Fireplace blowers are one of the most popular fireplace accessories on the market. They’re a great way to make sure your home is getting the most out of those lovely, cozy fires.
Most people love their fireplaces because it’s a great way to relax. They’re also pumped if they can get some added heating throughout the home. Indeed, having a fireplace at home to keep things warm is a wonderful benefit.
It keeps energy costs lower and fills the house with natural heat. However, we all learn in grade school that hot air rises and cold air falls. Directing enough hot air into the house is one of the major challenges in maintaining a good working fireplace.
Fireplace blowers are the best way to strike the perfect balance between directing air out through the chimney while keeping enough hot air flowing into the house.
Let’s break down what a fireplace blower is and how does a fireplace blower work to keep you nice and warm.
Blower Function Basics
via: advancedchimney
Most fireplaces do a decent job of pushing hot air inside. A good blower, though, makes things even better. It can increase the amount of heat the fire makes and direct it to better distribute hot air.
It stops so much hot air from being released outside. Blowers do this with a few basic components. First, fire-resistant tubing is installed underneath where the fire is built.
The tubes heat the air inside them up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The tubes radiate heat around the fireplace and into the room. Blowers can be turned on and off:
When on – An air intake draws in cold air from the room and pushes it into the fire-resistant tubes. The air inside quickly heats up because the tubes maintain such a high temperature.
When the cold air becomes very hot, it’s pushed out the other end of the blower. The system is efficient, so it acts like a heating unit without requiring a lot of electricity.
It essentially uses the heat from the fire to operate as a heater. As a safety measure, the entire unit operates within a specific temperature range. When things get too hot, the blower shuts off automatically, and will cycle back on when the temperature returns into range.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all fireplaces can accommodate blowers. Some size restrictions or fireplace designs restrict the ability to install a blower, so check with manufacturers whether it’s an option.
Modern Fireplace Blower Options
As expected, technology has improved fireplace blowers over time. They now come with a variety of options that make them easier to use and more efficient.
One of the best options is a variable speed control so fireplace owners can control the flow of hot air. Users can dictate how fast the blower motor works so noise and airflow can be managed.
When homeowners aren’t in the room, they can increase the motor speed, which will also make more noise. That way the room will be nice and toasty when they return so they can dial the motor back and enjoy the warmth. Controls can be installed on a wall or other nearby locations.
Internal thermostats are also a popular option. Most often, the internal thermostats are used when no wall outlet can accommodate an external control.
The switch, as previously stated, is calibrated to turn on and off within a specific temperature range. It helps protect the fireplace and extend the lifespan of the blower.
Benefits of Blowers Well Worth the Cost
Fireplace blowers generally cost under $200. Remember, it’s an accessory so it will have to be installed. Most kits require some electrical work, so consider having a professional install so everything’s in good working order.
Once in, users can start to enjoy the numerous benefits of fireplace blowers. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that blowers make fireplaces more efficient. Even casual fireplace users eventually get hooked on making the best fire possible.
Building a great fire becomes a point of price. With blowers, fireplaces become supercharged, so fires feel and look even better. Rooms will get warmer much faster than normal.
Fireplace blowers also cost relatively little to operate. Essentially, homeowners are getting the benefits of a top of the line heating unit through their gas or wood fireplace.
The electricity costs are minimal. That means lower energy bills and happier residents through the cold winter months.
Finally, fireplace blowers are easy to install and operate. It’s a straightforward system that works well and lasts a long time. Most fireplace blowers work without issue for years, and replacement and repair costs are low.
A lot of them come with a year warranty in case any problems arise. Modern blowers can be adjusted so noise, heat levels and time work to the preference of homeowners.
Get the Most Out of Your Fireplace
In the end, fireplace blowers are one of the most popular accessories because they work. The best accessories take what an object is supposed to do and make it work even better.
With blowers, the hot air put off by fires is used in the most effective way possible to the enjoyment of its users. Blowers have grown in popularity because fireplaces have become so common.
They’re a staple item in new homes and apartments across the United States. Even houses in warmer climates are getting fireplaces because they are so beloved for the romantic atmosphere they provide.
Some homes are even coming with blower kits pre-installed. Customization is the name of the game, and hi-tech fireplace blower kits given even more control to homeowners in much the same way electronic thermostats work.
If you’ve been using your fireplace for years without a blower, think about installing one to take your fires to the next level. For those who’ve left their fireplace dormant because it’s too large and they just can’t seem to get the room hot, a blower can make your life easy. Soon you’ll be happily taking refuge next to a beautiful warm fire after a long day.
