Changing a hearth insert is usually a daunting job, nevertheless it’s a mission that may be accomplished in a day with the best instruments and a bit know-how. Whether or not you are seeking to replace the look of your fire or exchange an previous, inefficient insert with a brand new, high-efficiency mannequin, this information will stroll you thru the steps concerned in changing a hearth insert.
Earlier than you start, it is essential to assemble all the vital 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 your entire instruments and supplies, you’ll be able to start the alternative course of.
Step one is to take away the previous fire insert. To do that, you may must disconnect the fuel line and electrical wiring. As soon as the insert is disconnected, you’ll be able to 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Eradicating the Outdated Hearth Insert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’ll be able to set up a brand new fire insert, you may must take away the previous one. It is a comparatively simple course of, nevertheless it’s essential to take your time and observe 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 wish to threat {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 a number of 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 can be holding the hearth insert in place. These bolts are normally positioned on the perimeters or again of the hearth insert.
- Rigorously raise 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 wash the hearth. This consists of eradicating any ashes, soot, or particles.
- Examine the chimney. When you have the hearth open, take a couple of minutes to examine the chimney. Search for any cracks, holes, or different injury. When you discover any injury, you may must have it repaired prior to installing the brand new fire insert.
Getting ready the Hearth for the New Insert
Earlier than you’ll be able to set up the brand new insert, you must put together the hearth. This may 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’ll need 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 can be holding the insert in place.
- Rigorously raise the insert out of the hearth.
Cleansing the Hearth
As soon as the previous insert is eliminated, you must clear the hearth. This may assist to make sure that the brand new insert will match correctly and that it’ll function safely.
To scrub the hearth, you need to use a vacuum cleaner to take away any mud or particles. You may also use a brush to wash the hearth partitions and flooring.
Making certain Correct Air flow
Fireplaces should be correctly ventilated in an effort to function safely. It’s because fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, which is a toxic fuel. To make sure that your fire is correctly ventilated, you must guarantee that there may be an sufficient provide of contemporary air to the hearth.
You are able to do this by opening a window or door close to the hearth. You may also set up a air flow fan within the fire.
| Air flow Necessities for Fireplaces | |
|---|---|
| Hearth Kind | 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 fireside opening |
Putting in the New Fireplace Pad
Earlier than putting in the brand new fireside pad, you may must take away the previous one. If the previous fireside pad is manufactured from tile, you need to use a hammer and chisel to interrupt it up. If it is manufactured from stone or concrete, you may want to make use of an influence software, similar to a jackhammer or a concrete noticed.
As soon as the previous fireside pad is eliminated, you’ll be able to set up the brand new one. Begin by putting the fireplace pad within the desired location. Then, degree the fireplace pad utilizing a degree. As soon as the fireplace pad is degree, you’ll be able to safe it in place utilizing thin-set mortar or building adhesive.
As soon as the fireplace pad is put in, you’ll be able to end the set up by making use of grout to the joints between the tiles. Enable the grout to dry utterly earlier than utilizing the hearth.
Extra Info About Putting in the Fireplace Pad
Listed below are some extra issues to remember when putting in a brand new fireside pad:
- Be sure the fireplace pad is giant sufficient to increase at the least 16 inches past the entrance of the hearth opening and eight inches past all sides.
- The fireside pad must be manufactured from a non-combustible materials, similar to tile, stone, or concrete.
- The fireside pad must be at the least 1/2 inch thick.
- The fireside pad must be degree and securely hooked up to the ground.
| Kind of Fireplace 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 comfortable match and stop gaps which 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 forestall leaks.
3. Join the Gasoline or Electrical Provide: Join the fuel line or electrical wires to the suitable retailers on the insert based on the producer’s directions. Be sure that all connections are safe and gastight.
4. Degree and Safe the Insert:
- Use a Degree: Place a degree on high of the insert to test for levelness. Modify the shims or spacers as wanted till the insert is degree each entrance to again and facet to facet.
- 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, similar to firebricks or insulation, to forestall 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. This may forestall drafts and warmth loss.
Connecting the Gasoline Line
Connecting the fuel line to your fire insert is an important step that must be carried out fastidiously and based on the producer’s directions. Listed below are some detailed tips to make sure a protected and purposeful connection:
1. Shut Off the Gasoline Provide
Earlier than you start any work, be sure that to show off the fuel provide on the major valve positioned outdoors your private home or on the meter. This may forestall any fuel from flowing into the hearth through the set up course of.
2. Find the Gasoline Line Connection
Determine the fuel line connection in your fire insert. It’s usually a pipe or becoming positioned on the rear or backside of the unit. Be sure 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 right dimension and sort 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 related, carry out a strain check to make sure there are not any leaks. To do that, observe 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.
- When you detect any leaks, tighten the connections additional or use extra pipe dope.
- As soon as you’re 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 must run {an electrical} line to the placement. When you’re not snug doing this your self, it is best to rent an electrician. Here is a step-by-step information to working the electrical line:
- Decide the placement of {the electrical} panel and the hearth insert.
- Measure the space 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 based on the producer’s directions.
- Activate the ability to the hearth insert and check it to verify it is working correctly.
-
Extra Info
Amperage
Wire Gauge
15 amps
14 AWG
20 amps
12 AWG
30 amps
10 AWG
Connecting the Vent Pipe
Extra Info
| Amperage | Wire Gauge |
|---|---|
| 15 amps | 14 AWG |
| 20 amps | 12 AWG |
| 30 amps | 10 AWG |
As soon as the insert is in place, you’ll need to attach the vent pipe. The vent pipe is a steel pipe that carries the exhaust gases from the insert to the skin of the home. The vent pipe should be correctly sized and put in to make sure that the insert operates safely and effectively.
To attach the vent pipe, you’ll need the next supplies:
- Vent pipe
- Vent pipe adapter
- Vent pipe sealant
- Screws
- Drill
To attach the vent pipe, observe these steps:
- Measure the space from the insert to the skin of the home.
- Reduce the vent pipe to the right 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 opening and seal the joint with vent pipe sealant.
- Safe the vent pipe to the wall with screws.
| Vent Pipe Dimension | Insert Dimension |
|---|---|
| 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 must be performed by a professional fuel fitter.
- Join {the electrical} wiring. The insert may also should be related to {an electrical} outlet. This must be performed by a professional 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 forestall drafts and maintain the warmth in.
- Activate the insert. As soon as all the things is related, you’ll be able to 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 hearth insert. This may be performed utilizing a fuel leak detector. Observe the producer’s directions for utilizing the detector.
| Indicators of a Gasoline Leak | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Scent 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 vegetation close to the fuel line | Evacuate the realm and name the fuel firm |
Security Issues
Changing a hearth insert requires cautious consideration to security precautions to attenuate the chance of accidents or injury.
Listed below are some key security concerns:
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 forestall leaks.
4. Put on applicable protecting gear, similar to gloves and security glasses.
5. Have a hearth extinguisher available in case of emergencies.
6. Examine the producer’s directions fastidiously earlier than continuing.
7. Hold the work space away from flammable supplies.
8. Enable ample time for the previous insert to chill down earlier than eradicating it.
9. Get rid of the previous insert correctly. Most municipalities have laws relating to the disposal of hazardous supplies, so it is essential to test together with your native authorities.
| Hazardous Supplies | Disposal Methodology |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | Contact a licensed asbestos removing 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’ll be able to scale back the chance of accidents and guarantee a profitable fire insert alternative.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
1. The brand new insert would not match into the prevailing fire.
Examine the size of the brand new insert to verify it’s the appropriate dimension on your fire. Whether it is too giant or too small, you could want to change the hearth opening or buy a distinct insert.
2. The insert will not activate.
Examine the ability provide to verify the insert is getting electrical energy. If the ability is on, test the circuit breaker or fuse field to verify the circuit will not be tripped or blown. You may additionally must test the distant management or thermostat to verify they’re working correctly.
3. The insert will not be heating correctly.
Examine the gasoline provide to verify the insert is getting sufficient gasoline to burn. If the gasoline provide is sufficient, test the air provide to verify the insert is getting sufficient air to burn the gasoline effectively. You may additionally must test the flue to verify it’s away from any obstructions.
4. The insert is making unusual noises.
Examine the insert for any unfastened elements or particles which may be inflicting the noise. When you can not discover the supply of the noise, you could must contact a professional technician for help.
5. The insert is leaking smoke or fuel.
Examine the seals across the insert to verify they’re intact and never permitting smoke or fuel to flee. If the seals are broken, you could want to switch them. You must also test the flue to verify it’s away from any obstructions and that it’s correctly sealed to the insert.
6. The insert is overheating.
Examine the air provide to verify the insert is getting sufficient air to chill down. You may additionally must test the flue to verify it’s away from any obstructions and that it’s correctly sealed to the insert.
7. The insert will not be working in any respect.
Examine the ability provide to verify the insert is getting electrical energy. If the ability is on, test the circuit breaker or fuse field to verify the circuit will not be tripped or blown. You may additionally must test the distant management or thermostat to verify they’re working correctly.
8. The insert is smoking up the room.
Examine the flue to verify it’s away from any obstructions and that it’s correctly sealed to the insert. You may additionally must test the air provide to verify the insert is getting sufficient air to burn the gasoline effectively.
9. The insert will not be producing sufficient warmth.
Examine the gasoline provide to verify the insert is getting sufficient gasoline to burn. If the gasoline provide is sufficient, test the air provide to verify the insert is getting sufficient air to burn the gasoline effectively. You may additionally must test the flue to verify 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 related to. Examine the amperage score of the circuit and the amperage draw of the insert. If the amperage draw of the insert is larger than the amperage score of the circuit, you’ll need to put in a brand new circuit with a better amperage score. You may additionally must test the wiring of the insert to guarantee that it’s not unfastened or broken.
How To Change A Hearth Insert
Changing a hearth insert is usually a difficult job, however it’s potential to do it your self with the best instruments and supplies. Listed below are the steps on how you can exchange a hearth insert:
- Take away the previous insert. To do that, you’ll need to disconnect the fuel or electrical line, after which take away the screws or bolts which can be holding the insert in place. As soon as the insert is unfastened, you’ll be able to fastidiously raise it out of the hearth.
- Clear the hearth. As soon as the previous insert is eliminated, you’ll need to wash the hearth. This consists of eradicating any ashes or particles, after which vacuuming or sweeping the realm. You may additionally wish to clear the chimney flue at the moment.
- Set up the brand new insert. To do that, you’ll need to first place the insert within the fire. As soon as the insert is in place, you’ll need to attach the fuel or electrical line, after which safe the insert with screws or bolts. Make sure to observe the producer’s directions for set up.
- Take a look at the insert. As soon as the insert is put in, you’ll need to check it to guarantee that it’s working correctly. To do that, activate the fuel or electrical provide after which mild the insert. If the insert is working correctly, you will note a flame. If you don’t see a flame, you could must troubleshoot the issue.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Change A Hearth Insert
What’s the value to switch a hearth insert?
The associated fee to switch a hearth insert can range relying on the kind of insert you select, the dimensions of your fire, and the complexity of the set up. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay wherever from $500 to $2,000 for a brand new insert.
How lengthy does it take to switch a hearth insert?
The time it takes to switch a hearth insert can range relying on the expertise of the individual doing the set up. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to anticipate the set up to take wherever from a number of hours to a full day.
Is it tough to switch a hearth insert?
Changing a hearth insert will not be a tough job, nevertheless it does require some fundamental abilities and instruments. In case you are not snug working with fuel or electrical traces, you could wish to rent knowledgeable to do the set up.
