Blowers on inserts

[BobTheTomato]

How much of a difference does a blower make on an insert that runs 24/7? (qudrafiree 4100 insert)

 

[burntime]

Some will disagree with me but I think a blower is required with an insert...it moves much much more heat out of the unit. This is also my experience with 3 different stoves in 2 homes. Even a heatalator in an open fireplace makes a world of difference.

 

[begreen]

I would get a blower with just about any insert. The output difference is significant and it aids heat circulation.

 

[fossil]

I've never owned an insert, but I can't imagine burning one without a blower. I like the blower even on my freestanding. It makes a world of difference in getting that heat out into the room to mix and circulate instead of just rising straight up to the ceiling. The combination of radiation and forced convection optimizes the performance of the appliance in heating the space. Rick

 

[TMonter]

It depends on a lot of factors including design of the insert. I have a Quad 3100i and have found that heat input with vs. without a fan is not significant once the room is heated up. Currently I have no fan on my 3100i and it works just fine.

 

[smit30b]

A fan moves air. So with an insert, where the heat producing box is at least half way enclosed inside the fireplace it will give you better distribution. Some of the newer gas inserts by Heat & Glo & Quadrafire utilize a patented firebrick refractory that radiates 25% more heat with the same amount of fuel, and insulates the fire chamber from the cold outside air in the existing fireplace. A fan on this type of a unit will not make as much as a difference as it will on a conventional design unit.

 

[begreen]

Glad you added a comment about your stove TMonter, it is a good convector. But for a quick room heat up from a cold start or in a layout that needs a circulation boost, I would still want a blower.

 

[gpcollen1]

A blower is a no brainer. Maybe you do not use it all the time, like in shoulder months. When you want to heat the room up quickly or it gets very cold out - you need it.

 

[granpajohn]

Blower = Good. We can't hardly get by without it.

I run that model and I thought the blower was included standard. (This true?)

Mine is in an exterior masonry chimney/FP. If you have an interior chimney, it might not make as much difference. Also, are you in a cold climate?

 

[humpin iron]

4100I came with a blower, stv is meant to work with a blower

 

[Hogwildz]

Blower is a def plus in my house.
I'd rather have a blower i can turn down or off, than not have a blower when I need it.
Actually, my blower runs just about 24/7 while the insert is burning.
Huge difference in this house.