Contempo Fireplaces PFM36 Assembly instructions

10031 Southern SE •
••
•Albuquerque NM 87123
505.291.0500 •
••
•fax [phone]
HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE FOR YOUR CONTEMPO FIREPLACE
Before building your first fire, read this warranty and operation manual carefully. By fully
understanding and observing the operating guidelines in this booklet, you will enjoy safe
and comfortable warmth from your fireplace. Remember, you are building a fire inside your
home, so it is important that you observe these guidelines.
This general purpose guide is supplied for use with all wood-burning and gas converted
Contempo fireplace systems. Make sure you are following the recommendations appropriate
for the type of fireplace you have purchased.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Precautions ……………………………………………………… 2
Understanding Your Fireplace ………………………………………………………2
Operating Your Fireplace ……………………………………………………………3
Cleaning & Maintaining Your Fireplace ……………………………………………4
Troubleshooting ………………………………………………………………………4
Contempo Fireplace Accessories ………………………………………………….5
Customer Service ……………………………………………………………………7
Revised 4-13-09

2
Important Safety Precautions
Contempo’s Limited warranty will be voided, and Contempo, LLC will disclaim any responsibility, for the
following:
•IMPROPER INSTALLAION OF YOUR CONTEMPO FIREPLACE AND CONTEMPO
COMPONENT PARTS: CONSULT YOUR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION BOOK.
•ALTERATION OF THE CONTEMPO FIREPLACE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENT PARTS.
Safety Precautions for Wood Burning Fireplace Operation
NEVER START A FIRE WITH A LIQUID FIRE STARTER, INCLUDING:
•gasoline
•kerosene
•liquid bar-b-que starters
NEVER BURN TRASH OR CHRISTMAS TREES.
•They create extremely hot fires.
•They cause sparks that may be hazardous.
NEVER USE WOOD PRODUCTS WITH SYNTHETIC BINDERS.
•They build up creosote in your flue system and termination which may cause a hazardous condition.
CAUTION YOUR CHILDREN AND BE AWARE OF YOUR PETS.
•The exposed parts of your fireplace and glass panel (if installed) become very hot.
Understanding Your Fireplace
This OMNI Testing Service-listed fireplace has been tested to UL 127 test standards and is well insulated for
safe clearances to combustible construction materials used to build your home. The proper clearances are
described by a label on each component for use by the installers and by the local building inspector to ensure
compliance.
THE SAFTEY PRECAUTIONS AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS PRESENTED IN THIS
HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE CANNOT COVER ALL POSSIBLE SITUATIONS THAT MAY ARISE DURING
YOUR FIREPLACE OPERATION. COMMON SENSE, CAUTION, AND CARE MUST ALWAYS BE USED.
WARNING: TO AVOID THE FISK OF DAMAGING FIREPLACE MATERIALS AND INCREASING THE
RISK OF SPREADING A FIRE, DO NOT USE THE FIREPLACE TO COOK OR WARM FOODS.
CAUTION: Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to
start or “freshen up” a fire in this fireplace. Keep all such liquids well away from the fireplace while it is in use.
WARNING:
DO NOT OVERFUEL FIREPLACE, OR FILL WITH WOOD BEYOND THE ANDIRON
GRATE AREA. OVERLOAD WILL CAUSE SMOKE SPILLAGE INTO THE ROOM.

3
Chimney System
The chimney is made of metal. It extends from the top of the fireplace through the roof and is capped with a
screened termination. The inner liner (flue) of the chimney is made of stainless steel and allows exhaust of
gases (carbon monoxide) from the fire. The outer liner is made of galvanized steel and provides the passage for
cooling air to keep the chimney safe at tested clearances to combustible building materials.
Damper
The damper is the metal disk found at the base of the chimney (flue) and has two positions: open and closed.
(See 'Damper Operation' below.)
Damper Operation
The flue gas damper is located inside the firebox, and is similar to the damper found on a conventional masonry
fireplace. Look within the top of the fireplace and locate the damper handle extending from the damper. Pushing
the lever up opens the damper. Pulling down closes it. This action can be easily accomplished with a fireplace
poker.
Combustion Air Kit
When the fireplace has, or may be, converted to all gas burning, a combustion air kit should be installed at the
same time as the fireplace.
Fireplace Grate
The unit has an optional grate designed to keep the operation of your fireplace efficient and safe. Do not
attempt to defeat its purpose. The size and position of the grate have been engineered to give the ideal
combustion characteristics for the fire. By keeping your logs within the grate and not on the hearth, you will
prevent the chance of having a log "spill" or rollout of the fireplace. DO NOT OVERLOAD THE FIREPLACE.
Piling excessive wood on your grate will not increase efficiency, and could cause smoke to enter your room.
When replacing the grate, use only the appropriate Contempo replacement grate for your fireplace model.
Operating Your Fireplace
•Keep the grate behind the fixed andiron fence.
•Open the flue damper. CAUTION: WHEN OPERATING THIS FIREPLACE, THE FIREPLACE DAMPER MUST BE SET IN
THE FULLY OPEN POSITION.
•Build a proper fire.
•Use solid dry wood that has been seasoned for at least one year, or processed solid firelogs only.
•Criss-cross small pieces of wood and place crumpled newspaper under them.
•Place several logs on grate. DO NOT OVERLOAD OR FILL BEHIND THE GRATE.
•Light the newspaper, or gas log lighter if one has been installed.
•Close the fire screen (optional accessory: see the Contempo Fireplace Accessories & Options').
•In cold weather, to assure proper draw, preheat the flue by burning a crumpled newspaper in the damper
area. This will help to heat the flue. Open the damper before this procedure is started.
•After using the fireplace, do not close the damper until you are certain there are no warm embers.
•Warning: If you are using processed solid fuel fire logs, do not poke or stir the logs while they are burning. Use
only firelogs that have been evaluated for the application in fireplace and refer to firelog warnings and caution
markings on packaging prior to use.
•This fireplace is not intended to be used as a substitute for a furnace to heat an entire home. Use for
supplementary heating only.

4
Cleaning & Maintaining Your Fireplace
Creosote Formation and Removal
Creosote accumulations in the chimney are extremely dangerous and present a serious fire hazard. The tar-like
substance is generated when wood is burned slowly, producing tar and other organic vapors. When combined
with expelled moisture, creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire.
Creosote build-up can ignite suddenly and will burn at extremely high temperatures. The chimney should be
inspected at least twice a year during the heating season to determine if a creosote build-up has occurred: if so,
it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Chimney Cleaning Instructions
In order to clear creosote from the flue, the chimney cap must be removed.
•If the termination is a round top characterized by 3 ft. of exposed pipe and a round cap, simply remove
the three sheet metal screws that secure the termination to the last section of the pipe and lift the cap off.
•For chase style termination with a pyramid cap, remove the screws at the four corners that secure the top.
Place the top aside. The flue is now clear for cleaning.
•Cleaning the chimney is very dirty work. Close the damper before starting or fine soot can become airborne
in the house. After cleaning is completed, open the damper and collect the debris in a trash container. A
professional chimney sweep has all the tools and experience necessary to do a complete job and should be
considered for this chore. Be certain to clean all loose debris from spark arrestors before replacing
terminations.
Grate
If your grate has deteriorated or is distorted, it should be replaced with a Contempo grate designed for your
fireplace.
Troubleshooting
Smoking
When installed and operated properly, your full-view fireplace will operate without smoke spillage into the room.
In the event a smoking problem does occur, the cause may be easily traced to one of the conditions listed:
•Outside environmental conditions, such as inversions.
•Lack of ventilation due to a tightly insulated house. This can prevent the fireplace from drawing properly.
Open a window slightly near the fireplace.
•Other appliances competing for the available air in a tightly sealed home, such as: heating appliances,
kitchen exhaust fans, and bathroom exhaust fans.
•Relationship of your house to hills, trees and nearby taller buildings. This can affect wind conditions which
will have a direct effect on your fireplace operation.
•Chimney termination not installed to the proper height.
•Blockage of the flue or the termination cap.
•Flue and termination caked with a creosote build-up.
•Grate too far forward, not positioned behind the andiron fence.
•Damper not in the fully opened position.

5
Cold Air Drafts
In cold climates, you must take special precautions and follow the cold climate installation instruction section of
your installation manual.
If cold air drafts are present when the fireplace is not in operation, you should check the following:
•If air is coming out of the fireplace opening, check to see that the damper is in the closed position.
•If air coming in around the sides of the fireplace, between the fireplace face and the wall, check to see that
the fireplace frame has been caulked to the enclosure frame.
•Outside air must be introduced into the chase cavity to cool the double-wall chimney. Therefore, insulation
should be installed on the fireplace face wall.
Whistling Noise (wood-burning Contempo fireplaces with glass door installed)
During the summer, if your wood-burning fireplace has been equipped with a glass door and begins to make a
whistling noise while an evaporative cooler is running, first make sure the damper is closed (this does not apply
to gas-converted or all-gas fireplaces), then open a window that is close to the fireplace about one inch. The
noise is caused by forced air around the door; opening a window will alleviate the pressure and should
completely solve the problem.
Ash Disposal
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fighting lid. Pending final disposal, the closed container
of ashes should be placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible
materials. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in
the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
Keep all combustible furnishings a considerable distance from the fireplace.
Contempo Fireplace Accessories & Options
Contempo Fireplace Accessories & Options
Glass Door
Glass doors are available as an optional accessory for use on all wood-burning Contempo Fireplace models. It
is required for use when the fireplace has been converted to a ceramic gas log system. Refer to the fireplace
installation instructions as to which model fits your fireplace.
NOTE:
After you have followed the precautions listed above, there may still be some cold air draft coming
through other areas: this may be due to the circumstances beyond the manufacturer’s control, such as air
flow around the structure, tightness of the house (creating negative pressure), etc.
WARNING:
NEVER BLOCK A VENT OR GRILLE OF THE FIREPLACE. THESE ARE IMPORTANT TO
THE COOLING OF THE FIREPLACE AND ASSURE SAFE AND PROPER OPERATION AS
DESIGNED.
WARNING:
THE CONTEMPO WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED FOR USE
WITH GLASS DOORS. THE DOOR MAY BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT AIR LOSS, BUT SHOULD
NOT BE CLOSED WHEN FIRE IS PRESENT.

6
Installation of a glass or screen door is optional for wood-burning fireplaces. Both styles are easy to install and
remove. Contact your dealer for selection and availability. (Glass Door Mfg Part #200-36GD, 200-42GD, 200-
48GD, 200-60GD) (Screen Door Mfg Part #200-36SD, 200-42SD, 200-48SD, 200-60SD).
Gas Conversion
If you are converting a Contempo wood-burning fireplace to burn gas, you will need the Contempo ceramic log
and grate set. See the pre-installation page on log lighter installation for more information.
When converting to gas, it is required that the damper be secured in a permanently open position. It must not
be closed.
Gas-Only Converted Fireplace
Lighting instructions vary with the type of valve installed: see valve manufacturer's instructions for lighting.
WARNING: DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE INSERT OR PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFIED FOR USE
WITH THIS FIREPLACE.
WARNING:
ONLY A LICENSED AND CERTIFIED NATURAL GAS OR PROPANE CONTRACTOR
SHOULD INSTALL ANY GAS CONVERSION OR ALL-GAS FIREPLACE. ANY PERMITS AND
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SPECIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION SHOULD BE
COMPLETED BY THIS CONTRACTOR.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET. TO
REDUCE T.HE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET INTO
THIS FIREPLACE.

7
Customer Service
Enjoy your fireplace. If you have any problems, please review this guide for a possible solution. If the problem
persists, please contact your Contempo fireplace dealer or Contempo fireplace distributor. If you are unable to
contact any of the above, a customer service representative at the Contempo fireplace factory is ready to help
you.
Please contact:
10031 Southern SE •Albuquerque NM 87123
phone [phone] fax [phone]
For future reference, please fill out the following information: the model and serial numbers can be found on the
rating plate in the firebox (see below). You will need to provide this information should you ever require factory
or dealer assistance.
Fireplace Model Number:
Fireplace Serial Number:
Date of Occupancy:
Wood-Burning Fireplace Rating Plate
NOTE:
The serial number and other pertinent information for the wood burning fireplace can be found
on the rating plate located at the bottom of the front arch inside the firebox.

8
For any warranty claims, contact your dealer where you
purchased your Contempo Fireplace.
FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
CONTEMPO LLC. HEREIN WARRANTIES THE COMPLETE MASONRY FIREBOX AND METAL
ACCESSORIES AGAINST ANY DEFECTS. ANY DEFECTS DUE TO SHIPPING OR
MANUFACTURING MUST BE REGISTERED AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY. IF THE PRODUCT IS
UNACCEPTABLE DUE TO DAMAGE OR DEFECT, THE PRODUCT MUST BE UNACCEPTED
AND RETURNED BY THE SAME SHIPPER IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS WARRANTY VALID.
CONTEMPO LLC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ASSERTED DEFECT, WHICH HAS
BEEN RETURNED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR, MISUSE, ABUSE OR REPAIR OR ALTERATION
MADE OR SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY ANYONE OTHER THAN CONTEMPO OR A
CONTEMPO REPRESENTATIVE.
CONTEMPO LLC. IS NOT REPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEFECTS DUE TO IMPROPER
INSTALLATION OR FIREPLACE FINISHING. THIS WARRANY IS CONTEMPO’S SOLE
WARRANTY AND SETS FORTH THE CUSTOMER’S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, WITH RESPECT
TO IT’S DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS; ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED DUE
TO INSTALLATION OR FINISHING, ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY CONTEMPO.
10031 Southern SE •Albuquerque NM 87123
phone [phone] fax [phone]