Remodeling 1950s gas fireplace with heatilator

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
  • Hope everyone has a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
  • Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here

thejonr

New Member
Sep 7, 2019
2
Royal Oak, Michigan
Hey guys! New homeowner here in the fine state of Michigan. I've got a gas, all metal, wood fireplace converted before I bought the home. I was told the fireplace hadn't been used in 10 years so an inspector was brought in and all the lines, chimney and everything was tested and determined to be in "great condition, especially for its age". Sweet!

Now I'm doing some remodel work on the face of the fireplace and am looking at the possibility of covering the heatilator vents. There does not seem to be any electrical blower or much draft at all. I'd like to seal off the lower two vents and the upper vents as well. I've read through a ton of forum posts but they all seem to reference a wood burning fireplace. Since this is already gas, I'm not sure where that leaves me. I've attached a few photos for reference.

Any help would be hugley appreciated!

Thanks,
Jon
 

Attachments

  • [Hearth.com] Remodeling 1950s gas fireplace with heatilator
    15678696501213799743896434236704.webp
    78.7 KB · Views: 279
  • [Hearth.com] Remodeling 1950s gas fireplace with heatilator
    15678696789567281705343558976819.webp
    55.2 KB · Views: 247
  • [Hearth.com] Remodeling 1950s gas fireplace with heatilator
    15678696948822825133142440902832.webp
    75 KB · Views: 303
  • [Hearth.com] Remodeling 1950s gas fireplace with heatilator
    20190804_205906.webp
    49.5 KB · Views: 299
Last edited:
The vents must remain open. They are necessary for cooling the cabinet in addition to convective room heating.