Air Leak in Gas Fireplace

We have a Heatlilator Novus Series GNDC36 top direct vent gas fireplace. We have a lot of air leaking through the bottom part of the fireplace (the lower grill panel access area), especially when the wind blows. We have sealed all the cracks in the metal within the lower access area with metal tape. The fireplace is installed flush to the wall, and a bump-out to the house was built to contain the unit. This bump-out has a shed roof. The soffit is a ventend alluminum. There is no vent on the shed roof. I am suspecting that we have so much air coming through the vented soffit, that it's only place to exit is through the bottom access area. I am wondering...does this soffit NEED to be vented. And, if so, would it help to have a vent put on the shed roof?

Thanks,
Sue

 

Sue,

The lower panel area is the controls for your unit right? This is the area that you are getting the air?

Since the Heatlilator Novus Series GNDC36 is a sealed unit, except for the elecrical and gas line, the only other area for air would be from the intake air on the flue.

I would suggest getting a professional to take a look at your unit and determine what is going on. It's hard to say exactly what is cuasing this and adding a roof type vent isn't usually required. However, if there is a backpressure of air, it could come through the lower panel, but I am unsure how.

You may want to call the manufacturer first for some technical advice;

Heatlilator
1915 West Saunders
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
Phone: 800-843-2848
Fax: 800-248-2038

Hope this helps!

 

Doug,

Thank you for your reply. I will check it out.

Sue