Rectangular Hole At Top Of Firebox - What Is This?

[newland07]

Any help in sorting this out would be much appreciated. I purchased a foreclosed home and renovated the property. The home has a Dovre fireplace, although it looks like a wood stove disguised as a fireplace. I had the fireplace inspected and cleaned but have not used it yet. The fireplace was dirty, but it was cleaned and I was told everything looked okay. The inspection was way earlier in the year, and for kicks, I had a look recently to make sure everything looked okay as I intend have a lot of fires this winter. Towards the top of the firebox there is a rectangular hole, part of it looks like a factory cut but part of it looks rather hastily cut, or worse, like something may have broken off. It appears still be sealed, i.e. not open into the wall cavity. I am wondering if this is a fresh air intake or something to be concerned about. The company I used to clean and inspect the unit doesn't know by looking at the photo, and they are not so readily available to come out to have a look, which is a little concerning. I am curious to know if anybody knows what this is while I seek out another inspector. Thanks in advance!

 

[newland07]

Any help in sorting this out would be much appreciated. I purchased a foreclosed home and renovated the property. The home has a Dovre fireplace, although it looks like a wood stove disguised as a fireplace. I had the fireplace inspected and cleaned but have not used it yet. The fireplace was dirty, but it was cleaned and I was told everything looked okay. The inspection was way earlier in the year, and for kicks, I had a look recently to make sure everything looked okay as I intend have a lot of fires this winter. Towards the top of the firebox there is a rectangular hole, part of it looks like a factory cut but part of it looks rather hastily cut, or worse, like something may have broken off. It appears still be sealed, i.e. not open into the wall cavity. I am wondering if this is a fresh air intake or something to be concerned about. The company I used to clean and inspect the unit doesn't know by looking at the photo, and they are not so readily available to come out to have a look, which is a little concerning. I am curious to know if anybody knows what this is while I seek out another inspector. Thanks in advance!

I should note the top of the photo of the fireplace represents the flue. Also, the unit and chimney were professionally inspected and cleaned with no mention of this rectangular hole..

 

[rwhite]

I should note the top of the photo of the fireplace represents the flue. Also, the unit and chimney were professionally inspected and cleaned with no mention of this rectangular hole..

A pic of the entire stove would help folks identify it and probably tell you what the hole is .

 

[newland07]

More photos uploaded. Exterior shot, exterior shot with door open, hole and flue, and the hole itself. The hole appears to be cut intentionally. It is a Dovre, but I cannot find a model number. There is an ash pan under the grate. There is a blower fan as well.

I am wondering if the hole is there to aid air/oxygen to fuel the fire as the door seals shut. Again, any insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[snavematt]

i just removed a Dovre Sunburst from my house (actually looks just like yours but grey), provided no heat and had zero air controls.I couldn't control a fire in it. I can say mine did not have that hole in the firebox, I will double check tonight when I get home