A fireplace blower kit is one of the most effective upgrades you can add to your gas fireplace. While a gas fireplace produces heat through both radiant warmth (from the glass and firebox) and natural convection, a blower dramatically increases the amount of heated air pushed into your living space. Many homeowners report noticing a significant improvement in room temperature after installing a blower kit.

This guide covers everything you need to know about installing a fireplace blower kit, from choosing the right kit to completing the installation and troubleshooting common issues.

What Is a Fireplace Blower Kit?

A fireplace blower kit (also called a fan kit or forced-air kit) consists of a small electric fan that mounts inside or beneath your fireplace. It draws room-temperature air in, passes it over the hot surfaces of the firebox or heat exchanger, and blows the heated air back into the room.

A typical blower kit includes:

• Blower motor and fan assembly: The motor that drives the fan. Most use a centrifugal (squirrel cage) blower or a tangential (crossflow) fan.
• Thermal snap disc or thermostat: A temperature-activated switch that turns the blower on when the firebox reaches a set temperature (usually around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit) and turns it off when it cools down. This prevents the blower from running when the fireplace is cold.
• Speed control: A variable speed rheostat or multi-speed switch that lets you adjust fan speed.
• Power cord and wiring: The electrical connection, typically a standard 120V plug.
• Mounting hardware: Brackets, screws, and sometimes a mounting plate specific to your fireplace model.

Do You Need a Blower Kit?

Not every fireplace needs or can accept a blower. Consider these factors:

• Your fireplace must be designed for a blower. Most direct vent and vent-free gas fireplaces have a designated blower cavity or knockouts in the firebox housing. Check your owner manual or the manufacturer specifications.
• Room size matters: If your fireplace heats the immediate area adequately without a blower, you may not need one. Blowers are most beneficial in larger rooms or open floor plans where you want to distribute heat more evenly.
• Noise tolerance: All blowers produce some noise. Higher-quality kits and lower fan speeds are quieter, but if silence is important to your fireplace experience, keep this in mind.
• Electrical access: You need a standard electrical outlet near the fireplace for the blower. Some installations have an outlet inside the fireplace compartment; others may need an electrician to install one.

Choosing the Right Blower Kit

OEM vs Universal Kits

There are two approaches to choosing a blower kit:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) kits: Designed specifically for your fireplace model. These are the easiest to install because the mounting points, wiring, and airflow are all engineered to match your unit. This is the recommended option whenever available.
• Universal blower kits: Designed to fit a range of fireplaces. These require more care during installation to ensure proper fitment and airflow. They are a good option when OEM kits are discontinued or unavailable.

Key Specifications

When selecting a blower kit, pay attention to:

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This measures airflow capacity. Most fireplace blowers range from 50 to 200 CFM. Higher CFM means more air movement, but also potentially more noise.
• Physical dimensions: The blower must fit in the available space. Measure the blower compartment in your fireplace before ordering.
• Voltage: Most residential fireplace blowers are 120V AC. Confirm this matches your available outlet.
• Noise level: Look for blowers with ball bearing or sleeve bearing motors. Ball bearings are generally quieter and longer-lasting.

Shop blower motors, blower wheels, and blower housing assemblies for your specific model.

Installation Steps

Tools You Will Need

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Nut driver or socket set (common sizes: 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Wire strippers (if wiring connections are required)
• Flashlight
• Multimeter (for verifying electrical connections)

Step 1: Turn Everything Off

Before starting the installation:

• Turn off the gas fireplace and let it cool completely (at least two hours).
• If there is an existing electrical connection in the blower compartment, unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker.
• Turn off the gas supply to the fireplace at the shut-off valve as an extra precaution.

Step 2: Access the Blower Compartment

The blower compartment is typically located below the firebox. Remove the lower access panel or louver. In some models, you may need to remove the bottom trim piece to access the compartment.

Look for the blower mounting area. OEM-ready fireplaces will have pre-drilled mounting holes or brackets. Some fireplaces have a knockout panel that you need to remove to create the blower opening.

Step 3: Install the Thermal Snap Disc

The thermal snap disc (temperature switch) is what controls when the blower turns on and off based on firebox temperature. It should be mounted on the firebox or heat exchanger where it can sense the operating temperature.

• Locate the designated mounting location. Many fireplaces have a pre-tapped hole or mounting bracket for the snap disc.
• Secure the snap disc with the provided hardware. Ensure it makes good contact with the metal surface for accurate temperature sensing.
• Route the wiring away from any heat sources or moving parts.

Step 4: Mount the Blower Assembly

Position the blower in the compartment:

• Align the blower with the mounting holes or brackets.
• Secure with the provided screws or bolts. Do not overtighten, as this can crack plastic blower housings.
• Make sure the blower is oriented correctly. The air intake should face the room (or the bottom of the fireplace), and the output should direct air along the firebox and out through the upper louver or vent.
• Ensure the blower assembly does not contact the firebox directly. Most kits include rubber grommets or isolation mounts to reduce vibration noise.

Step 5: Connect the Wiring

Follow the wiring diagram included with your blower kit. A typical wiring setup includes:

• Power cord connects to the speed control (rheostat).
• Speed control connects to the thermal snap disc.
• Thermal snap disc connects to the blower motor.

Most connections use wire nuts or spade connectors. Ensure all connections are tight and secure. If your kit uses a plug-in junction box, simply plug the components together as directed.

Step 6: Install the Speed Control

The speed control is usually mounted on the lower access panel or on a designated opening in the fireplace frame. Some kits include a small hole template for drilling a mounting hole in the panel.

• Mount the speed control where it is accessible from outside the fireplace.
• Label the dial if it is not already marked (typically LOW to HIGH).

Step 7: Test the Installation

1. Plug in the blower power cord (or turn on the circuit breaker).
2. Turn on the gas fireplace and let it heat up.
3. After 10 to 15 minutes, the thermal snap disc should click on and the blower should start running.
4. Test the speed control through its full range. The blower should speed up and slow down smoothly.
5. Listen for vibration or rattling. If present, check that the blower is properly isolated from the firebox with rubber grommets and that all screws are snug.
6. Verify that warm air is exiting through the upper louver or vent opening.

Step 8: Reinstall Access Panels

Once everything is working properly, reinstall the lower access panel and any trim pieces you removed. Make sure the power cord is routed cleanly and not pinched.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Blower Does Not Turn On

• Firebox not hot enough: The thermal snap disc will not close until the firebox reaches operating temperature. Wait at least 15 minutes.
• Faulty snap disc: Test with a multimeter for continuity when the firebox is hot. Replace if it does not close.
• Wiring issue: Check all connections. A loose wire nut or disconnected spade connector is the most common installation problem.
• Speed control at minimum: Turn the rheostat up. Some controls have a dead zone at the low end.

Blower Is Noisy

• Vibration against the firebox: Add rubber isolation mounts if they were not included in the kit.
• Loose mounting screws: Tighten all mounting hardware.
• Debris in the fan: Check for anything caught in the blower wheel.
• Motor bearing noise: A hum or whine from the motor itself may indicate a defective motor. Contact the manufacturer for warranty replacement.

For more blower troubleshooting, see our comprehensive guide on gas fireplace blower problems and replacement.

Blower Runs But No Warm Air

• Blower oriented incorrectly: Verify the airflow direction matches the designed path through or around the firebox.
• Blocked inlet or outlet: Check that the upper and lower louvers are open and unobstructed.
• Blower not in contact with heat: The blower should draw air across the hot firebox surfaces. If it is too far from the heat source, the air will not warm effectively.

When to Call a Professional

Installing a fireplace blower kit is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners, but consider hiring a professional if:

• You need electrical work. If there is no outlet near the fireplace, an electrician should install one. Do not use extension cords as a permanent solution for a fireplace blower.
• Your fireplace does not have a designated blower compartment. Modifying the fireplace housing to accommodate a blower can void the warranty and potentially create safety issues. A professional can advise whether it is feasible.
• You are not confident in the wiring. Incorrect wiring can damage the blower motor, create a fire hazard, or cause the blower to run constantly.
• The blower requires integration with an existing control system. Some modern fireplaces have electronic control boards that manage the blower. Connecting to these systems requires an understanding of the specific control architecture.

Browse our full selection of fireplace parts and fireplace accessories for everything you need to install and maintain your fireplace blower.