I Have a Gas Fireplace With Insulation in the Wall: Should I Remove It?

Insulation's Purpose

• In most cases you should only need to remove a small amount of insulation in your wall when you install a gas fireplace. Wall insulation prevents the heat that a gas fireplace creates from escaping the room through small gaps and natural conduction. Since a gas fireplace is not intended to heat your entire home, capturing as much of its heat as possible in the room where it's installed is essential. Wall insulation is also useful for filling gaps in your wall created by running a gas line from an outdoor meter, tank or utility line into your home.

Preventing Venting

• Direct vent gas fireplaces rely on air from the room to provide the oxygen needed for combustion. This air enters the fireplace through a vent on the back or top of the housing and combines with natural gas to fuel the flame. In top-venting gas fireplaces, wall insulation may block part of the vent if the fireplace is set deep into your wall. Consider the location of the vent during placement and remove insulation if necessary to ensure a steady flow of air into the fireplace.

Exhaust Vent

• A gas fireplace's exhaust vent discharges carbon dioxide out of your home. This vent can get hot, especially at the point where it exits the firebox. Placing insulation in this area may create a fire risk. Gas fireplace manufacturers note the required clearances for wall insulation, along with studs and other combustable materials, in their installation manuals. Removing a small portion of wall insulation, or installing a metal hood to protect the insulation from intense heat, should solve the problem.

Considerations

• Installing a gas fireplace presents an opportunity to upgrade or add insulation to your walls. Besides taking advantage of the fact that your walls will be open for the fireplace installation, this will also ensure that the heat your fireplace produces is directed into your home. If you choose professional installation for the fireplace, you can still add your own insulation prior to the installation. Select fire retardant insulation with a high R-value for maximum efficiency and safety.