Who screwed the pooch? HVAC or Fireplace guy.

[Erby]

You gotta wonder who was there last. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. Was a contractor REALLY that stupid?

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In case you are wondering, that is the heating and cooling return directly over the fireplace insert.

It's a fireplace that should never be used.

It has to be purely a decoration. The insert is only meant to be used with unvented gas logs. There is no chimney.

[kurt]

It's amazing how many contractors really don't think about this stuff.

[Ben H]

Although the whole HVAC and Fireplace thing is dumb, am I the only one who thinks the whole thing is just flat out ugly?

[kurt]

Nope.

And, there's no hearth extension.

[Rocon]

To answer the question:

It was clearly a coordinated pooch screw.

[Bain]

Nope.

And, there's no hearth extension.

That isn't a fatal flaw. I busted a ventless fireplace a couple of years ago for not having an extension, and the builder gleefully sent me the attached instruction manual. See page 7. The manual even says combustibles--except for carpet or vinyl--can be installed directly in front of the firebox.

I know, I know. Dumb . . .

Download Attachment: 20007433_UVDC_UVDR.pdf

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[kurt]

Yeah, it's dumb, but you're right; it doesn't really need an extension.

[Terence McCann]

I question the return air right above the fireplace as stated by Erby but maybe it is just meant for candles?

I don't see any gas line entering for fake logs and doubt there was any intent for a wood burner.

???

[Greg Booth]

Just a clever device to distract you from noticing there is no guardrail on those brick stairs.

[Tom Raymond]

Haven't you ever seen an alcohol fireplace? There's the kind that uses alcohol fuel, and then like this one, the kind that gets installed while consuming lots of it.[:-dev3]

[Erby]

Didn't work, Greg. There wasn't a grippable handrail either!