Heat Release - ORTAL 44HH Series Installation And Operation Manual

Heat Release

A heat release is an opening in the fireplace chase that allows the heat inside the chase to passively circulate into an interior room.
This heat is generated convectively as the fireplace heats up. It is separate from exhaust heat produced in the combustion chamber
of the fireplace. For safety purposes, a heat release is required in order to keep the wall around the fireplace cool. Heat release
requirements are the same for all 44HH series models.
Heat Release Requirements
The heat release must be located at or near the top of the fireplace chase and start within 6 inches (0-6 inches max) of the
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chase ceiling/firestop. It can start at the chase ceiling. It can be located on the front, sides or back of the chase. It can be
released into any interior space that shares a wall with the chase.
Minimum heat release size requirement depends on heat release orientation:

Fireplace Series
44HH
For horizontal heat releases only, the height of the heat release must not exceed 1/3 of the width. (This does not apply to
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vertical heat releases.)
The space the heat release vents into must have a minimum volume of 184 ft
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The heat release can be in the form of (but not limited to) a louvered ventilation grille, gap, or reveal.
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For louvered/perforated ventilation grilles, the net free air space allowed in the louvered area must be equal or

greater than the minimum number of square inches required per fireplace.
The interior area of the narrowest part of the fireplace chase (in square inches) must never be less than your required heat

release size (see "Chase Area Minimum" section on page 22 for details).
The heat release cannot be vented outdoors or to an unconditioned space.
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NOTE: An angled heat release is not permitted.
The following diagrams are examples of potential heat release options. These drawings serve as illustrative purposes only.
Horizontal Heat Release
Note: The chase ceiling and the room ceiling are difference reference points. The chase ceiling may be lower than, equal to, or higher
than the room ceiling. The heat release must start within 6" of the chase ceiling. It cannot start lower than 6" from the chase ceiling.
16
Horizontal Heat Release
Minimum 120 sq. in. of free air space
Reveal Heat Release
Vertical Heat Release
Minimum 156 sq. in. of free air space
.
3
Louvered Grille Heat Release