Can you add a blower to an existing fireplace?

Many homeowners enjoy the ambiance and warmth provided by a wood-burning fireplace. However, traditional open fireplaces are fairly inefficient when it comes to heating a home. A significant amount of heated air goes right up the chimney along with the smoke and exhaust gases. This can make the fireplace more of a decorative feature than an effective heating system. One way to get more usable heat from an existing fireplace is to add a blower fan. But is this something a homeowner can tackle as a DIY project? Let’s take a look at the factors involved.

How Does Adding a Blower Improve Efficiency?

A blower fan helps circulate more heated air from the fireplace into the room instead of letting it go up the chimney. Blowers are designed to fit inside the firebox of a masonry fireplace. They utilize a fan blade enclosed in a metal housing to push air outward. Vents in the housing allow warmed air to exit and circulate. Meanwhile, the bulk of the smoke and exhaust still goes up through the chimney as normal. This helps transfer more of the fire’s thermal energy into the living space.

Some key benefits of adding a fireplace blower include:

• Circulating more warm air into the room.
• Allowing the fireplace to better heat the surrounding space.
• Helping improve energy efficiency.
• Pushing heat farther into a room or throughout a home.
• Providing a more even and consistent warmth.

With the right fireplace blower, you can get significantly more usable heat from each fire you build. This makes the addition of a blower a great way to boost efficiency without undertaking major fireplace renovations.

Fireplace Blower Types

If you decide to add a blower fan to your existing wood-burning fireplace, you’ll find there are two main types to consider:

In-Line Blowers

In-line blowers are designed to mount inside the firebox near the rear wall. They use an impeller wheel inside a long metal sleeve to push air through ducting built along the back of the fireplace. The ducting transfers warmed air from the firebox out into the room, sometimes through decorative vents or grilles along the front surround.

Circular Blowers

These blowers utilize a swirling fan blade enclosed in a round housing. Circular blowers mount near the bottom of the firebox and use vents in the metal housing to expel heated air. They pull air from near the top of the firebox to take advantage of rising warm air. The housing is usually 6 to 12 inches in diameter.

In-line blowers require some ductwork, so circular blowers tend to be easier for DIY installation. But both types can significantly improve the heating efficiency of an existing fireplace.

Can I Install a Fireplace Blower Myself?

Adding a blower fan to a masonry wood-burning fireplace is a project a handy homeowner can tackle. However, it’s important to carefully plan the installation and follow safety precautions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Choose an appropriate CFM rating. Select a blower sized to properly exchange air volume for your fireplace opening size.
• Mind the wiring. Be sure to turn off power and follow electrical safety practices when wiring the blower.
• Locate studs. Take care drilling holes for ducting or mounts anchored into studs.
• Seal off the chimney. Prevent blowback by sealing the damper area around new ductwork.
• Allow proper clearance. Don’t mount the blower where it can ignite creosote buildup.
• Install a speed control. This allows adjusting airflow to match the fire.
• Use metal ductwork. Plastic ducts can melt from exposure to heat.

Installing the blower itself is usually simple. But care should be taken to properly route ducting, seal off the chimney, and wire the device safely. Attempting to cut corners risks degrading fireplace performance or creating safety issues.

Hiring a Professional

While a DIY installation is possible, many homeowners opt to hire a professional for the job. An experienced technician can:

• Ensure proper sizing and placement of the blower.
• Handle any chimney modifications needed.
• Safely install ducting and vents.
• Manage all electrical connections.
• Seal up the fireplace to maximize efficiency.
• Offer expert advice on getting optimal performance.

This expertise can provide added peace of mind and help ensure maximum heating improvements. If attempting the project yourself seems daunting, bringing in a professional fireplace expert is likely the best approach.

DIY Installation Guide

If you do want to tackle adding a blower fan yourself, follow this basic installation process:

Step 1: Turn Off Home Electricity

Start by shutting off power to the area at the main breaker panel. This allows safe access for wiring.

Step 2: Remove Fireplace Components

Carefully remove any decorative surround pieces, screens, grates or gas components from the fireplace. This exposes the firebox interior.

Step 3: Prepare the Firebox

Sweep out ash, soot and debris from inside the fireplace. Check for creosote buildup. Also confirm you have the minimum clearance above the firebox floor recommended by the blower manufacturer.

Step 4: Install Ductwork (If Needed)

For an in-line blower, measure and cut metal ducting to run from the back firebox wall to the front air outlet vent location. Securely mount the ducts.

Step 5: Mount the Blower

Position the blower in the predetermined location. Mark and drill holes to anchor it place using masonry fasteners.

Step 6: Connect Ducting

Attach the blower to the ducting path, using UL-approved metal foil duct tape to seal joints.

Step 7: Wire the Blower

Connect the blower’s wiring leads to a nearby grounded power source, like a new receptacle outlet you can install.

Step 8: Insulate the Fireplace

Seal gaps around the firebox opening and new ducting using high-temperature caulk. This prevents heated air leaks.

Step 9: Reinstall Components

Replace the fireplace grates, screens and any gas or electric inserts previously removed.

Step 10: Cover Air Vents

When not in use, cover blower air outlet vents to prevent cooled air from entering the home.

Following these steps carefully will allow you to successfully add a blower fan to boost your fireplace’s heating efficiency. Always emphasize safety throughout the installation.

Finding the Right Fireplace Blower

Choosing the optimal blower unit for your fireplace is key to maximizing performance. Consider these factors when selecting a model:

• Fireplace size – Match the CFM rating to your firebox cubic footage.
• Mounting location – Ensure it fits where needed inside the firebox.
• Control type – Pick a variable speed or thermostat-controlled model.
• Blower type – Choose either a circular or in-line style.
• Voltage – Match the electrical requirements.
• Ducting – Factor in any ductwork and vents needed.
• Special features – Decide if you need heat sensors or auto shut-off.

Also make sure the model is safety certified and designed specifically for wood-burning fireplace installation. With some research and measurement of your fireplace, you can find just the right blower fan to add.

Popular and highly rated fireplace blowers include:

Brand	Model	Type	CFM
US Stove	Draft Inducer	In-Line	176 CFM
Penn Stove	180 CFM Blower	Circular	180 CFM
	300 CFM Blower	Circular	300 CFM
Shelter	SF24120	In-Line	240 CFM

Consult manufacturer websites for complete product specifications and installation requirements.

Cost to Add a Fireplace Blower

If you plan to hire an expert for the full installation, expect to pay $200 – $500 or more depending on your fireplace size and local rates. DIY cost for materials will typically run $100 – $300. The blower unit itself ranges from about $60 – $200 depending on CFM and any special features. Ducting, wiring, hardware, and tools will be additional expenses. Be sure to get any necessary building permits and have the completed work inspected.

Improving Fireplace Efficiency on a Budget

If your budget won’t support adding a blower, consider these more affordable efficiency upgrades:

• Ensure doors/screens seal tightly when closed
• Add glass doors to contain heat
• Install a chimney damper for better control
• Use seasoned, dry wood for less smoke
• Have the chimney cleaned annually
• Open damper fully to reduce restriction
• Let the coals fully burn out before closing the damper

Simple maintenance and proper fire building technique allows improving performance at little cost. But for maximum results, adding a blower is the best investment.

Conclusion

Adding a blower fan can be an excellent DIY project to increase the efficiency of your existing wood-burning fireplace. Take the time to properly size and place the blower while following strict electrical and fire safety guidelines. Or you may decide it’s best to bring in a professional installer. Either way, you can achieve significantly more cost-effective heating by putting the warm air generated by the fire to work circulating into your living space. With some planning and effort, you can successfully transform an inefficient open fireplace into a much more effective heating system.