Desa Vanguard VMH26TPC Quick start guide

Save this manual for future reference.
For more information, visit www.desatech.com
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not fol-
lowed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing
property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any
phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
fied installer, service agency, or the gas supplier.
MODELS VMH26TPC AND VMH26TNC
14,000 to 26,000 Btu/Hr with Thermostat
®
VENT-FREE COMPACT FIREPLACE
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
Shown with Optional Cabinet Mantel/Hearth Base Accessory

www.desatech.com 113111-01D
2
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera-
tion, service, or maintenance can cause injury or prop-
erty damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation
and operational procedures. For assistance or addi-
tional information consult a qualified installer, service
agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses
air (oxygen) from the room in which it is installed. Provi-
sions for adequate combustion and ventilation air must
be provided. Refer to Air for Combustion and Ventilation
section on page 6 of this manual.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket,* per-
manently located, manufactured (mobile) home, where
not prohibited by local codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indi-
cated on the rating plate. This appliance is not convert-
ible for use with other gases.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................... 3
Local Codes ........................................................ 4
Product Identification ........................................... 4
Product Features ................................................. 5
Unpacking ........................................................... 5
Assembly ............................................................. 5
Air for Combustion and Ventilation ...................... 6
Installation ........................................................... 9
Operating Fireplace ........................................... 19
Inspecting Burner .............................................. 21
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................ 22
Troubleshooting ................................................. 23
Service Hints ..................................................... 27
Technical Service .............................................. 27
Specifications .................................................... 27
Replacement Parts ............................................ 27
Illustrated Parts Breakdown and Parts List ....... 28
Accessories ....................................................... 30
Warranty Information ...........................Back Cover
State of Massachusetts: The installation must be made by a licensed plumber or gas fitter in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural gas-fired supplemental room heaters shall provide to each
purchaser a copy of 527 CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
Vent-free gas products are prohibited for bedroom and bathroom installation in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts.

www.desatech.com
113111-01D 3
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: This product con-
tains and/or generates chemicals
known to the state of California
to cause cancer or birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, op-
erate, or service this fireplace.
Improper use of this fireplace
can cause serious injury or death
from burns, fire, explosion,
electrical shock, and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon
monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with head-
aches, dizziness, or nausea. If you have these signs,
the fireplace may not be working properly. Get
fresh air at once! Have fireplace serviced. Some
people are more affected by carbon monoxide than
others. These include pregnant women, people with
heart or lung disease or anemia, those under the
influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes.
Natural and Propane/LP Gas: Natural and propane/LP
gases are odorless. An odor-making agent is added
to these gases. The odor helps you detect a gas leak.
However, the odor added to the gas can fade. Gas
may be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all warnings.
Keep this manual for reference. It is your guide to
safe and proper operation of this fireplace.
WARNING: Any change to
this heater or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not allow fans
to blow directly into the fireplace.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner
flame patterns. Ceiling fans can
create drafts that alter burner
flame patterns. Altered burner
patterns can cause sooting.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insert, or other accessory not
approved for use with this fire-
place.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of traffic and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
flammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects in the fireplace.
Fireplace front and screen be-
come very hot when running fire-
place. Keep children and adults
away from hot surfaces to avoid
burns or clothing ignition. Fire-
place will remain hot for a time
after shutdown. Allow surfaces
to cool before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with fireplace.
You must operate this fireplace
with the fireplace screen and
hood in place. Make sure fire-
place screen is in place before
running fireplace.
Keep the appliance area clear
and free from combustible ma-
terials, gasoline, and other flam-
mable vapors and liquids.
1. This appliance is only for use with the type
of gas indicated on the rating plate. This ap-
pliance is not convertible for use with other
gases.
2. Do not place propane/LP supply tank(s) in-
side any structure. Locate propane/LP supply
tank(s) outdoors (propane/LP only).

www.desatech.com 113111-01D
4
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
3. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
• do not try to light any appliance
• do not touch any electrical switch; do not use
any phone in your building
• immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas supplierʼs
instructions
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department
4. This fireplace shall not be installed in a bed-
room or bathroom.
5. Do not use this fireplace as a wood-burning
fireplace. Use only the logs provided with the
fireplace.
6. Do not add extra logs or ornaments such as
pine cones, vermiculite, or rock wool. Using
these added items can cause sooting. Do not
add lava rock around base. Rock and debris
could fall into the control area of fireplace.
7. This fireplace is designed to be smokeless. If logs
ever appear to smoke, turn off fireplace and call
a qualified service person. Note: During initial
operation, slight smoking could occur due to
log curing and fireplace burning manufacturing
residues.
8. To prevent the creation of soot, follow the
instructions in Cleaning and Maintenance,
page 22.
9. Before using furniture polish, wax, carpet
cleaner, or similar products, turn heater off.
If heated, the vapors from these products may
create a white powder residue within burner
box or on adjacent walls or furniture.
10. This fireplace needs fresh air ventilation to run
properly. This fireplace has an Oxygen Deple-
tion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The
ODS shuts down the fireplace if not enough
fresh air is available. See Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, page 6. If fireplace keeps
shutting off, see Troubleshooting, page 23.
11. Do not run fireplace
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used
or stored.
• under dusty conditions.
12. Do not use this fireplace to cook food or burn
paper or other objects.
13. Do not use fireplace if any part has been under
water. Immediately call a qualified service
technician to inspect the room fireplace and to
replace any part of the control system and any
gas control which has been under water.
14. Turn off and unplug fireplace and let cool
before servicing. Only a qualified service
person should service and repair fireplace.
15. Operating fireplace above elevations of 4,500
feet could cause pilot outage.
16. Do not operate fireplace if any log is broken.
Do not operate fireplace if a log is chipped
(dime-sized or larger).
17. To prevent performance problems, do not use
propane/LP fuel tank of less than 100 lbs.
capacity (propane/LP only).
18. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
LOCAL CODES
Install and use fireplace with care. Follow all local
codes. In the absence of local codes, use the lat-
est edition of The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Figure 1 - Vent-Free Gas Compact
Fireplace
Ignitor Button
Screen
Fireplace
Cabinet
Logs
Control Knob

www.desatech.com
113111-01D 5
PRODUCT FEATURES
SAFETY PILOT
This fireplace has a pilot with an Oxygen Deple-
tion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The
ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free room
fireplaces. The ODS/pilot shuts off the fireplace if
there is not enough fresh air.
PIEZO IGNITION SYSTEM
This fireplace has a piezo ignitor. This system
requires no matches, batteries, or other sources
to light fireplace.
THERMOSTATIC HEAT CONTROL
This fireplace has a thermostat sensing bulb and a
control valve. The thermostat will automatically
modulate the heat output to maintain a consistent
room temperature. This results in greater fireplace
comfort. This can also result in lower gas bills.
UNPACKING
1. Remove fireplace and hood from carton.
Log is wrapped and inside fireplace. Do not
remove at this time.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied to
fireplace for shipment.
3. Make sure your fireplace includes one hard-
ware packet.
4. Check fireplace for any shipping damage. If
fireplace is damaged, promptly inform dealer
where you bought fireplace.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: Always have
branch support and screen in
place before operating fireplace.
This prevents excessive temper-
atures on fireplace surfaces.
WARNING: Failure to position
the parts in accordance with these
diagrams or failure to use only
parts specifically approved with
this fireplace may result in prop-
erty damage or personal injury.
ASSEMBLING FIREPLACE
Tools Required:
• Phillips screwdriver
• 5/16" hex wrench
• slotted screwdriver
Installing Log
1. Lift screen up and pull out to remove.
2. Cut two plastic straps to remove the log from
the firebox cavity.
3. An optional blower is available. See Accessories,
page 30. Install optional blower now. Follow
installation instructions provided with blower.
4. Remove log packaging material and discard
packaging. Gently place log set on burner
support (see Figure 2). The log should fit flat
against top of burner support and log locator
tabs fit into the slots under the log. Do not
allow log to contact flame. If flame contacts
log, soot will be created.
Figure 2 - Assembling Fireplace
Log
Screen
Burner Support
with Log
Locator Tabs
Branch
Support
Shoulder
Screw

www.desatech.com 113111-01D
6
ASSEMBLY
Continued
5. Reattach screen by placing the notches in the
screen frame over the shoulder screws and
pushing down.
Assembling Hood
1. Locate four black phillips sheet metal screws
from the hardware packet.
2. Rotate hood as shown in Figure 3. Make sure
hood tabs point toward fireplace.
3. Insert hood tabs between baffle and louvers
(see Figure 3).
4. Gently rotate hood to upright position. Make
sure hood tabs are behind louvers and hood
is resting on firebox top (see Figure 3).
5. Align screw holes on hood with screw holes
on firebox top.
6. Insert screws as shown in Figure 3. Tighten
screws firmly.
Figure 3 - Assembling Hood
Hood
Louver
Hood Tab
Baffle
Sheet Metal
Screw
Firebox Top
Hood Tabs
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
WARNING: This heater shall
not be installed in a confined
space or unusually tight construc-
tion unless provisions are provid-
ed for adequate combustion and
ventilation air. Read the following
instructions to insure proper fresh
air for this and other fuel-burning
appliances in your home.
Todayʼs homes are built more energy efficient
than ever. New materials, increased insulation, and
new construction methods help reduce heat loss
in homes. Home owners weather strip and caulk
around windows and doors to keep the cold air out
and the warm air in. During heating months, home
owners want their homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy effi-
cient, your home needs to breathe. Fresh air must
enter your home. All fuel-burning appliances need
fresh air for proper combustion and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and fuel
burning appliances draw air from the house to
operate. You must provide adequate fresh air for
these appliances. This will insure proper venting
of vented fuel-burning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA 54, Section 5.3,
Air for Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three fol-
lowing ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconfined Space
3. Confined Space
The information on pages 6 through 8 will help
you classify your space and provide adequate
ventilation.
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and windows
may provide enough fresh air for combustion and
ventilation. However, in buildings of unusually
tight construction, you must provide additional
fresh air.

www.desatech.com
113111-01D 7
Unusually tight construction is defined as
construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the out-
side atmosphere have a continuous
water vapor retarder with a rating of
one perm (6 x 10-11 kg per pa-sec-m2) or
less with openings gasketed or sealed
and
b. weather stripping has been added on
openable windows and doors and
c. caulking or sealants are applied to
areas such as joints around window
and door frames, between sole plates
and floors, between wall-ceiling joints,
between wall panels, at penetrations
for plumbing, electrical, and gas lines,
and at other openings.
If your home meets all of the three criteria
above, you must provide additional fresh
air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors,
page 8.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteria above, proceed to Determining
Fresh-Air Flow For Fireplace Location.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.3/
NFPA 54 defines a confined space as a space whose
volume is less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu
per hour (4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate input
rating of all appliances installed in that space and
an unconfined space as a space whose volume is
not less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour
(4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate input rating of
all appliances installed in that space. Rooms com-
municating directly with the space in which the
appliances are installed*, through openings not
furnished with doors, are considered a part of the
unconfined space.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if
there are doorless passageways or ventilation grills
between them.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
Continued
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW
FOR FIREPLACE LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or
Unconfined Space
Use this work sheet to determine if you have a
confined or unconfined space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will install
fireplace plus any adjoining rooms with doorless pas-
sageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.
1. Determine the volume of the space (length x
width x height).
Length x Width x Height =__________cu. ft.
(volume of space)
Example: Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 2560 cu. ft.
(volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining room is
supplied with grills or openings, add the volume
of these rooms to the total volume of the space.
2. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine
the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
__________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20 =
51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in
the space.
Vent-free fireplace ___________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* ___________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace ___________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater ___________ Btu/Hr
Gas fireplace logs ___________ Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances* + ___________ Btu/Hr
Total = ___________ Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Di-
rect-vent draws combustion air from the outdoors
and vents to the outdoors.
Example:
Gas water heater ____________ Btu/Hr
Vent-free fireplace + ___________ Btu/Hr
Total = ___________ Btu/Hr
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the space can
support with the actual amount of Btu/Hr used.
_________ Btu/Hr (maximum the space can support)
_________ Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr used)
Example: 51,200 Btu/Hr (maximum the space
can support)
56,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of
Btu/Hr used)
The space in the above example is a confined space
because the actual Btu/Hr used is more than the maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support. You must provide
additional fresh air. Your options are as follows:
30,000
26,000
56,000

www.desatech.com 113111-01D
8
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an adjoin-
ing room. If the extra space provides an unconfined
space, remove door to adjoining room or add
ventilation grills between rooms. See Ventilation
Air From Inside Building.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventila-
tion Air From Outdoors.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr fireplace, if lower Btu/Hr
size makes room unconfined.
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the maximum
Btu/Hr the space can support, the space is an un-
confined space. You will need no additional fresh
air ventilation.
WARNING: If the area in
which the heater may be oper-
ated is smaller than that defined
as an unconfined space or if the
building is of unusually tight
construction, provide adequate
combustion and ventilation air
by one of the methods described
in the National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 Section 5.3
or applicable local codes.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining un-
confined space. When ventilating to an adjoining
unconfined space, you must provide two perma-
nent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and
one within 12" of the floor on the wall connecting
the two spaces (see options 1 and 2, Figure 4). You
can also remove door into adjoining room (see
option 3, Figure 4). Follow the National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.3, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation for required size of
ventilation grills or ducts.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
Continued
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or
ducts. You must provide two permanent openings:
one within 12" of the ceiling and one within 12"
of the floor. Connect these items directly to the
outdoors or spaces open to the outdoors. These
spaces include attics and crawl spaces. Follow the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54,
Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation for
required size of ventilation grills or ducts.
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for inlet
or outlet air into attic if attic has a thermostat-
controlled power vent. Heated air entering the attic
will activate the power vent.
Figure 5 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Shown with Optional Mantel
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building Shown with Optional Mantel
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
12"
12"
Ventilation
Grills
into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1

www.desatech.com
113111-01D 9
INSTALLATION
NOTICE: This heater is intended
for use as supplemental heat.
Use this heater along with your
primary heating system. Do not
install this heater as your pri-
mary heat source. If you have a
central heating system, you may
run system’s circulating blower
while using heater. This will help
circulate the heat throughout the
house. In the event of a power
outage, you can use this heater
as your primary heat source.
WARNING: A qualified ser-
vice person must install fire-
place. Follow all local codes.
WARNING: Never install the
fireplace
• in a bedroom or a bathroom
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing, or other flammable
objects are less than 36 inches
from the front, top, or sides of
the fireplace
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
CAUTION: This fireplace cre-
ates warm air currents. These
currents move heat to wall sur-
faces next to fireplace. Installing
fireplace next to vinyl or cloth
wall coverings or operating
fireplace where impurities (such
as, but not limited to, tobacco
smoke, aromatic candles, clean-
ing fluids, oil or kerosene lamps,
etc.) in the air exist, may discolor
walls or cause odors.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free fireplaces add moisture
to the air. Although this is beneficial, installing fire-
place in rooms without enough ventilation air may
cause mildew to form from too much moisture. See
Air for Combustion and Ventilation, page 6.
Note: Your Vanguard fireplace is designed to
be used in zero clearance installations. Wall or
framing material can be placed directly against
any exterior surface of your fireplace, except
where standoff spacers are integrally attached.
If standoff spacers are attached to your fireplace,
these spacers can be placed directly against wall
or framing materials.
Use the dimensions shown for rough openings to
create the easiest installation (see Built-In Fire-
place Installation, page 10).
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only the correct type of gas (natural or pro-
pane/LP). If your gas supply is not the correct gas
type, do not install heater. Call dealer where you
bought heater for proper type heater.
WARNING: This appliance
is equipped for (natural or pro-
pane/LP) gas. Field conversion
is not permitted.
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing fireplace, make sure you have
the items listed below.
• external regulator - propane/LP only (supplied
by installer)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• equipment shutoff valve *
• test gauge connection*
• ground joint union
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
* A CSA design-certified equipment shutoff valve
with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable alternative to
test gauge connection. Purchase the optional CSA
design-certified equipment shutoff valve from your
dealer. See Accessories, page 30.
Note: If desired, purchase a four-sided trim kit for
built-in installations. See Accessories, page 30.

www.desatech.com 113111-01D
10
LOCATING FIREPLACE
WARNING: Maintain the
minimum clearances shown
in Figures 6 and 7. If you can,
provide greater clearances from
floor, ceiling, and joining wall.
You can recess firebox into the wall. You can
also position fireplace in the optional cabinet or
corner mantels. IMPORTANT: Only use optional
cabinet or corner mantels specified in this manual.
Purchase the optional mantel from your dealer (see
Accessories, page 30).
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 7 - Mounting Clearances As
Viewed From Front of Fireplace Shown
with Optional Mantel
Top Of
Mantel Can
Be Flush
With Wall
Left
Side
CEILING
Right
Side
36"
Minimum
6"
Minimum
From
Sides Of
Fireplace
Left
Side
CEILING
36"
Minimum
FLOOR
Right
Side
0” Minimum
To Top
Surface Of
Carpeting,
Tile Or Other
Combustible
Material
0" Minimum
To Top
Surface Of
Carpeting,
Tile Or Other
Combustible
Material
Figure 6 - Mounting Clearances As
Viewed From Front of Fireplace Shown
Built-In the Wall
Note: When installing fireplace directly on carpet-
ing, tile or other combustible material, other than
wood flooring, the fireplace shall be installed on a
metal or wood panel extending the full width and
depth of the fireplace.
CAUTION: If you install the
fireplace in a home garage
• fireplace pilot and burner must be
at least 18 inches above floor.
• locate fireplace where moving
vehicle will not hit it.
For convenience and efficiency, install fireplace
• where there is easy access for operation, inspec-
tion, and service.
• in coldest part of room.
An optional blower kit is available from your dealer
(see Accessories, page 30). If planning to use
blower, locate fireplace near an electrical outlet.
BUILT-IN FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION
Built-in installation of this fireplace involves
installing fireplace into a framed-in enclosure.
This makes the front of fireplace flush with wall.
An optional trim kit accessory is available (see
Accessories, page 30). Trim will extend past sides
of fireplace approximately 1/2 inch. This will cover
the rough edges of the wall opening. If installing
a built-in mantel above the fireplace you must
follow the clearances shown in Figure 11, page
12. Follow the instructions below to install the
fireplace in this manner.
Actual Framing
Height 26" 26 7/8"
Front Width 26 3/4" 26 7/8"
Depth 9 1/2" 10 1/2"
Bottom 3/4" 3/4"
1. Frame in rough opening. Use dimensions
shown in Figure 8, page 11, for the rough
opening.
If installing in a corner, use dimensions shown
in Figure 9, page 11, for the rough opening.
The height is 26 7/8" which is the same as the
wall opening above.