Air inlets Why they are so important when installing a stove or a fireplace Here's one of the most common questions we hear when people install a stove or fireplace: do we have to drill a hole in the wall? Unless you choose a “sealed stove”, an air inlet is absolutely essential, but you don't need to put holes all over your wall. Categories: Organise your home Fireplaces Pellet stoves Wood-fuelled stoves