Exactly what does the fan in our fireplace do?

By : Fireplace Fan

Exactly what does the fireplace fan in our fireplace do?

We just moved in this house this summer and we want to start using the fireplace. We're having the chimney cleaned out Tuesday, however i noticed there's a switch that when I turn it on, it sounds like a fan is running.

What is that all about? Does it need to be running when a fire is burning?

There are two possible reasons for a fan in a fire place.
The most typical is really as a circulating unit to assist move a few of the warm air into the room. With this type of fan, it is usually found at the foot of a unit, with vent grills along the bottom, and top, on the face of the fireplace (above and below the glass doors). Once the fan is switched on, should you hold a piece of tissue to the bottom vents, it ought to be locked in place by the mild in-flow of air. This exchange helps the fireplace be more efficient at heating the room. So -- if you want to use the fireplace to heat the area, then, yes, run the fan. The fan isn't necessary though, if you just built the fire for that looks,

The second reason for a fan on a fireplace is to provide fresh air to the fireplace. This is a safety feature, so that you are not burning up the oxygen in the room...instead, you are bringing in fresh air to burn. This type of fan is usually located under the floor, or in the wall, depending on in which the fresh air intake reaches. If this sounds like the type of fan you have, then, yes, it needs to be on, anytime you build a fire.

Some fireplaces have both types of fireplace fan.
What you ought to do at this time, is determine, exactly which fan you've got. Turn it on, and check the vents evidently of the fireplace first. If it is a circulation fan, there will be some mild intake along the bottom vents. If this is a fresh air intake fan, the air will be blowing In to the burn area... you'll need to open the doors and feel around in the firebox, or look for a vent grill, inside the unit.