Is blower required on newer gas fireplaces (Heat n Glo 8000CL)?

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ynotwood

Member
Oct 26, 2007
15
SE MA
Online Research shows that some vented gas fireplaces do not come with blower (Heat n Glo 8000CL). They say there is plenty of heat that comes off ceramic glass (but not tempered class) so that blowers are not required. But then Heat n Glo sells the 8000CLX with blower. What am I missing here. Will be placed in New construction, 18ft ceiling with ceiling fan, vented fireplace. Suggestions or thoughts?
 

DAKSY

Full Time RVer
Staff member
Dec 2, 2008
9,695
Wherever we're parked
The blower is NOT required, but if it's installed BEFORE installation by the Hearth Shop where you bought it, it'll cost you less...
It's also easier to install while the unit is up on an assembly bench, than it is lying on your belly.
If you decide later to have the blower installed by your hearth shop, you'll pay for the blower AND the service call.
 
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Lennox65

Burning Hunk
Jan 29, 2021
205
New Hampshire
Online Research shows that some vented gas fireplaces do not come with blower (Heat n Glo 8000CL). They say there is plenty of heat that comes off ceramic glass (but not tempered class) so that blowers are not required. But then Heat n Glo sells the 8000CLX with blower. What am I missing here. Will be placed in New construction, 18ft ceiling with ceiling fan, vented fireplace. Suggestions or thoughts?
In addition to the radiant heat from the glass, direct vent fireplaces are designed to use convection. Cold dense air is drawn in through the lower cavity and heated by the combustion area and expelled as heated air at the top opening of the fireplace. Adding a blower increases the amount of air that is moved through this cycle and pushes it a little further into the room.
If you are choosing between an 8000CL and an 800CLX, get the CLX.
 

ynotwood

Member
Oct 26, 2007
15
SE MA
In addition to the radiant heat from the glass, direct vent fireplaces are designed to use convection. Cold dense air is drawn in through the lower cavity and heated by the combustion area and expelled as heated air at the top opening of the fireplace. Adding a blower increases the amount of air that is moved through this cycle and pushes it a little further into the room.
If you are choosing between an 8000CL and an 800CLX, get the CLX.
Thanks for the reply. I know the 8000CLX has the blower but I do not like the extra LED embers on it and the extra cost. My supplier says a blower can be added to the 8000CL. I was thinking of doing that if necessary. Not convinced that it will help much.
 
Jan 11, 2018
43
Seymour, TN
The blower does make a difference in spreading the heated air throughout the room. The CLX also has a slightly higher btu rating as well and a few more percent in efficiency.
 

stovelark

Minister of Fire
Oct 10, 2009
1,598
SE CT
Blowers are not required- but they always make a fireplace disperse heat better. X2 for the CLX, its more powerful and a nicer unit. And yes, we are spending your money for you, but you'll be happier down the road with that choice. Keep warm.