Changing a fire insert could be a daunting process, but it surely’s a challenge that may be accomplished in a day with the best instruments and a bit of know-how. Whether or not you are trying to replace the look of your fire or substitute an previous, inefficient insert with a brand new, high-efficiency mannequin, this information will stroll you thru the steps concerned in changing a fire insert.
Earlier than you start, it is essential to assemble all the needed instruments and supplies. You will want a screwdriver, a wrench, a hammer, a chisel, and a degree. You will additionally want a brand new fire insert, fireproof caulk, and insulation. After getting all your instruments and supplies, you may start the alternative course of.
Step one is to take away the previous fire insert. To do that, you may have to disconnect the fuel line and electrical wiring. As soon as the insert is disconnected, you may take away it from the hearth. Watch out to not injury the hearth encompass when eradicating the insert.
Eradicating the Outdated Hearth Insert
Earlier than you may set up a brand new fire insert, you may have to take away the previous one. It is a comparatively simple course of, but it surely’s essential to take your time and comply with the directions fastidiously to keep away from damaging your fire or chimney.
Instruments You will Want
- Screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Flashlight
- Vacuum cleaner
- Security glasses
Directions
- Flip off the fuel or electrical energy to the hearth insert. It is a important security step, as you do not need to danger {an electrical} shock or fuel leak whereas engaged on the hearth.
- Take away the faceplate of the hearth insert. That is normally held in place by just a few screws. As soon as the faceplate is eliminated, you may have entry to the within of the hearth insert.
- Disconnect the fuel line or electrical wires from the hearth insert. Watch out to not injury the fuel line or electrical wires.
- Take away the bolts which are holding the hearth insert in place. These bolts are normally situated on the perimeters or again of the hearth insert.
- Rigorously carry the hearth insert out of the hearth. Watch out to not drop the hearth insert, as it may be heavy.
- Clear the hearth. As soon as the hearth insert is eliminated, you may want to scrub the hearth. This consists of eradicating any ashes, soot, or particles.
- Examine the chimney. Whilst you have the hearth open, take a couple of minutes to examine the chimney. Search for any cracks, holes, or different injury. Should you discover any injury, you may have to have it repaired prior to installing the brand new fire insert.
Making ready the Hearth for the New Insert
Earlier than you may set up the brand new insert, that you must put together the hearth. It will contain eradicating the previous insert, cleansing the hearth, and ensuring that the hearth is correctly ventilated.
Eradicating the Outdated Insert
To take away the previous insert, you will have to:
- Flip off the fuel or electrical energy to the hearth.
- Disconnect the fuel line or electrical wires.
- Take away the screws or bolts which are holding the insert in place.
- Rigorously carry the insert out of the hearth.
Cleansing the Hearth
As soon as the previous insert is eliminated, that you must clear the hearth. It will assist to make sure that the brand new insert will match correctly and that it’s going to function safely.
To scrub the hearth, you need to use a vacuum cleaner to take away any mud or particles. You too can use a brush to clean the hearth partitions and flooring.
Guaranteeing Correct Air flow
Fireplaces have to be correctly ventilated as a way to function safely. It’s because fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, which is a toxic fuel. To make sure that your fire is correctly ventilated, that you must ensure that there may be an satisfactory provide of contemporary air to the hearth.
You are able to do this by opening a window or door close to the hearth. You too can set up a air flow fan within the fire.
| Air flow Necessities for Fireplaces | |
|---|---|
| Hearth Sort | Air flow Necessities |
| Gasoline Hearth | 1 sq. inch of air flow for each 1,000 BTUs of enter |
| Wooden-burning Hearth | 1 sq. inch of air flow for each 60 sq. inches of hearth opening |
Putting in the New Fireside Pad
Earlier than putting in the brand new fireside pad, you may have to take away the previous one. If the previous fireside pad is fabricated from tile, you need to use a hammer and chisel to interrupt it up. If it is fabricated from stone or concrete, you may want to make use of an influence instrument, corresponding to a jackhammer or a concrete noticed.
As soon as the previous fireside pad is eliminated, you may set up the brand new one. Begin by inserting the fireplace pad within the desired location. Then, degree the fireplace pad utilizing a degree. As soon as the fireplace pad is degree, you may safe it in place utilizing thin-set mortar or building adhesive.
As soon as the fireplace pad is put in, you may end the set up by making use of grout to the joints between the tiles. Enable the grout to dry fully earlier than utilizing the hearth.
Extra Data About Putting in the Fireside Pad
Listed below are some extra issues to remember when putting in a brand new fireside pad:
- Be sure that the fireplace pad is giant sufficient to increase no less than 16 inches past the entrance of the hearth opening and eight inches past either side.
- The fireside pad needs to be fabricated from a non-combustible materials, corresponding to tile, stone, or concrete.
- The fireside pad needs to be no less than 1/2 inch thick.
- The fireside pad needs to be degree and securely hooked up to the ground.
| Sort of Fireside Pad | Thickness | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Tile | 1/2 inch to 1 inch | Ceramic, porcelain, or pure stone |
| Stone | 1 inch to 2 inches | Marble, granite, or slate |
| Concrete | 1 inch to 4 inches | Poured concrete or precast concrete |
Setting the Hearth Insert
1. Safe the Firebox: Raise the hearth insert into place and align it with the opening. Use shims or spacers to make sure a cosy match and stop gaps that will enable warmth or smoke to flee.
2. Join the Vent: Connect the vent pipe to the outlet on the again of the insert. Use sealant across the connection to stop leaks.
3. Join the Gasoline or Electrical Provide: Join the fuel line or electrical wires to the suitable retailers on the insert in keeping with the producer’s directions. Be sure that all connections are safe and gastight.
4. Stage and Safe the Insert:
- Use a Stage: Place a degree on high of the insert to test for levelness. Regulate the shims or spacers as wanted till the insert is degree each entrance to again and aspect to aspect.
- Safe the Insert: As soon as the insert is degree, safe it to the hearth encompass utilizing screws or bolts. Use washers to distribute the load and stop injury to the hearth encompass.
- Create a Backstop: Construct a backstop behind the insert utilizing fire-resistant supplies, corresponding to firebricks or insulation, to stop warmth and flames from escaping into the hearth cavity.
5. Seal the Insert: Seal any gaps between the insert and the hearth encompass utilizing caulk or high-temperature sealant. It will stop drafts and warmth loss.
Connecting the Gasoline Line
Connecting the fuel line to your fire insert is an important step that needs to be carried out fastidiously and in keeping with the producer’s directions. Listed below are some detailed pointers to make sure a protected and useful connection:
1. Shut Off the Gasoline Provide
Earlier than you start any work, be certain to show off the fuel provide on the essential valve situated exterior your property or on the meter. It will stop any fuel from flowing into the hearth through the set up course of.
2. Find the Gasoline Line Connection
Establish the fuel line connection in your fire insert. It’s sometimes a pipe or becoming situated on the rear or backside of the unit. Be sure that the connection is clear and freed from any particles.
3. Join the Gasoline Line
Join the fuel line to the insert utilizing a versatile fuel connector. Be sure that the connector is the proper measurement and kind on your fire insert and fuel line. Tighten the connections securely utilizing a wrench.
4. Apply Pipe Dope
To stop fuel leaks, apply pipe dope to the male threads of the fuel line connection earlier than tightening. Pipe dope is a sealant that helps create a good and gas-proof connection.
5. Stress Take a look at the Gasoline Line
As soon as the fuel line is linked, carry out a strain take a look at to make sure there are not any leaks. To do that, comply with these steps:
- Flip the fuel provide again on.
- Apply a cleaning soap resolution to all of the fuel connections.
- Observe the connections for any cleaning soap bubbles, which point out a leak.
- Should you detect any leaks, tighten the connections additional or use extra pipe dope.
- As soon as you might be sure there are not any leaks, proceed with the remaining set up steps.
Working the Electrical Line
To put in an electrical fire insert, you may have to run {an electrical} line to the placement. Should you’re not comfy doing this your self, it is best to rent an electrician. This is a step-by-step information to operating the electrical line:
- Decide the placement of {the electrical} panel and the hearth insert.
- Measure the gap between the 2 factors and buy the suitable size {of electrical} wire.
- Run the wire from {the electrical} panel to the hearth insert, ensuring to safe it each few ft with wire staples or different fasteners.
- Join the wire to {the electrical} panel and the hearth insert in keeping with the producer’s directions.
- Activate the ability to the hearth insert and take a look at it to ensure it is working correctly.
-
Extra Data
Amperage
Wire Gauge
15 amps
14 AWG
20 amps
12 AWG
30 amps
10 AWG
Connecting the Vent Pipe
Extra Data
| Amperage | Wire Gauge |
|---|---|
| 15 amps | 14 AWG |
| 20 amps | 12 AWG |
| 30 amps | 10 AWG |
As soon as the insert is in place, you will have to attach the vent pipe. The vent pipe is a metallic pipe that carries the exhaust gases from the insert to the surface of the home. The vent pipe have to be correctly sized and put in to make sure that the insert operates safely and effectively.
To attach the vent pipe, you will have the next supplies:
- Vent pipe
- Vent pipe adapter
- Vent pipe sealant
- Screws
- Drill
To attach the vent pipe, comply with these steps:
- Measure the gap from the insert to the surface of the home.
- Lower the vent pipe to the proper size.
- Connect the vent pipe adapter to the insert.
- Seal the joint between the vent pipe and the adapter with vent pipe sealant.
- Drill a gap within the wall for the vent pipe.
- Insert the vent pipe into the outlet and seal the joint with vent pipe sealant.
- Safe the vent pipe to the wall with screws.
| Vent Pipe Measurement | Insert Measurement |
|---|---|
| 2-inch | As much as 40,000 BTU |
| 3-inch | 40,000 to 60,000 BTU |
| 4-inch | Over 60,000 BTU |
Ending the Set up
Now that the insert has been fitted, it is time to end the set up.
- Join the fuel line. As soon as the insert is in place, you may want to attach the fuel line. This needs to be finished by a certified fuel fitter.
- Join {the electrical} wiring. The insert can even have to be linked to {an electrical} outlet. This needs to be finished by a certified electrician.
- Set up the trim. The trim will assist to complete the look of the insert and conceal the sides of the opening.
- Caulk across the insert. Caulking across the insert will assist to stop drafts and maintain the warmth in.
- Activate the insert. As soon as the whole lot is linked, you may activate the insert. Observe the producer’s directions for turning on the insert and setting the specified temperature.
- Benefit from the heat. Your fire insert is now put in and able to take pleasure in.
Checking for Gasoline Leaks
It is essential to test for fuel leaks after putting in a fire insert. This may be finished utilizing a fuel leak detector. Observe the producer’s directions for utilizing the detector.
| Indicators of a Gasoline Leak | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Odor of fuel | Evacuate the realm and name the fuel firm |
| Effervescent in water close to the fuel line | Evacuate the realm and name the fuel firm |
| Lifeless or dying crops close to the fuel line | Evacuate the realm and name the fuel firm |
Security Issues
Changing a fire insert requires cautious consideration to security precautions to reduce the chance of accidents or injury.
Listed below are some key security issues:
1. Be sure that the hearth is totally cool earlier than beginning work.
2. Flip off all fuel or electrical provide to the hearth.
3. Cap off any fuel traces to stop leaks.
4. Put on applicable protecting gear, corresponding to gloves and security glasses.
5. Have a fireplace extinguisher available in case of emergencies.
6. Test the producer’s directions fastidiously earlier than continuing.
7. Preserve the work space away from flammable supplies.
8. Enable ample time for the previous insert to chill down earlier than eradicating it.
9. Eliminate the previous insert correctly. Most municipalities have rules concerning the disposal of hazardous supplies, so it is essential to test along with your native authorities.
| Hazardous Supplies | Disposal Technique |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | Contact a licensed asbestos elimination specialist. |
| Lead | Wrap in plastic and get rid of at a hazardous waste disposal web site. |
| Creosote | Burn in a correctly rated wooden range or fire. |
By following these security precautions, you may scale back the chance of accidents and guarantee a profitable fire insert alternative.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
1. The brand new insert does not match into the present fire.
Test the scale of the brand new insert to ensure it’s the right measurement on your fire. Whether it is too giant or too small, chances are you’ll want to switch the hearth opening or buy a distinct insert.
2. The insert will not activate.
Test the ability provide to ensure the insert is getting electrical energy. If the ability is on, test the circuit breaker or fuse field to ensure the circuit just isn’t tripped or blown. You might also have to test the distant management or thermostat to ensure they’re working correctly.
3. The insert just isn’t heating correctly.
Test the gasoline provide to ensure the insert is getting sufficient gasoline to burn. If the gasoline provide is satisfactory, test the air provide to ensure the insert is getting sufficient air to burn the gasoline effectively. You might also have to test the flue to ensure it’s away from any obstructions.
4. The insert is making unusual noises.
Test the insert for any free elements or particles that could be inflicting the noise. Should you can’t discover the supply of the noise, chances are you’ll have to contact a certified technician for help.
5. The insert is leaking smoke or fuel.
Test the seals across the insert to ensure they’re intact and never permitting smoke or fuel to flee. If the seals are broken, chances are you’ll want to interchange them. You also needs to test the flue to ensure it’s away from any obstructions and that it’s correctly sealed to the insert.
6. The insert is overheating.
Test the air provide to ensure the insert is getting sufficient air to chill down. You might also have to test the flue to ensure it’s away from any obstructions and that it’s correctly sealed to the insert.
7. The insert just isn’t working in any respect.
Test the ability provide to ensure the insert is getting electrical energy. If the ability is on, test the circuit breaker or fuse field to ensure the circuit just isn’t tripped or blown. You might also have to test the distant management or thermostat to ensure they’re working correctly.
8. The insert is smoking up the room.
Test the flue to ensure it’s away from any obstructions and that it’s correctly sealed to the insert. You might also have to test the air provide to ensure the insert is getting sufficient air to burn the gasoline effectively.
9. The insert just isn’t producing sufficient warmth.
Test the gasoline provide to ensure the insert is getting sufficient gasoline to burn. If the gasoline provide is satisfactory, test the air provide to ensure the insert is getting sufficient air to burn the gasoline effectively. You might also have to test the flue to ensure it’s away from any obstructions.
10. The insert retains tripping {the electrical} circuit.
The insert could also be drawing an excessive amount of energy for the circuit it’s linked to. Test the amperage ranking of the circuit and the amperage draw of the insert. If the amperage draw of the insert is larger than the amperage ranking of the circuit, you will have to put in a brand new circuit with a better amperage ranking. You might also have to test the wiring of the insert to ensure that it’s not free or broken.
How To Substitute A Hearth Insert
Changing a fire insert could be a difficult process, however it’s potential to do it your self with the best instruments and supplies. Listed below are the steps on learn how to substitute a fire insert:
- Take away the previous insert. To do that, you will have to disconnect the fuel or electrical line, after which take away the screws or bolts which are holding the insert in place. As soon as the insert is free, you may fastidiously carry it out of the hearth.
- Clear the hearth. As soon as the previous insert is eliminated, you will have to scrub the hearth. This consists of eradicating any ashes or particles, after which vacuuming or sweeping the realm. You might also need to clear the chimney flue presently.
- Set up the brand new insert. To do that, you will have to first place the insert within the fire. As soon as the insert is in place, you will have to attach the fuel or electrical line, after which safe the insert with screws or bolts. Make sure you comply with the producer’s directions for set up.
- Take a look at the insert. As soon as the insert is put in, you will have to check it to ensure that it’s working correctly. To do that, activate the fuel or electrical provide after which gentle the insert. If the insert is working correctly, you will note a flame. If you don’t see a flame, chances are you’ll have to troubleshoot the issue.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Substitute A Hearth Insert
What’s the value to interchange a fire insert?
The fee to interchange a fire insert can fluctuate relying on the kind of insert you select, the dimensions of your fire, and the complexity of the set up. Nevertheless, you may count on to pay anyplace from $500 to $2,000 for a brand new insert.
How lengthy does it take to interchange a fire insert?
The time it takes to interchange a fire insert can fluctuate relying on the expertise of the particular person doing the set up. Nevertheless, you may count on the set up to take anyplace from just a few hours to a full day.
Is it tough to interchange a fire insert?
Changing a fire insert just isn’t a tough process, but it surely does require some fundamental abilities and instruments. In case you are not comfy working with fuel or electrical traces, chances are you’ll need to rent knowledgeable to do the set up.
