I'm just about set to install a ZC approved insert in my ZC fireplace. I removed the gas log set and copper pipe yesterday and while I was cleaning everything out I started wondering about a few things. For those who haven't seen my other posts, I'm putting a Lopi Republic 1750i into a Martin BE42 and I'm installing a full chimney liner. The total distance from the bottom of the firebox to the top of cap will be about 17ft.
The ZC fireplace that I have right now has the fire clay sides and bottom that are large sheets formed to look like brick. Obviously, there are gaps in the corners where these sheets meet each other (sorry, I don't have pics). I know that I need to use furnace cement to fill the hole where the copper pipe went through the fireclay, but do I also need to put the furnace cement in these gaps in the corners?
My second question concerns the blower that is connected to my current fireplace. As of right now I am not purchasing the optional blower with my insert because I want something that will work when the power is out and honestly, my budget has been exhausted. But while I was cleaning everything yesterday, I tested the current blower and it works fine. Now this blower pulls air around the ZC box and will not be blowing the air around the insert, but will this still help to move the heat into the room?
Also, when I contacted the manufacturer to make sure that this insert is approved for my current ZC fireplace, the answer was yes and the response didn't ask whether or not I had a blower currently. So, I got to wondering whether or not I have to run this blower to keep the box cool enough to keep everything safe. I'm probably just being paranoid about safety, but I'm away from the house about 18 hours a day, six days a week, and I want my family to be safe.
Thanks for any help you all can provide!
The ZC fireplace that I have right now has the fire clay sides and bottom that are large sheets formed to look like brick. Obviously, there are gaps in the corners where these sheets meet each other (sorry, I don't have pics). I know that I need to use furnace cement to fill the hole where the copper pipe went through the fireclay, but do I also need to put the furnace cement in these gaps in the corners?
My second question concerns the blower that is connected to my current fireplace. As of right now I am not purchasing the optional blower with my insert because I want something that will work when the power is out and honestly, my budget has been exhausted. But while I was cleaning everything yesterday, I tested the current blower and it works fine. Now this blower pulls air around the ZC box and will not be blowing the air around the insert, but will this still help to move the heat into the room?
Also, when I contacted the manufacturer to make sure that this insert is approved for my current ZC fireplace, the answer was yes and the response didn't ask whether or not I had a blower currently. So, I got to wondering whether or not I have to run this blower to keep the box cool enough to keep everything safe. I'm probably just being paranoid about safety, but I'm away from the house about 18 hours a day, six days a week, and I want my family to be safe.
Thanks for any help you all can provide!
