Installing a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Insert

  • 10-20 hours
  • Advanced
  • 1,000-3,000
What You'll Need
Sheet metal screws
Fireplace insert kit
Oak mantel kit
Fiberglass insulation
Finishing nails
Tape measure
Screwdriver
Level
What You'll Need
Sheet metal screws
Fireplace insert kit
Oak mantel kit
Fiberglass insulation
Finishing nails
Tape measure
Screwdriver
Level

There are various types of fireplace inserts that depend on the features and types of fuel being used, and one of them is a direct vent gas fireplace insert. This type of gas burning insert is further divided into three groups: Direct Vent, B-Vent and Vent-Free.

Direct vent gas fireplace insert is proven to be an efficient tool in increasing the efficiency of pre-existing wood burning fireplaces. With this type of fireplace insert, consumers are assured of utilizing the energy better. This is made possible through a firebox in a fireplace insert where it is surrounded by a steel shell. Air that is coming from home flows into the steel shell that warms it and then redistributes that air back to the home. This method prevents the warm air from getting out of the house.

Step 1 - Attach the Pipes

By using the sheet metal crews, connect the two vent pipes to the mounting place of the fireplace insert. Connect the exhaust pipes to the exhaust outlet. Remove the fireplace damper and then test if the vent pipes will fit into the chimney flue. Take out the ash cover of the fireplace if it will hinder when placing the direct vent gas fireplace insert.

Step 2- Set the Firebox

Put the firebox in place by attaching the direct vent gas fireplace insert leveling legs. Do some adjustment on the legs if it is needed so as to make the firebox positioned at the center, from top to bottom. If the fireplace in the house is not being run by gas or electric connections to a fan, there’s a need to install branch lines services for them. There are some restrictions in doing this, for working with electricity and gas are regulated by building departments for safety reasons. If you do not meet the requirements for doing these jobs, seek the help of a professional technician.

Step 3 - Position the Fireplace

Position the direct vent gas fireplace insert close enough to the firebox. Then, pull up the house wiring to the direct vent gas fireplace insert. Attach it according to what is being instructed on the manual. Then, the gas line should be put into the insert to connect it. Carefully slide the fireplace insert to the box and avoid making any damage or kink on the gas line. Insulate the opening of the fire damper around the pipes, and then place the mounting plate along with the vent pipes on the fireplace insert. Then, slide the mounting plate into the slots located on top of the insert, to line up the vent pipes with the holes on the fireplace insert. Use the self-tapping screw to secure the sliding plate. Then, make adjustment on the leveling legs to have the unit leveled from front to back and from both sides.

Step 4 - Remove the Glass

Remove the glass by unlocking the retaining clips that are located below glass front panel. At about the ½ inch part, place the glowing embers within the fireplace. Then, use the mystic embers and scatter them around the surface of the burner plate. After that, place the ceramic logs as instructed on the manual. Replace the panel and then reconnect the clips.

Step 5 - Check the Manual

Consult the instruction manual to install the remote control’s receiver. Place the receiver outside the firebox to safeguard it from the heat. Complete a test to determine if everything is working.

Slide the surround above the two tabs that are located on the top of the fireplace. Attach the surround to the insert’s base by using screws. Then, install the screen over the glass front so as to prevent people from touching the hot surface of the glass.

Step 6 - Install the Mantel

Although mantels are not included when buying the fireplace insert, they can still be bought from hardware shops. To install the mantel, just remove the mantel of an existing fireplace and then run a test fit for the new mantel to see if it fits the level. Make markings for the height of the new mantle. Measure it all the way down to where the ledgers (the ledger that is angled upward and ledger that is angled downward) meet. Attach the board of the ledger by using the 3 inch drywall screws. Then, lift the new mantel and use 10d finishing nails to secure the mantle into the wall.