air to where it is desired – and to a greater area. With a fan, the entire room is a warm comfortable temperature instead of excessive heat right in front of the fireplace and the rest of the room too cool.

A blower fan is often a standard feature of a gas fireplace or gas insert; however, your existing fireplace does not, you can most likely add one. You will need to make sure the fan is the right size for your fireplace. But installation can be tricky since it is positioned outside the firebox; it’s important to have a professional install a blower fan to make sure it is level, effective, and does not make noise.

How A Blower Fan Works:

• The blower fan pulls cool air from the room through a louver at the bottom
• The air passes over the firebox, where it’s heated
• The warm air is pushed out through a louver at the top

Benefits Of A Blower Fan:

• Faster heat output: The blower fan moves heat throughout the room more quickly
• More even heat distribution: The blower fan spreads warm air throughout the room instead of just in the immediate area
• Increased efficiency: The blower fan can help make a fireplace more efficient

Do I need both a heat exchanger and a blower fan?

To heat your space, a gas fireplace needs a heat exchanger. A blower fan is a big plus for effective heating, but it is not necessary. The blower helps circulate the heated air more efficiently, making it very valuable for heat distribution.

High Country Fireplaces offers gas fireplaces and gas inserts that meet the needs of their customers. Our staff can help you decide what fireplace systems are best for your space. Contact us to learn more about our fireplaces – gas and wood-burning – as well as stoves and outdoor fire elements.