Installing a Gas Fireplace Blower
There are many reasons you would want to install a blower kit in your gas fireplace. Most gas fireplaces simply don't emit enough heat to warm a room, let alone a house, and the blowers can help disperse much needed hot air. Not only that, but without a blower a gas fireplace can get extraordinarily hot without a fan to blow excess air around. For instance, an overheated mantle can easily burn your hand or even discolor paint! Installing a blower, while on the pricier side, saves you money by increasing the efficiency of your gas fireplace and is easy to install to boot.
Begin by making sure that your fireplace is cool and both the power and gas lines are disconnected. This is important since you will be working with both electrical and heating systems. Open the lower panel or louver assembly by pressing the right and left side with your hands at the same time and pull the panel off diagonally. Depending on your model there might be slight differences in how the panels are removed, so refer to your specific fireplace's instructions for proper handling. Avoid disconnecting any wires when removing the front panel.
Then, you'll slide the blower assembly through the front opening towards the middle back area of the fireplace base. Again, depending on your fireplace's construction and panel position, you will need to amend your directions according to where your parts are located. You will want to position the blower so that the tabs located in the cabinet base are resting in the notched portion of the blower bracket. Using these tabs, bend them over to fully secure assembly.
Re-install the blower shield and route the blower cord to the nearest electrical outlet and plug in. Remember, to make sure your electricity is disconnected. Then, install the provided on/off switch in the blower kit OR the provided variable speed control dials. Locate this on a nearby wall close to the fireplace in a conveniently accessible place.
Now you'll want to route a 3-wire, 120 VAC power line to the on/off switch or speed control. Once you have those connected, route the wires back to the blower's junction box. In order to access this, remove the screws securing the lid. To connect the supply wires correctly you will want to follow a diagram to ensure the proper circuitry loop, however if knowledgeable about electrical circuits this should be easy. Simply connect the ground green wire to the green grounding screw on the neutral side of the receptacle and the neutral white wire to the tab intact, also on the neutral side. Finally the 120 VAC wire should be connected to opposing black and red parts. After ensuring correct polarity of wires, you can reinstall the receptacle.
Finally, plug in the blower cord to the top receptacle and re-install the modesty panel or front louver carefully so as not to disturb or disconnect any of the wiring. Once everything is reassembled securely you can restore electrical power to the unit and reboot your fireplace according to the instructions manual. Make sure fireplace operates according to directions, and then get ready to relax!
