Zero Clearance Fireplace and outside air

[Abchoppers]

Hi all, My home has a zero clearance fireplace installed. There is a vinyl sided chimney chase outside which has a vent that is connected somewhere to the fireplace. I always had a very cold draft in winter months coming through the bottom louvers of the fireplace. I recently put insulation over the outside air vent and that eliminated the draft inside.
So my question is, does a zero clearance have to have an outside air intake? Is it for safety to keep the area surrounding the fireplace cavity cool, or is just to feed the fire more air?

thank you

 

[begreen]

It depends on the fireplace. Many need an outside air connection. What does the manual say?

 

[Abchoppers]

I don’t have a manual or know the model, we just moved into the home. So there must be a way to keep the draft out when not in use, but able to open the draft when needed. Do they sell an electronic auto damper for it maybe?
Thanks

 

[GENECOP]

Post a photo, someone here will probably be able to ID the manufacturer..

 

[Abchoppers]

Thank you, house was built in 2005

 

[Abchoppers]

Any ideas on make or model?

 

[begreen]

Open the doors and look in the door channel for a metal ID tag.

 

[Abchoppers]

I didn’t find a tag but you inadvertently solved my problem! I opened the glass doors and found a damper lever that closes off the outside air. So I assume it works just like a damper on a wood stove. I was able to see a tag on the inside that said hearth and home company. I’ll do some research on them since I’ve never heard of them.
Thanks all for the help

 

[begreen]

Good find! HHT is one of the biggest in the industry. Most likely this is a Majestic or Heatilator brand fireplace.