Empire Comfort Systems VFLB36FP30N User manual

42929-2-0721 Page 1Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
HEAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS KIT
WARNING
If not installed, operated and maintained
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, this product could expose you
to substances in fuel or from fuel combustion
which can cause death or serious illness.
INSTALLER:
Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER:
Retain this manual for future reference.
WARNING
FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD
Failure to follow safety warnings exactly
could result in serious injury, death or
property damage.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other
ammable 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 .
• Leave the building immediately.
• 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 re department.
— Installation and service must be
performed by a qualied installer,
service agency or the gas supplier.
HMFA-1 FORCED AIR
HEAT MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS KIT
FOR USE WITH
VENT-FREE
FIREPLACE
MODELS:
VFLB(36,48,60,72)FP(30,90)(N,P)
WITH HMFA(36,48,60,72)P AND HMFATV
GAS-FIRED
UL FILE NO.
MH46389

42929-2-0721Page 2 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
CAUTION
Due to sharp edges and the weight of the assembly,
please use proper eye protection and gloves to reduce
the potential for injuries.
TOOLS/SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR HMFA:
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Electric Drill
• Flathead Screwdriver
• 5/16", 3/8" Nut Drivers
• Metal Snips
• Utility Knife
• Flex Vent Kit
SDGDFA25
Other miscellaneous tools commonly used for framing & wiring.
HMFA INTRODUCTION
The Forced Air Heat Management system (HMFA) is
designed to be installed in conjunction with specic Empire
Comfort Systems Fireplaces, to reduce the amount of heat
produced during operation of the replace. This system
includes a variable speed controlled blower that will deliver
a desired percentage of the heat produced by the replace
to the exterior of the building.
CONTENTS OF HMFA:
1. Blower w/Base Assembly (1 ea.)
2. Outer Termination Assembly (1 ea.)
3. 6" Diameter Collar w/Flange (2 ea.)
4. 6" X 6" X 6" “Y” Duct Connector (1 ea.)
5. 6" Diameter Adapter (“Y” to Flex Connection) (1 ea.)
6. Band Clamp (4 ea.)
7. Rheostat (Variable Speed Control) w/Knob (1 ea.)
8. Junction Box w/Cover (1 ea.)
9. Hardware Pack (1 ea.)
NOTE: Flex venting is not included with HMFA kit. Please
order the SD6DFA25 Flex Vent Kit which includes 25' of Flex
Vent and (2) Band clamps to complete the system installation.
MAKE-UP AIR REQUIREMENT FOR HMFA
When in operation, the HMFA Forced Air Heat Management
System will deliver a percentage of heated air from the
replace to the exterior of the building. Because a certain
amount of air will be removed from the building, it must be
replaced with fresh make-up air, to prevent negative pressure
from building up inside the structure.
Some central furnaces include make-up air dampers. If
a make-up air damper is included with the furnace, check
the damper for proper function and operation. There are
variations in central furnace make-up dampers, therefore,
you must check to see if the existing system is compatible.
Some systems are designed to operate if a negative pressure
is detected inside the building.
Other systems are designed to operate only while the central
furnace blower is operating, and would therefore require an
additional make-up air damper system be installed.
Make-up Air Dampers are available at local HVAC supply
stores or contractors. The Make-up Air Damper shall be sized
based on the potential amount of cubic air to be expelled.
The HMFA system has the potential of expelling 150 CFM.
If installing a Make-up Air Damper, it is recommended that it
be installed at the opposite end of the building. In addition,
installation of the damper at a high level of a vaulted ceiling
will help dilute the incoming cold air with the warmer air
normally found near the ceiling.
WARNING
HMFA Blower MUST be mounted on an exterior wall.
DO NOT transfer heat to an interior space.
HMFA FORCED AIR HEAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

42929-2-0721 Page 3Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
Figure 2
Minimum Length Of Flex Vent
Figure 1
HMFA Framed Opening Minimum Distance From Fireplace
4’ MIN
EXTERIOR
WALL
EXTERIOR
WALL
4' MIN.
LOCATING THE HEAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
1. Determine the location of the HMFA in relationship to
the replace. Placement of the HMFA blower system in
relationship to the replace is indicated with minimum framed
opening dimensions and vent length requirements as shown
in Figures 1 and 2.
ALL APPLICATIONS REQUIRE A MIN. OF 7’
LENGTH OF FLEX VENT FROM THE DUCT
TO THE BLOWER
ALL APPLICATIONS REQUIRE A MIN. OF 7’
LENGTH OF FLEX VENT FROM THE DUCT
TO THE BLOWER
ALL APPLICATIONS REQUIRE
A MINIMUM 7' LENGTH OF
FLEX VENT FROM THE DUCT
TO THE BLOWER
NOTE: Flex venting from kit SD6DFA25.

42929-2-0721Page 4 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
2. Other considerations such as planning the location for
the junction box, eld wiring, and internal placement of
the rheostat to control the HMFA should be made. Refer
to electrical connections on page 21.
3. The framed opening for installation of the HMFA is 14-1/2"
X 14-1/2" in all applications. See Figures 3 and 4.
CAUTION
Due to sharp edges and the weight of the assembly,
please use proper eye protection and gloves to reduce
the potential for injuries.
Figure 3
HMFA Framing Install
14 1/2”
14 1/2”
14 - 1/2 "
14 - 1/2 "

42929-2-0721 Page 5Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
4. Once the framing is completed, install the Blower &
Base assembly as shown in Figures 3 - 9. The Blower &
Base assembly can be installed in the wall in any of four
positions which allows exibility of the venting connection
to the blower.
14 1/2”
OFFSET FLANGE TO
BE FLUSH WITH
INSIDE WALL,
AND SECURED
BACK EDGE OF BLOWER BASE BRACKET TO
BE MOUNTED FLUSH
TO THE INSIDE WALL
VENT
CONNECTION
(RIGHT
SIDE)
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
BACK EDGE OF BLOWER
BASE BRACKET TO
BE MOUNTED FLUSH
TO THE INSIDE WALL
OFFSET FLANGE TO
BE FLUSH WITH INSIDE
WALL, AND SECURED
14 ½ "
TOP VENT
CONNECTION
VENT
CONNECTION
(LEFT SIDE)
VENT
CONNECTION
(RIGHT SIDE)
BOTTOM VENT
CONNECTION
14 - 1/2 "

42929-2-0721Page 6 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
5. Place the offset ange of the Base against the back
edge of the framed opening. In addition, align the
back edge of the side brackets with the back edge of
the framed opening. See Figures 4 and 9. Secure the
Blower & Base assembly with the (9) 1" long drywall
screws provided as shown in Figure 8.
14 1/2”
14 1/2”
Figure 8
TOTALWALL THICKNESS
MINIMUM - 4”
MAXIMUM - 12 1/2””
ALIGNED
Figure 9
14 - 1/2 "
TOTAL WALL THICKNESS
MINIMUM - 4"
MAXIMUM - 12 - 1/2 "
OFFSET FLANGE
ALIGNED
14 - 1/2 "

42929-2-0721 Page 7Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
HMFA(36,48,60,72)P HEAT TRANSFER KIT
TOOLS/SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR HMFA(36,48,60,72)P:
• Electric Drill
• 1/8" Drill Bit
• 5/16" Nut Driver
• Aluminum Tape
HMFA(36,48,60,72)P INTRODUCTION
The Vent-Free Heat Transfer Kit (HMFA-P) is designed to be
installed on VFLB Fireplaces only and used in conjunction
with the HMFA Forced Air Management System to reduce the
amount of heat produced during operation of the replace.
CONTENTS OF HMFA(36,48,60,72)P:
1. Duct Inlet Assembly (1 ea.)
2. 6" Dovetail Connector (1 ea.)
3. Gusset (4 ea.)
4. Top Framing Bracket (2 ea. 36 & 48), (4 ea. 60 & 72)
NOTE: Flex venting is not included with HMFA kit. Please
order the SD6DFA25 Flex Vent Kit which includes 25' of Flex
Vent and (2) Band clamps to complete the system installation.
NOTE: If a television is to be mounted above the replace,
the HMFATV TV Kit MUST be used.
WARNING
HMFA Blower MUST be mounted on an exterior wall.
DO NOT transfer heat to an interior space.

42929-2-0721Page 8 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
INSTALLING HEAT TRANSFER INLET DUCT ON
VFLB FIREPLACE
PRIOR TO SETTING THE FIREPLACE INTO THE FRAMED
OPENING, attach the HMFA(36,48,60,72)P Heat Transfer kit
to the top of the VFLB replace as shown in Figure 10. The
header framing brackets and triangular gussets are included
in the HMFA(36,48,60,72)P kit. Use the # 10 X 1/2" screws
found in the Heat Transfer Kit hardware pack or already
present in locations shown in Figure 10.
6. Consult the wall nishing options in the VFLB replace
manual and Figure 12 below. Install the framing brackets
according to the chosen nishing option.
7. Move the top pair of side framing brackets from the
replace to the sides of the Heat Transfer Kit as shown
in Figure 10.
8. If there are no holes for the triangular support gussets
in the outer top of the replace, drill 1/8" holes using the
support gussets as a guide, as shown in Figure 11.
9. Attach 6” duct connector by inserting into hole and fully
bending all “dovetails” outwards. See Figure 10.
CAUTION
Due to sharp edges and the weight of the assembly,
please use proper eye protection and gloves to reduce
the potential for injuries.
Figure 10
Attaching Heat Transfer Inlet To VFLB Fireplace
MOVE TOP FRAMING BRACKET
FROM FIREPLACE TO SIDE OF DUCT
BEND UP GUSSET
“FEET”TO SIT FLAT

42929-2-0721 Page 9Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
10. Covering the seams and duct connector joint shown in
Figure 11 will increase the performance and efciency
of the Heat Transfer Kit.
CAUTION
Due to sharp edges and the weight of the assembly,
please use proper eye protection and gloves to reduce
the potential for injuries.
ALUMINUM TAPE ON SEAMS
& DUCT CONNECTOR JOINT
DRILL 1/8” HOLES ON VFLB OUTER
TOPAT THESE LOCATIONS IF HOLES
ARE NOT ALREADY PRESENT
Figure 11
Sealing Seams With Aluminum Tape
THIS FRAMING BRACKET POSITION
CORRESPONDS WITH FRAMING OPTION 1 IN
VFLB INSTALLATION MANUAL
THIS FRAMING BRACKET POSITION
CORRESPONDS WITH FRAMING OPTION 2 IN
VFLB INSTALLATION MANUAL
Figure 12
Placing Brackets According To Chosen Wall Finishing Method

42929-2-0721Page 10 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
Figure 13
VFLB Fireplace And HMFA(36,48,60,72)P Heat Transfer Kit Framed In.
ROUGH OPENING DEPTH OF LESS
THAN 13-1/2” REQUIRES AN OPENING
IN REAR WALL FRAMING TO MAKE
CLEARANCE FOR INLET DUCT
VFLB FIREPLACE AND HMFA(36,48,60,72)P
HEAT TRANSFER KIT FRAMING
The VFLB replace with HMFA(36,48,60,72)P Heat Transfer
Kit installed will use the same rough framing dimensions as
are found in the VFLB Installation Manual. However, if the
rough opening depth is less than 13-1/2", an opening must
be incorporated into the rear chase wall to allow space for
the HMFA-P inlet duct. See Figure 13. Attach Fireplace and
Heat Transfer Kit to framing using screws provided in the
VFLB hardware pack. (See VFLB Installation Manual.)
CAUTION
Due to sharp edges and the weight of the assembly,
please use proper eye protection and gloves to reduce
the potential for injuries.

42929-2-0721 Page 11Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
Figure 14
Non-Combustible Board, Finishing Option 1
INSTALLATION OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE BOARD
The non-combustible board included with the VFLB replace
will be attached according to the methods called out in the
VFLB installation manual, but the board must be cut to work
with the HMFA(36,48,60,72)P Heat Transfer Kit.
11. Consult the wall nishing options in the VFLB installation
manual and see Figures 14 and 15 below.
12. Cut the non-combustible board according to the chosen
wall nishing method.
For Optional HMFATV Television Kit:
13. Drill a 1-1/2" hole centered 13-7/8" above the duct inlet
opening as shown in Figures 14 and 15 below.
CAUTION
Due to sharp edges and the weight of the assembly,
please use proper eye protection and gloves to reduce
the potential for injuries.

42929-2-0721Page 12 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
Figure 15
Non-Combustible Board, Finishing Option 2
NOTE: Proceed to page 20 if HMFATV Television Kit is not being used.

42929-2-0721 Page 13Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
HMFATV TELEVISION KIT
TOOLS/SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR HMFATV:
• Electric Drill
• Step Drill Bit (for
VFLB(36,48,60,72)-1 only)
• 3/16" Drill Bit
• 1-1/2" Hole Saw
• Phillips Screw Driver
• 5/16" Nut Driver
• Wall Anchors with #8
Screws (2)
• Wire Nuts (2)
HMFATV INTRODUCTION
The HMFATV Television Kit is designed to automate the
operation of the HMFA Forced Air Blower, in order to protect
a wall-mounted television from heat damage while the
replace is in use. During normal operation the blower is
turned on and off by a snap-disc inside the rebox. In the
case of a power outage or blower failure, the replace will
be deactivated by a wall-mounted limit switch in order to
protect the television. The rheostat control included in the
HMFA Forced Air Blower is not utilized.
CONTENTS OF HMFATV:
1. Nut, 10-24 (2 ea.)
2. Screw, 10-24 X 3/4" (2 ea.)
3. Nut, 4-40 (2 ea.)
4. Screw, 4-40 X 3/4" (2 ea.)
5. Limit Switch Plate (1 ea.)
6. J-box Cover Plate (1 ea.)
7. Limit Switch, 150 degree (1 ea.)
8. Snap-Disc, 110 Close; 90 Open (1 ea.)
9. Wire Harness, Limit Switch (1 ea.)
10. Wire Harness, Fan Control (1 ea.)
11. Junction Box (1 ea.)
12. Wire Bushing, 5/8" (2 ea.)
13. Clip, Wire (2 ea.)
14. Romex Connector, 3/8" (1 ea.)
15. Zip Tie (4 ea.)
WARNING
HMFA Blower MUST be mounted on an exterior wall.
DO NOT transfer heat to an interior space.
14. Insert the included 5/8" Wire Bushings into the two
holes called out by white arrows in Figure 16.
15. The Limit Switch Wire Harness consists of two white
wires with connectors on both ends. Route the
Limit Switch Wire Harness as shown in Figure 16,
passing through the Wire Bushings and fastened to
the HMFA-P duct with zip ties (included) called out
by the black arrows. The Wire Harness end with two
female connectors should exit through the hole in the
noncombustible board as shown. Position the Wire
Harness such that 8-9" of length is hanging out of the
noncombustible board.
16. The Limit Switch Wire Harness enters the replace
through the Wire Bushing in the access panel on the
left-hand side.
17. Using the included (2) 4-40 machine screws, (2) 4-40
nuts, Limit Switch Plate, and the 150 degree manually
resettable Limit Switch, assemble the Limit Switch &
Plate Assembly as shown in Figures 17 and 18 and
connect it to the Limit Switch Wire Harness.
Figure 16
HMFA(36,48,60,72)P Heat Transfer Kit.

42929-2-0721Page 14 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
NONCOMBUSTIBLE BOARD
FRAMING
LIMIT SWITCH & PLATE
ASSEMBLY HANGING
FROM WIRE HARNESS
NONCOMBUSTIBLE BOARD
FRAMING
NONCOMBUSTIBLE BOARD
FRAMING
LIMIT SWITCH & PLATE
ASSEMBLY HANGING
FROM WIRE HARNESS
NONCOMBUSTIBLE BOARD
FRAMING
Figure 17
Connecting Limit Switch And Plate Assembly
Figure 18
Limit Switch And Plate Assembly Hanging From Wire Harness
NOTE: When nishing interior
wall, leave the Limit Switch
connected to the Wire Harness
to prevent wires from falling
back inside the wall. Use Limit
Switch Plate as a guide to
mark holes and attach to wall
with wall anchors suitable for
chosen nishing material (not
included).

42929-2-0721 Page 15Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
18. Remove screen frame and burner cover. Depending
upon whether you are working with a IP or MV unit,
connect the Limit Switch Wire Harness to the replace
control system as shown in either Figure 19 or Figure 20.
Neatly coil excess Limit Switch Wire length, and secure with
zip tie in left-front corner of replace.
Figure 19
Connect Limit Switch To IP System.
Figure 20
Connect Limit Switch To MV System.
OPTIONAL
THERMOSTAT
OPTIONAL
WALL SWITCH TO LIMIT
SWITCH
GAS VALVE
REMOTE
CONTROL RECEIVER
THERMOPILE

42929-2-0721Page 16 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
19. For VFLB36 & 48, drill out the right-most hole shown in
Figure 21 with a 3/16th drill bit. Attach the fan switch
as shown in Figure 21 using two 10-24 nuts and the
10-24 screw (included). Make sure that the face of the
fan switch is fastened rmly against the surface of the
Firebox Top.
For VFLB60 & 72, drill out the two holes shown in Figure
21 with a 3/16th drill bit. Attach the fan switch as shown
in Figure 21 using two 10-24 nuts and two 10-24 screws
(included). Make sure that the face of the fan switch is
fastened rmly against the surface of the Firebox Top.
Figure 21
Attaching Fan Switch To Firebox Top

42929-2-0721 Page 17Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
ATTACH
WIRE CLIP
ATTACH
WIRE CLIPS
Figure 23
Wire Clip Location, VFLB60 and VFLB72
Figure 22
Wire Clip Location, VFLB36 and VFLB48
20. Attach either one (VFLB36 & 48) or two (VFLB60 & 72)
wire clips to the rebox as shown in Figures 22 or 23.

42929-2-0721Page 18 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
21. The Fan Switch Wire Harness has two white wires with
connectors on only one end. Attach the end of the Wire
Harness with two female connectors to the Fan Switch
and route the Wire Harness through the wire clips as shown
in Figure 24 or 25, exiting through the hole in the right side
of the Firebox as shown.
Figure 25
Fan Switch Wire Routing, VFLB60 and VFLB72
Figure 24
Fan Switch Wire Routing, VFLB36 and VFLB48

42929-2-0721 Page 19Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
22. Attach Junction Box to right-side Access Plate and
connect Fan Switch Wire Harness as shown in Figures
26 and 27.
Figure 26
Attach Junction Box To Access Plate
Figure 27
Connect Fan Switch To Power

42929-2-0721Page 20 Empire Comfort Systems Inc. • Belleville, IL
Figure 28
23. Using gloves, unstretch the 6" diameter ex venting from
the SD6DFA25 Flex Vent kit.
CAUTION
Due to sharp edges and the weight of the assembly,
please use proper eye protection and gloves to reduce
the potential for injuries.
24. Measure and cut the Flex-Vent length that runs from
the HMFA-P 6" duct connector installed in step 9 to the
Forced Air Kit Termination.
25. Attach and secure the each end of the Flex-Vent with 7"
diameter gear clamps provided in the SD6DFA25 Flex-
Vent Kit. See Figures 28 and 29.
6” DIA 3-WAY
“Y” CONNECTOR
SELF DRILLING SCREWS
(3) PLACES
BAND CLAMP
COLLAR
FLANGE, COLLAR
PARTS FROM HMFA FORCED AIR KIT NOT USED
FLEX VENT KIT-SD6DFA25
(NOT INCLUDED IN HMFA(36,48,60,72)P KIT)
INCLUDES 25’ OF FLEX WITH (2) CLAMPS
6” DOVETAIL CONNECTOR
(INCLUDED IN HMFA(36,48,60,72)P
VF HEAT TRANSFER KIT)
BAND CLAMP
(INCLUDED IN HMFA
TERMINATION KIT)
6” FLEX
VENT
6” DIA 3-WAY
“Y” CONNECTOR
SELF DRILLING SCREWS
(3) PLACES
BAND CLAMP
COLLAR
FLANGE, COLLAR
PARTS FROM HMFA FORCED AIR KIT NOT USED
FLEX VENT KIT-SD6DFA25
(NOT INCLUDED IN HMFA(36,48,60,72)P KIT)
INCLUDES 25’ OF FLEX WITH (2) CLAMPS
6” DOVETAIL CONNECTOR
(INCLUDED IN HMFA(36,48,60,72)P
VF HEAT TRANSFER KIT)
BAND CLAMP
(INCLUDED IN HMFA
TERMINATION KIT)
6” FLEX
VENT