Air Supply Ventilator
New homes using modern construction methods are more energy efficient and more air tight than ever before. In many cases this is a good thing because it keeps the heat in the home and the cold air out, or visa versa in the summer. Unfortunately a tight home can sometimes cause drafting problems for fireplace inserts. Wood burning fireplace inserts require air to keep a fire burning. When a fireplace insert is unable to draw sufficient air from the home it will not burn as efficiently and can begin smoking.
Air supply ventilators can be added to help solve this problem. Air supply ventilators are installed through an outside wall and bring outside air into the combustion chamber of the fireplace insert to provide combustion air for the fire. That way the fire is consuming outside air rather than pulling inside air and heat into the insert and up the chimney. The installation and operation of an air supply ventilator can be very simple. There are no batteries or electrical wiring or ductwork needed. A ventilator works automatically by taking advantage of the negative air pressure inside the home. It can be opened or shut manually.
Most include an exterior grill and insect screen. They are made of ABS molded polymer and can be painted with latex paint to match your decor.
