ᐅ Where is the best location to install warm air vents from a fireplace?

Hello.

We are getting a masonry fireplace, and now we are wondering how to best position the vents that blow warm air either to the left or right side of the fireplace. My concern is that if the vent is on the left side, facing the living wall and sofa, that area will get quite warm, while the entire right side (living room and open kitchen) would not receive any warm air. To what extent the ventilation system distributes the air is also a question...

Advantage of placing the vent on the left side of the fireplace = less noticeable. On the right side = more visible, but the warm air might be better distributed. The fireplace also radiates heat through the glass. Furthermore, it will be built with fireclay and additional thermal storage bricks. I assume this will result in a relatively long and even heat release.

Where do you think we should position the air vents? On the left or right side of the fireplace? You can see more details in the attached floor plan. Thanks in advance for your opinions.

That depends entirely on the type of stove or window involved. For example, with us, only about 10% of the heat passes through the window at the front. When you stand in front of it, it’s quite warm, but overall it doesn’t produce a lot of heat. How about placing the grate in the middle above the stove, so neither on the left nor the right? Or does that not work because of the stove type?

Well, as I said: it is a masonry heater, and we can freely choose the position of the vents. What I want to figure out is where their placement makes the most sense.

Then I would suggest placing it on the left and right, if possible, or alternatively in the center above the stove.

I would install it on the right side. The room won’t get too cold when the fireplace is in use, and the ventilation system also distributes the air. If you install it on the left, your items in the wall unit might be exposed to too much heat.

And how does condensation on windows behave during winter?