Removing an old Heatilator Fireplace

Heatilator removal

[@lennythomas7230]

I cracked up when he said "I'm convinced the foundation was poured, the heatilator was installed, and then the house was built around that".

[@mikeway2223]

I did as well. LOL 😂 That literally was hilarious! Funny guy. I’m kinda convinced too.

[@joemalone3099]

Hahaha

[@VW.907]

This is exactly how mine came out, too!

[@jmcasteel7310]

I can't thank you enough for showing me the light. I was going to remove our bedroom unit and install an electric fireplace higher up the wall so my wife has a better view while laying in bed. After this video I told her she needs to sit up more and she'll be fine. Bless you brother!

[@IanSeabrook]

You are a saint. Was considering removing heatilator for a wood stove insert replacement but not anymore. Saved me tons of grief.

[@Defens222]

I was considering the same, not anymore. I know I could do it, but not looking for such a time consuming project, especially when you add in having to replace all of the stone around it and the hearth.

[@nates9353]

Put the insert inside of the heatilator

[@meinazzo5194]

“... I underestimated what the ‘Heatilator’ was bringing to this battle.” LMAO!!! Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@kleankash88]

This fire pit is one of a few covered pits that is on the list kzbin.infoUgkxAU9pOCSV9Y5JprooHvfxTpOrt4hx8uRM of approved products for Disney Fort Wilderness. The product served its purpose well and provided excellent fires throughout the evening. We were able to open the door and do s'mores, but I had to be careful because the handle was a bit hot on occasions. Additionally, I wish they had replaced some of the standard nuts with lock nuts in some places. We lost the door handle after just a couple of days of usage. Not a deal breaker, just a recommendation. I still give it 5 stars.

[@beebob1279]

Had a heatilator removed from my home and the mason made it a regular fireplace. Beautiful work. Now I have a wood burning insert which is nice. If I ever have to do work on it again, out it goes. I'll put a free standing burner there instead.

[@miguelrouxloff2486]

Really appreciate your excellent documentary. Amazed at your good humor on camera as you pealed layer after layer of the behemoth onion. Thank you for revealing the hidden configuration and size of these beasts. As I may have to follow your trail here, your leading in to the unknown sure sets the expectations on the scope the effort. Many thanks sir!

[@rustyrepairs2565]

You are my hero!! How you were able to do this without inventing new cuss words is amazing!! I would have exhausted all the cuss words in my vocabulary and would have proceeded to string together 100 new ones...

[@janetwebb580]

I started removing my gas fireplace to the point I can before capping off the glass line. I can’t seem to find a video of anyone actually capping off the gas line. Can anyone help a girl out with some instructions for that please and thank you.

[@johncox931]

Thanks for posting. I began my battle this week although my surround was 4" thick granite rock. Each one weighing 40-50 lbs. Rented a Hammer breaker which made short work of the surround except for removing the rock out of the house. Now comes the battle to remove the unit. I too could not believe the size of this thing. We are replacing with a gas fireplace.

[@lesmcc8103]

Wow great comments and video. I think I can just leave the old Heatilator and install the small airtight wood stove insert that I just bought. I wasn't even trying to find a small one but it will actually fit right inside. I just need to figure out how to run a 6in liner down through the old 8in chimney

[@cwilson6880]

hey Les Mcc , know its late, but I'm taking one out of my house as well. I bought a new zero clearance FP. Was hoping to use the existing 8" double wall and connect the new with a 6" liner.. did this work for you??

[@lesmcc8103]

@@cwilson6880 I discovered that I actually have a double -Walled 12" pipe So I removed the Damper and was able to drop the 6" stainless steel Flexible liner down through it quite easily

[@adamrothschild3624]

That was awesome. Without any guidance and by yourself. I just watched another video where they cut out the back of the chimney to replace. This is a professional team of 3 that had access to the top of the chimney and installed a new lining. I have a 23 year old heatilator that produces a nice fire but 0 heat. Will probably leave it alone after seeing what an enormous job it is to replace

[@CLPRPSD]

Thank you, the struggle is real (I started my removal yesterday)

[@AlexSh154]

2 years after I bought my house realized some had a removed a similar fireplace and installed a gas insert. They had vented said insert with dryer vent line and crushed the vent right above the insert connection in order to gain clearance without removing the metal liner from the chimney. Hoping this video helps me remove said liner.

[@chuckhough]

hahaha. dude. i just tore one out of my house. I pretty much used a big ass mallet and a crow bar and tore the sheet metal apart. I then was able (because i had access) to pry the sheet metal out of the the cylinder that leads to the ceiling. But man...i was about 3 hours in and took a break and started to youtube it...and i came across your video "at this point I'm convinced the foundation was poured, the heatilator was installed, and the house was built around it" ahahahahhaha!! i never had such a hilarious moment spun from such a bad mood in my life! In the middle of such frustration I absolutely lost it and erupted into hysterical laughter. That's EXACTLY what i was thinking.

[@tangogolf4115]

Glad I could bring some laughter into the heat of your battle!

[@th-d5882]

I'll have to second what chuckhough said... and add to it that this was/is a painful project that I NEVER should have started!!! LOL From your video, looks like I have quite a few more weekends of frustration and repeated realizations that there's yet another layer of damn sheet metal!!! Scary to find out that my fireplace had no pink insulation (or any kind) around the fireplace!!! Thanks for your video... misery loves company and I don't even have a 2 ton jack for the final steps! :(

[@chuckhough]

good luck. I got a heavy duty crowbar and a mallet, and just tore through the sheet metal that way. Dangerous, painful, and totally inefficient, but got the job done. It was absurd. And be careful. Once I removed the unit the chimney pipe slid down a good 4 feet and thankfully got caught on the lip, otherwise it would have came crashing down. I was able to angle my unit and slide it out without any jack. I actually did it alone. Just depends on the angle and how locked in and heavy your chimney pipe is.

[@eleanoreperry1231]

Great heater for our 1910 bungalow great room. Highly recommended.Puts out allot of heat even on low setting.

[@giohenrik9071]

VERY HELPFUL! I would have never thought of using a floor jack. Thank you so much for documenting your efforts which saved me a lot of swearing :-).

[@olebubby]

Just seeing this while in the middle of my demolition...good god they put these in like they’re building Fort Knox. Under mine is block and mortar I have to hammer out to get to the floor. I now know that it can be done! I’m going back in...

[@christopherharms9273]

4 years later, but thank you. Was about to try this.

[@clairecarter4386]

I have something similar. I don't need to remove the whole thing, just the ugly front and rebrick the firebox. Is that possible in your opinion?

[@peacekoala]

How did you finally remove the chimney pipe? Did you just saw it into pieces? We just removed our old Heatlilator and it was very difficult. We just have the chimney pipe left.

[@kimlawson8607]

Yikes. I am planning on replacing our fireplace but what a chore. Mine is a Martin??? Not sure if that is the same. I have stupid lava rock too. But it goes all the way to the ceiling. Looks like that wasn't such a bad process to remove. Did you video your installation of a new unit?

[@wendiyee6442]

~ Thank you for posting your video. You helped me change my mind about removing mine. 😣

[@calibrat1661]

This was a awesome video! Love the commentary!! I purchased a home and it has this kind of fireplace in it. Very informative video. Thank you for posting it! Any videos on what you did next?

[@tangogolf4115]

Thanks! No follow on video I'm afraid but we installed a new EPA certified high efficiency wood burning fireplace. There are several out there to choose from, it ran about 5K installed. We really love it.

[@maulieight]

It Is not enough to say "Thank you!" I was about to start this project blindly out of necessity because the system needs repair but is no longer legal in my state. I will just brick the damn thing up at this point.

[@assortedstuff7531]

Dude that was an amazing video. I watched it all the way through. You da man! I guess I'm going to leave my heatalator there. At least it works!

[@BryanBoutz]

I have this exact same unit in my basement and it's time for it to go. This was very helpful in understanding what I am facing. Ugh.

[@joningrum7376]

Maybe it needs to stay.

[@redryder210]

Great video!! Thanks for taking the time to make that during your project. What did you end up putting instead?

[@Huzzunga]

The house I had in Claremore had a Heatalator installed. The original owner was a rock mason, so that entire wall and hearth were rock. What a demolition it would be if the owners after me ever had to take it out. Tons of native rock.

[@janecrutchfield4612]

We’ve been told our brick fireplace will have to be taken down and the old Heatilator insert removed in order to replace gas logs installed by a previous owner in the early 90s, perhaps not to code? Have tried three or four times to get logs replaced and installers won’t do it because of that insert. Is there a reason the insert has to come out?

[@blueboat9581]

I have the same exact fireplace and stone. After watching this I guess I'll leave mine in

[@lcolletti9901]

why was it necessary to remove it ?

[@adamfredrickson7908]

Thanks, what did you replace it with?

[@Erik-oi4ji]

Is it possible to just cover the vents and just use it as a wood burning firebox?

[@petegoodman6321]

I'm halfway done with relocating mine to my shed. It's a huge sumbitch

[@jyienger]

Just started mine, got a new old house and said hey this thing looks hollow, should be easy to pop up.... And here I am.....

[@dinahschwartz9214]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Very informative and helpful!

[@RobbZilla9Million]

The commentary was hilarious!! Thanks for the post

[@tangogolf4115]

Thank You!

[@mattmatthew2440]

I'm in the heatalator war myself,mine has drywall lath and mortar concealing it,I found it easier to remove the guts first.

[@EPTRotorsports]

I'm about to do the same......the more I get into it the more worried I have become.....but the show must go on.

[@mattmatthew2440]

If you haven't got it out yet,I had to screw in support s in the attic on the round stack then remove the bottom portion, finally lowering the stack with a woods jack and 2x4s,it is heavy but comes right down.the only thing supporting the stack is the bottom portion of the chimney,it can be dangerous,good luck

[@EPTRotorsports]

@@mattmatthew2440 I got it out! Thank you for the info.

[@7891234able]

We got the same problem here. Just not sure we will tackle it or hire it done or just leave it and retire it. Ours was put in , in 1962 or so.

[@zoto6ixty]

Wow! What a job... Wouldn't it been easier to just move?

[@AccordionKraft]

almost comes on the list of options

[@jimmiller5600]

an "unfortunate fire" is also an option...................

[@wattyd6867]

I'm in the process of doing the same, thanks for the video!!

[@mrfixit391]

Great job this was hilarious and informative

[@gregspot]

I am still using my Heatilator Mark 123 Fireplace. The refractory panels have seen a better day but otherwise is in pretty good shape.

[@fightintheshade]

Is the Mark 123 a wood burning fireplace? I got some 6” double wall pipe for a Mark 123 and can’t find any info regarding its usuage

[@gregspot]

​@@fightintheshade I have the 123-38C which is a woodburning fireplace. It was, however, possible to install a gas log lighter in it. HearthNhome has the installation manual online. downloads.hearthnhome.com/installmanuals/mark_123_38c.pdf

[@cliffgorman9577]

Question: how was the 'heated air' blown back into your space? I saw the fans installed in the rock (inlet), but I did not see how heated air was blown back into the house.

[@andrewf2630]

If its like my heatilator mark 123, there are no inlet fans, the intakes are on bottom, controlled by 2 dampers. The air is pulled by fans through a chamber surrounding the firebox, heating the air. In my setup, there are vents above the fireplace mantle, built into the rock, where the warm air comes out. My heatilator really only heats the room it's in, and because the inner refractory metal has been heat warped , if the fans are turned on the unit pulls/pushes smoke out from fire to vent smoky air so it doesn't work as intended also it didn't have the doors on it anymore so don't know if that effects its functionality.

[@playerone717]

Scary! I am a poor handy woman who usually feels she can take on anything, before I saw your video. I can get to the heatilator from the back, from the garage, where it can be fully exposed right to the roof by removing some drywall. Would that make it easier? Heatilator company requires that I get a GC to remove the old one before they will reinstall a new one, dual sided. I cannot imagine what GC will take this on, not to mention what he will charge, after seeing this video!!!

[@tangogolf4115]

Yes, It's huge job, but if you're handy, patient, and have lots of spare time you can pull it off. - T

[@lesmcc8103]

I could get to mine from the garage also wondering if that's the best route?

[@freeeagle50]

All you had to do is undo 10 screws without tearing it out

[@tangogolf4115]

You know, I think you may have a good point!

[@beebob1279]

And why were you taking this out?? Did it work? What are you going to do with the big hole in your wall. When I bought my home there was a fireplace and the heatilator was hidden behind things. It didn't work and was dangerous. I sued the inspector and won. I ended up with a new fireplace altogether. I now have an insert in that fireplace which works very well, as long as there's electric. If I had to do it over again I would have had the fireplace and chimney removed, and put a free standing wood burning stove or have a masonry heater installed.

[@tangogolf4115]

Hi Bee Bob, No it never did work correctly. We installed a new EPA certified high efficiency wood burning fireplace. That thing will burn 6 hours on one full load of wood in the firebox.

[@ZoomStranger]

You seem so proud of suing your building inspector because an old heater was "hidden behind things". What did you think the fireplace was for? We just used ours and it was fine but really needed fans to help distribute the air. Who do I need to sue to get a new one?

[@anthonypisco5496]

easier to take it out by cutting open outside of chimney. Cleaner, neater & faster. No worries making a mess in the house.

[@raymondchurgovich210]

Ugh, now at least I know what I'm in for :P

[@swordsinging1709]

Your awesome for doing this. Bought and old home and the heatalator was a perk... Lol. Gearing up to tear her out from behind a brick fasade wall. There'll be no mercy.

[@davehammelef6220]

OGM.. In the middle / beginning god I don't know where I am in this battle. But your video was informative.. and FUNNY. I'm just drywalling over mine, so I might try the jack and see if I can push it in a few inches to get some framing in front to hang the drywall on. If not couple questions. How controlled was the last bit. The chimney as you found out is not attached and VERY heavy. Worried about it crashing down. How did your removal of the chimney sections go? UGH what a job..

[@mudmanKC]

how did you make out? I just removed a fireplace and going to drywall over the opening. My question is: how did you seal off the chimney?

[@wendyle601]

Do you have the next video showing how its done. Thanks

[@carolinewright7844]

OH my, that was a job and a half!! Well done you, you could turn it into a great shelving unit or cupboard. Any after video's? I'd love to see what you did with it.

[@tangogolf4115]

Hello, I'll have to shoot an after video to show the new fireplace, it's a beauty!

[@jimmy1154]

An hour after the Heatilator was removed, his entire house collapsed.

[@lcolletti9901]

not everything old is bad

[@danazapata2548]

Dang, this is like the one in my house!

[@grappinosgrappinos8551]

Hahahaa I better not try it. You did a good job. Thanks for the video

[@job38four10]

Thanks for sharing this video, great job.............

[@juancarlosmora9922]

If it ain’t broke why fix it?

[@Detroitblue]

He just had a lot extra time a money apparently an thought... I want a more efficient fire place? Wha. So I guess I will tear out this beautiful stone and everything.

[@calibrat1661]

If you have had the pleasure of having this kind of fireplace, you would know, if it is not functioning the way it was intended too it does nothing for heating your home in the winter where it snows and is 5 degrees outside. Replacing this fireplace is a great idea. It does take time and money though. I really want to replace mine

[@aaron-1457]

Did you get the new unit installed?

[@tangogolf4115]

Hi Aaron, We did get the new one installed and it works great, I'll have to post a video of the new unit soon. - T

[@pieman79]

You are hilarious!! Well done :)

[@johnsandoval347]

5 years latter... Thanks. Considering an insert.

[@philllindauer5006]

I know this is a bit late but it might help others. It sucks when you don't know how things were put together and you're trying not to trash everything in the process. You can get the diagrams of how these are put together. That will help with the dismantle. Here is a video of a tile install on this type of fireplace. If you watch. You will see the sheet rock that the tile is being set on. See the edges where the sheet rock meets the wood surround. That whole sheet rock section usually needs to come out kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ_dd519ip1-q7M If you have wall mud like you had. Wall mud is usually installed over sheet rock with metal lathe and staples. You can get a pry bar and slide it behind the metal lathe and in front of the sheetrock. Once you slide in between the layers Start prying that stuff off. You can have that stuff off in a few minutes. Now if it is tile or rock attached to cement board or sheet rock. You can use a grout saw to cut the grout along the edges of the face of the fire place and the wood surround... Once you have removed the grout you can cut the wal board and pop off the tile or rock in sections. Also, When New homes are being built. These types of fireplaces are installed right after the homes are basically dried in and before the sheet rock. About the same time that bath tubs are installed. That wood framing that was framed around the face of the fireplace was done after the fireplace was installed. Those pieces usually always need to come out. Here are a couple links from a new home and a fireplace like this. www.mccmatricschool.com/upload/2019/01/13/fireplaces-vs-wood-stoves-vs-zero-clearance-inserts-small-zero-clearance-wood-burning-fireplace-l-5f6d75f840e2d291.jpg cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-zfvgw8/kkeufa/product_images/uploaded_images/nz3000-8.jpg?t=1434598144 Besides, You were being too gentle. Unless you were trying to save that POS for something else. You should have gone ahead and trashed it. IE,....cut it into pieces. Or if you were trying to save it. Once you had access to the top of the heatilator you needed to use a sawzall or a grinder. Then started out by cutting the wood framing that had the face boxed in and then cut the flue.

[@joelransom6530]

I was excited when I saw "Here is a video of a tile install on this type of fireplace" but it's nothing like this fireplace. These have vents that you aren't allowed to cover up. You should see how ugly mine is. Wood paneling! Barf.

[@devinmarkham1401]

So, leave the heatilator right where it is, gotcha

[@darenleeper1644]

Agh way too much work lol. You can use a grinder cut away the inside and put an insert right into it. It's not even a 1 day project.

[@jspinosa50]

I did it, tough job.

[@gamerfan81]

That looks like our fireplace

[@oldgreenbus]

Thanks for the funny and helpful video.. I’ll get the big guns out right up front.. 👍🏽

[@cynthiastandley5742]

Thanks

[@zoto6ixty]

Further south that is.... ;-)

[@godzgr8]

At 4:40. 😂 ROFL.

[@wischfulthinking]

Hope there’s no asbestos insulation in there.

[@jleight9544]

Why not just install a wood insert?

[@tangogolf4115]

Hi Jeanette, Great question, I originally thought I could get away with just an insert, (thousands less) but because this is an actual modular "fireplace" that's what had to go back in. If the house was built with a "real" brick or masonry fireplace then we could have got away with an insert. Just my luck!

[@jleight9544]

I'm in the hearth industry and it's unfortunate that you had to replace your zero clearance. inserts are actually able to go into heatilators as long as it's properly vented. with existing 8 inch class a you definitely could have vented a 6 inch liner through the class a. Bummer. Great video tho!

[@cleckler2935]

Jeanette Louise. I'm glad I seen your comment because I believe you just saved me. so I need to run a 6" liner through the existing 8" and I should be ok putting a wood insert in my heatilator? it's a brand new manufactured home and wanted a insert originally and was told that's what I was getting until it showed up. That would be amazing if that would work. thanks for your help in advance

[@jleight9544]

EC Truckin so your manufacturer home was built with a zero clearance open wood burning fireplace? As long as you don't cut out anything that can't be removed with regular tools you should be able to find an insert that's high efficient. What's your firebox dimensions?

[@cleckler2935]

Jeanette Louise width on the front inside of box is 34" and on the back it's 20". so the sides go at an angle and it's more narrow in the back. the inside length is 15 1/2" and at the front there is a lip made into the stone material that is the floor to keep ash from coming out. height is 16 1/2" unless I took a metal piece out that has the manufacturers info in it, then it would 20 or so inches. I measured the inside of the pipe coming out of the unit and it is 6". so im not sure if my options. mabey if I found a insert to fit I could some how connect to the pipe going up? My existing unit is a heatilator el 36. thanks for your help again. I just want something more efficient than this. I rented a house that the owners installed a insert in and it was great. it's small and I was thinking it might could fit in this one. I'll attach a link. m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_200394621_200394621?hotline=false&cm_mmc=Google-pla&Google_PLA&Heaters%2C%20Stoves%20%2B%20Fireplaces%20%26gt%3B%20Wood%20Stoves&Vogelzang&gclid=CjwKEAjwv7HABRCSxfrjkJPnrWgSJAA45qA2ExLmByb_YJrpUVAxB19_yijlOQDMJ3NhgSjW0lLI1hoCQJzw_wcB

[@fargley001]

TG - fire for effect

[@ClockFixer]

Heatilators SUCK

[@RICHIE_RICH89]

That wasndumb to do