[CMB00]

Hi guys, so I'm doing a complete renovation on my new home and its finally time to start working on the fireplace.

Apparently the vent fan in the firebox insert has "never worked" according to the previous owner. I have checked the power line and it has power but I'm guessing the motor is just dead?

How difficult is it to replace the insert? I had someone tell me that it might not be possible since it is not a masonry chimney and would require the chimney to be demolished and rebuilt.

 

[danpik]

So, you want to replace the whoe fireplace because the blower does not work? Or is the original plan to replace the fireplace anyway. If the issue is just the blower motor, they can be purchased at almost any heating supply house. Grainger sells them as well. Did one not too long ago and the motor was about $75.00

 

[Daniel Holzman]

You did not indicate where you live. In my town, and in many locations, installation of a fireplace insert or wood stove requires very careful attention to the chimney. When I put my wood burning insert in, code required that I have a stainless steel insert inside my flue lined brick chimney. If I had not had a brick chimney, I believe my installation would have required double or possibly triple walled stainless steel pipe.

You need to check with your local building inspector, they will tell you the rules. As a note, I do a lot of DIY, but not the stainless chimney, requires you to get on the roof, push the liner through and connect, not something I cared to deal with.

 

[jagans]

From the looks of what you have there, I would rip all of that out and start over. It looks like an accident looking for a place to happen. I would never never never have wood frame construction that close to and above a heating appliance. Use metal studs when you re-build.

 

[CMB00]

So, you want to replace the whoe fireplace because the blower does not work? Or is the original plan to replace the fireplace anyway. If the issue is just the blower motor, they can be purchased at almost any heating supply house. Grainger sells them as well. Did one not too long ago and the motor was about $75.00

I would like to avoid replacing the entire unit. Are these motors pretty much universal or will i need to find out what model of insert i have?

 

[CMB00]

You did not indicate where you live. In my town, and in many locations, installation of a fireplace insert or wood stove requires very careful attention to the chimney. When I put my wood burning insert in, code required that I have a stainless steel insert inside my flue lined brick chimney. If I had not had a brick chimney, I believe my installation would have required double or possibly triple walled stainless steel pipe.

You need to check with your local building inspector, they will tell you the rules. As a note, I do a lot of DIY, but not the stainless chimney, requires you to get on the roof, push the liner through and connect, not something I cared to deal with.

I live in Northern Virginia, the chimney construction is fine. Just had most of it rebuilt and had it inspected. I just want to find out how to get the blower working again before I do anything else.

 

[joecaption]

Going to have to pull the motor out to read the tag on it.

 

[tylernt]

Going to have to pull the motor out to read the tag on it.

While you're at it, check the model number of the fireplace insert itself to make sure it's a "zero clearance" to combustibles model. The wood framing still worries me...

 

[CMB00]

How do you get to the motor? Is it on the top, bottom?

Is it possible to just remove the insert and build a brick firebox?

 

[CMB00]

Nevermind, i found out the issue with the blower was a faulty wall switch. Very very good news! Thank you all for your help!