How to Install Propane Fireplace Inserts
For a good alternative to the traditional wood-burning fireplace, consider a propane fireplace. Fireplace inserts burn cleaner, which is good for the environment as well as people who suffer from breathing problems such as asthma. A propane fireplace is a great choice to keep your house warm in those freezing winter months.
Materials needed:
- Propane fireplace insert
- Thick piece of cardboard
- Chimney flue liner
- Tin snips
- Screwdriver
- Chimney caulk
- Insulation strips
Lay down a thick piece of cardboard in front of the opening for the fireplace. The piece of cardboard is going to protect the bricks from getting damaged when you push the propane insert into place. You should have someone help you lift the fireplace insert on the cardboard. Slide the insert along the cardboard and into the fireplace. Make sure that the insert is in the center of the fireplace opening.
Take off the chimney damper. Drop a flue liner down from on the top of the roof and into the fireplace. Go back inside of the house. Connect the flue collar adapter to the bottom of the flue liner. Use small cuts to take off any of the flue liner that is extra. Insert screws on the end.
Mark where the propane insert hits the front of the fireplace using chalk. Slide the propane insert back out of the opening. This is going to give you access to the holes on the sides and the top of the unit. Line up the side and top panels so they cover the lines that you just created on the fireplace. Tighten up the screws and lock the panels into place.
Seal the seams between the extender panels and the fireplace insert using caulk. Make sure that you seal the places where the side and top panels meet.
Put insulation strips on the back panel of the propane insert. With help, push it back inside the fireplace opening so the panels are flush against the front of the fireplace. You should have an airtight seal between the insert and the fireplace opening. This will prevent heat from coming out of the chimney.