I have a jotul GI 635 DV IPI insert installed in a masonry fireplace on one end of our house (wood stove is on the other end). Since I was home a lot more than normal this past winter, I noticed that it was quite cold near there when the insert isn't running. This doesn't seem surprising since it's a giant chunk of metal and brick on an outside wall.
I've read many threads here that talk about installing a block off plate, and debates around whether it's okay to put mineral wool insulation on the back and side walls of a fireplace before installing an insert. All of those threads that I could find, though, are about wood inserts. Do the same conclusions apply for gas inserts?
I read through the jotul manual, which seemed to imply that a block off plate is okay (there was mention of sealing off the flue from the house in one place), but nothing about whether insulation on the fireplace walls is acceptable. The clearance diagrams seem to say that a fireplace opening 1/8" larger than the insert on the sides and rear is acceptable. I'd have space to keep a gap much larger than that even with insulation installed.
I've read many threads here that talk about installing a block off plate, and debates around whether it's okay to put mineral wool insulation on the back and side walls of a fireplace before installing an insert. All of those threads that I could find, though, are about wood inserts. Do the same conclusions apply for gas inserts?
I read through the jotul manual, which seemed to imply that a block off plate is okay (there was mention of sealing off the flue from the house in one place), but nothing about whether insulation on the fireplace walls is acceptable. The clearance diagrams seem to say that a fireplace opening 1/8" larger than the insert on the sides and rear is acceptable. I'd have space to keep a gap much larger than that even with insulation installed.
