Expert: James Ball - 11/21/2010

Question
About 10 yrs ago we had a fireplace, roughed in, with a double wall heatalator installed. The mason also installed a 4" intake vent on the outside of the chimney 47" up from the ground with the outlet at the side and bottom of the heatalator, which sits on 2 courses of brick. The vent was supplied with the insert. I am now ready to finish it and while having it measured for glassdoors the sales rep said the intake should only be 4'-8" from the ground not 47" and I should move it down. Before I punch another hole into the side of my chimney, is he correct? Also, before I move it, it appears your opinion is vents, is are of little value. Am I reading you right and should just seal the hole?

Tks Kevin

Answer
Hell KEvin, a "Heatolator" type firebox ia a metal fire box and it is designed to circulate heat up the back of the unit in from lower vents to vents placed higher up in the wall (not sure what the heights are for either vent). this is all done with indie air not "out side" of the house air (I have not seen a "fresh air intake" for a Heatolator type fireplace.
you might want to contact the manufacturer of this fire box and follow their instruction for installation and your local building department.
James