How to Install a Direct Vent Fireplace in a Basement

You can install a direct vent fireplace in many places in a house, including in your basement. The typical type of direct vent fireplace that you can use is called a gas insert fireplace. These types of fireplaces use natural gas to provide heat. Direct vent fireplaces require a vent to draw outside air into the firebox and an additional vent to exhaust gas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Power drill
• Screws

1. Turn off the gas. Use the main valve if you do not have a separate valve for the gas line for the fireplace.

2. Place your direct vent fireplace on a corner wall in your basement. This will allow you to construct a frame enclosure around the fireplace. The vent piping will be installed on either side of the fireplace and then out the wall.

3. Place a cabinet style direct vent fireplace along an outside wall in your basement. You can construct a frame around the fireplace or buy a complete fireplace enclosure unit.

4. Find an opening in your basement wall for the vent pipe. If you have basement windows installed, you can use this opening for the vent pipe. Replace the window glass with plywood or some other wood that has a hole cut out for the vent pipe.

5. Attach the vent pipe to the fireplace and the window opening. Secure the piping to the fireplace by tightening the clamps with a screwdriver. Attach the piping to the plywood by installing a mounting bracket and using screws to secure it with a power drill.

6. Connect the gas lines to the fireplace using an adjustable wrench. Secure the fittings on the gas lines to the fittings on the fireplace and then tighten them with the adjustable wrench.

7. Turn on the gas to check if there are any leaks.

8. Turn on the fireplace to make sure that it is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• A direct vent fireplace does not require the use of a chimney. Hire a professional plumber to install gas pipes if you do not have any that you can use for the fireplace.
• If you do not have basement windows, you will need to create a hole in your basement wall to run the vent pipes for the fireplace. Turn off the gas before making any connections to the gas pipes.

References

• FIreplaces: Style and Substance
• Installing Your Gas Fireplace
• Installing a Gas Fireplace Insert

Resources

• Fireplace Venting Options