A gas fireplace blower is essential if you want to maximise the efficiency of your gas fire. They work on the simple principle of the gas fire heating up the cast iron blower tubes, similar to those in cast iron radiators,  and then a fan unit blowing the heated air contained within the tubes into the room.

The effect is that the blower is able to push more heated air into the room than the fire is able to do by radiating thus giving you greater efficiency from your fire.

Gas fireplace blower kit installation is relatively straightforward and kits come with installation instructions but use of a fan blower does require an electrical power source close at hand to fuel the fan unit. Most kits will come with a gas fireplace blower fan unit, mounting brackets, power cords, fireplace blower temperature and speed control unit. There are many blower kits for gas fireplaces on the market ranging in price from under $100 through to $1000. Your fire may already have a blower unit fitted without you knowing, and should you have problems you can easily find blower motors and fans to repair any existing models you may have.

If you wish to purchase a blower for a gas fireplace you will generally need to know the dimensions of the existing fireplace and style (log fire, stove etc) as most manufacturers supply fireplace blowers to suit both size and style of fire. The top brands to look out for are Heatilator, Majestic and Napoleon although others also supply selections of gas fireplace blower spares and kits.

Thermo Rite Gas Log Fireplace Blower – An example of a gas log fireplace blower kit. Designed for fireplaces 20″ wide x 17″ deep this blower unit improves the effeciency of your log fire giving off an estimated 25000 BTU’s of heat per hour. Comes equipped with a thermostatically controlled fan unit that turns on at 110F and off at 90F for maximum effeciency. Fan motors can be positioned on either side of your grating to suit your power supply. When ordering measure the floor plan of your fireplace to allow selection from the two sizes available. Designed for masonery fireplaces but shouldn’t be used with zero clearance fireplaces. Priced from $533 to $620 dependant on size option.

Majestic Gas Fireplace Blower Kit – Model shown is the R7-RB65 Fireplace blower, a replacement blower which comes with a cord, speed control thermo switch as well as fan blower unit. Blower length is 12.9″  flange opening is 9.5″ and comes fitted to a base plate 15″ x 4″. Comes with instructions for fitting and can be fitted in under 1 hour by an enthusiast but a qualified technician is recommended. Prices from $145.95.

Napoleon FK550 Blower Kit – This fan kit is a replacement item for Napoleon/Wolf Steel/Continental GZ550-1kt and fits all Napoleon direct vent gas fireplaces. Comes with a two year warranty as standard. Kit includes blower fan, mounting brackets, temperature sensor, vibration pad, wiring harness, variable speed control and all necessary installation instructions for fitting. Usual price $129.