SOUNDS LIKE THE TOP VENT IS CLOSED? IF AIR GOES IN THE BOTTOM IT SHOULD COME OUT THE TOP. THE BLOWER MOTORS SHOULD BE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE BOTTOM VENTS, OR CLOSE TO THEM, SO YOU CAN REPLACE IF NECESSARY. THEY ARE BUILT IN TO THE RAISED HEARTH (IF YOU HAVE ONE), OR FIREPLACE.
THE IDEA OF A HEAT-A-LATOR IS TO HEAT THE COLD AIR ON THE FLOOR AND PUSH IT BACK INTO THE ROOM. IT WORKS WETHER THE DOORS ARE CLOSED OR OPEN. I DON'T TURN MY FANS ON UNTIL I GET A GOOD HOT FIRE, THAT WAY YOUR HEAT-A-LATOR IS HEATED UP, AND NOT JUST BLOWING COOL AIR. I LIKE TO LEAVE MY DOORS OPEN ON MY FIREPLACE, THAT WAY HEAT COMES OUT OF THE HEAT-A-LATOR AND FIREPLACE OPENING.