Empire Comfort Systems VFSE-18-1 User manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER'S MANUAL
UNVENTED GAS LOG HEATER OR
INTERMITTENT MODELS
VFSE-(18,24,30)-1
VARIABLE MODELS
VFSV-(16,18,24,30)-4
VENTED DECORATIVE APPLIANCE
VARIABLE MODELS
VFSV-(16,18,24,30)-4
Vented/Vent-Free Burner
This is an unvented gas-red heater. It uses air (oxy-
gen) from the room in which it is installed. Provisions
for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be
provided. Refer to page 11.
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.
WATERVAPOR:ABY-PRODUCTOFUNVENTEDROOM
HEATERS
Water vapor is a by-product of gas combustion. An
unvented room heater produces approximately one (1)
ounce (30ml) of water for every 1,000 BTU's (.3KW's)
of gas input per hour. Refer to page 10.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket
permanently located, manufactured (mobile) home,
where not prohibited by local codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas
indicated on the rating plate. This appliance is not
convertible for use with other gases.
Installer: Leave this manual with the appliance.
Consumer: Retain this manual for future reference.
— 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.
• 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 sup-
plier.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions
are not followed exactly, a re or explosion may
result causing property damage, personal injury
or loss of life.
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
Comfor t Systems
GAS-FIRED
Page 1

28092-0-1110Page 2
Section Page
Quick Start Guide ........................................................................................................................3-4
Important Safety Information .......................................................................................................... 5
Safety Information for Users of LP-Gas ......................................................................................... 6
Requirements for Canada .............................................................................................................. 7
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 8
...................................................................................................................... 9
General Information...................................................................................................................... 10
Water Vapor: A By-Product of Unvented Room Heaters .............................................................. 10
Provisions for Adequate Combustion & Ventilation Air ................................................................. 11
Clearances .............................................................................................................................. 11-12
Combustible Material.................................................................................................................... 13
Fireplace Preparation ................................................................................................................... 13
Installing as a Vented Appliance................................................................................................... 14
Before Fully Installing the Appliance ............................................................................................ 14
Gas Supply................................................................................................................................... 15
Placement of Glowing Embers and Lava Rock ............................................................................ 16
Operation Instructions/Flame Appearance ................................................................................... 16
G6R-P3TAN5 Remote Control Instructions .............................................................................17-20
VFSE-(18,24,30) Lighting Instructions ......................................................................................... 21
VFSV-(16,18,24,30) Lighting Instructions..................................................................................... 22
Pilot Flame Characteristics........................................................................................................... 23
Cleaning and Servicing ................................................................................................................ 24
Wiring ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Troubleshooting Symptoms - Possible Causes and Correction ................................................... 25
Parts List....................................................................................................................................... 26
Parts View .................................................................................................................................... 27
Master Parts Distributor List ......................................................................................................... 28
How To Order Repair Parts .......................................................................................................... 28
TABLE OF CONTENTS

28092-0-1110 Page 3
Quick Start Guide
To START the Fireplace:
If the pilot is NOT lit:
 
audible “beep” sound.
2. The pilot will ignite on the sixth beep. You may hear a clicking sound around the same
time as that beep, this is normal.
3. There will be a total of 14 beeps. The main burner will ignite approximately 15 seconds
after the pilot.
If the pilot IS lit.
 
5 seconds until there is a soft click, then release the button.
To ADJUST the Flame Height
 
 

To SHUT OFF the Fireplace
1. To completely shut off the burner and ignitor, press and hold the “OFF” button until the

 
10 seconds and then release.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS.
VFSE Remote Quick Start Instructions: Cut out this page and keep it near your remote.

28092-0-1110Page 4
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

28092-0-1110 Page 5
WARNING
When used without adequate combustion and ventilation air, heater
may give off CARBON MONOXIDE, an odorless, poisonous gas.
Do not install heater until all necessary provisions are made for
combustion and ventilation air. Consult the written instructions
provided with the heater for information concerning combustion
and ventilation air. In the absence of instructions, refer to the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, or applicable local codes.
This heater is equipped with a PILOT LIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM
designed to turn off the heater if not enough fresh air is available.
DO NOT TAMPER WITH PILOT LIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM!
If heater shuts off, do not relight until you provide fresh air.
If heater keeps shutting off, have it serviced. Keep burner and control
compartment clean.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING MAY LEAD TO DEATH.
Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the u, with
headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have these signs, heater
may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater
serviced.
Some people – pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease,
anemia, those under the inuence of alcohol, those at high altitudes
– are more affected by carbon monoxide than others.
The pilot light safety system senses the depletion of oxygen at its
location. If this heater is installed in a structure having a high vertical
dimension, the possibility exists that the oxygen supply at the higher
levels will be less than that at the heater. In this type of application,
a fan to circulate the structure air will minimize this effect. The use
of this fan will also improve the comfort level in the structure. When
a fan is used to circulate air, it should be located so that the air ow
is not directed at the burner.
• An unvented room heater having an input rating of more than
6,000 Btu per hour shall not be installed in a bathroom
• An unvented room heater having an input rating of more than
10,000 Btu per hour shall not be installed in a bedroom or bath-
room.
• Never burn solid fuels in a replace where a gas log set is in-
stalled.
• Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be located out
of trafc and away from furniture and draperies.
• Do not place clothing or other ammable material on or near the
appliance.
• Children and adults should be alerted to the hazards of high
surface temperature and should stay away to avoid burns or
clothing ignition.
• Young children should be carefully supervised when they are in
the same room as the appliance.
• This unit complies with ANSI Z21.11.2 Unvented Heaters and it
also complies with ANSI Z21.60 Decorative Vented Appliances
for Solid Fuel Burning Fireplaces. State or local codes may only
allow operation of this appliance in a vented conguration. Check
your state or local codes.
• Correct installation of logs, proper location of the heater and
annual cleaning are necessary to avoid potential problems with
sooting. Sooting, resulting from improper installation or opera-
tion, can settle on surfaces outside the replace.
• Avoid any drafts that could alter burner ame patterns. Do not al-
low fans to blow directly into the replace. Do not place a blower
inside burn box area of rebox. Ceiling fans may create drafts
that alter burner ame patterns. Sooting and improper burning
will occur as a result of drafts.
• WARNING: Do not allow fans to blow directly into the replace.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner ame patterns.
• WARNING: Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger insert or
other accessory not approved for use with this heater.
• Periodic examination and cleaning of the venting system of
the solid-fuel burning replace, including frequency of such
examination and cleaning, by a qualied agency.
• The installation must conform with local codes or, in the absence
of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA54.
• NOTE: Installation and repair should be done by a qualied ser-
vice person. The appliance should be inspected before use and
at least annually by a qualied service person. More frequent
cleaning may be required due to excessive lint from carpeting,
bedding material, etc. It is imperative that the control compart-
ment, burners and circulating air passageways of the appliance
be kept clean.
• Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing an appliance
must be replaced prior to operating the appliance. Provide ad-
equate combustion and ventilation air.
• The ow of combustion and ventilation air MUST NOT be ob-
structed.
• Provide adequate clearances around air openings into the
combustion chamber and adequate accessibility clearance for
servicing and proper operation. NEVER obstruct the front open-
ing of the appliance.
• An unvented room heater intended for installation in a solid-fuel
burning replace shall comply with the following instructions.
• A replace screen must be in place when the appliance is
operating and, unless other provisions for combustion air are
provided, the screen shall have an opening(s) for introduction
of combustion air.
• Solid-fuels shall not be burned in a masonry or UL 127 factory-
built replace in which an unvented room heater is installed.
• Any glass doors shall be fully opened when the appliance is in
operation.
• Any outside air ducts and/or ash dumps in the replace shall be
permanently closed at time of appliance installation.
• WARNING: Failure to keep the primary air opening(s) of the
burner(s) clean may result in sooting and property damage.
• WARNING: Before installing in a solid-fuel burning replace,
the chimney ue and rebox must be cleaned of soot, creosote,
ashes and loose paint by a qualied chimney cleaner.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

28092-0-1110Page 6
Some people cannot smell well. Some people cannot smell the
odor of the chemical put into the gas. You must nd out if you
can smell the odorant in propane. Smoking can decrease your
ability to smell. Being around an odor for a time can affect your
sensitivity or ability to detect that odor. Sometimes other odors in
the area mask the gas odor. People may not smell the gas odor
or their minds are on something else. Thinking about smelling a
gas odor can make it easier to smell.
The odorant in LP-gas is colorless, and it can fade under some
circumstances. For example, if there is an underground leak, the

in LP-Gas also are subject to oxidation. This fading can occur if
there is rust inside the storage tank or in iron gas pipes.
The odorant in escaped gas can adsorb or absorb onto or into walls,
masonry and other materials and fabrics in a room. That will take
some of the odorant out of the gas, reducing its odor intensity.
LP-Gas may stratify in a closed area, and the odor intensity could
vary at different levels. Since it is heavier than air, there may be
more odor at lower levels. Always be sensitive to the slightest gas
odor. If you detect any odor, treat it as a serious leak. Immediately
go into action as instructed earlier.
Propane (LP-Gas) is a ammable gas which can cause res
and explosions. In its natural state, propane is odorless and
colorless. You may not know all the following safety precautions
which can protect both you and your family from an accident.
Read them carefully now, then review them point by point
with the members of your household. Someday when there
may not be a minute to lose, everyone's safety will depend
on knowing exactly what to do. If, after reading the following
information, you feel you still need more information, please
contact your gas supplier.
 Learn to recognize the odor of LP-gas. Your local LP-Gas
Dealer can give you a "Scratch and Sniff" pamphlet. Use it to

your LP-Gas has a weak or abnormal odor, call your LP-Gas
Dealer.
 
or make adjustments to appliances on the LP-Gas system. If

prior to and while lighting pilot lights or performing service or
making adjustments.
 
smell that can cover up the LP-Gas odor. Do not try to light
pilot lights, perform service, or make adjustments in an area
where the conditions are such that you may not detect the
odor if there has been a leak of LP-Gas.
 
new cylinders and tanks, is possible. Therefore, people should
be particularly alert and careful when new tanks or cylinders
are placed in service. Odor fade can occur in new tanks, or

    
out of service for a time may develop internal rust which will
cause odor fade. If such conditions are suspected to exist,
a periodic sniff test of the gas is advisable. If you have any
question about the gas odor, call your LP-gas dealer. A
periodic sniff test of the LP-gas is a good safety measure
under any condition.
 
think you should, assume you have a leak. Then take the same
immediate action recommended above for the occasion when
you do detect the odorized LP-Gas.
 -
der no vapor pressure), turn the tank valve off immediately.
If the container valve is left on, the container may draw in

occurs, some new internal rusting could occur. If the valve is
left open, then treat the container as a new tank. Always be
sure your container is under vapor pressure by turning it off
at the container before it goes completely empty or having it

         
phone. Do not do anything that could ignite the gas.
 
that IMMEDIATELY.
 
 
as basements. When you have reason to suspect a gas leak,
keep out of basements and other low areas. Stay out until

 
   
continue to smell gas, do not turn on the gas again. Do not
re-enter the building, vehicle, trailer, or area.
 Finally,
gas. Have them air out the area before you return. Properly
trained LP-Gas service people should repair the leak, then
check and relight the gas appliance for you.
SOME POINTS TO REMEMBER
NO ODOR DETECTED - ODOR FADE
LP-GAS WARNING ODOR
If a gas leak happens, you should be able to smell the gas because of the odorant put in the LP-Gas.
That's your signal to go into immediate action!
SAFETY INFORMATION FOR USERS OF LP-GAS

28092-0-1110 Page 7
REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADA
This unit cannot be installed in a UNVENTED application, this
unit can only be installed as a VENTED application with these
requirements.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This unit complies with ANSI Z21.60and CGA 2.26 Decorative
Gas Appliances For Installation In Solid Fuel Burning Fireplaces.

gas log set is installed. This appliance is for installation only in


Warning:    
be dangerous. Improper installation or use of the gas log set can

monoxide poisoning.
1. Please follow all local codes regarding installation, combus-
tion and ventilation air or in the absence of local codes follow
the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1(U.S. installation), or
CAN/CGA-B149, Installation Code (Canada installation).
2. Proper installation, burner pan location and log placement is
important to achieve optimum look and performance of your
gas log set. The logs have been designed for easy location
and placement on the grate and must be followed for proper
operation.
3. Do not operate this log set with glass doors in the closed po-
  
is burning. Adequate combustion air must be provided for


     
and adequate combustion air into the room. A damper clamp
must

CLAMP
4. Young children must be carefully supervised when they are in
the same room as the gas log while in operation. Do not place


5. Do not substitute or use materials other than those supplied
for use with the log set.
6. Also refer to IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION on page
5of this manual
WARNING; DO NOT OPERATE THIS GAS LOG SET WITH
GLASS DOORS CLOSED
 
or near the appliance.
 -
eration.
 -

bonding agents. These bonding agents are not harmful but
may produce annoying smoke and smells as they are burned
off during initial operation of the appliance. This is a normal
temporary occurrence. A window should be opened during the
initial bake out period.
 
 WARNING: 
-

 
person. The appliance should be inspected before use and

cleaning may be required due to excessive lint from carpeting,
bedding materials, etc. It is imperative that control compart-
ments, burners and circulating air passageways of the appli-
ance be kept clean.
 Do not

 Do keep the appliance area clear and free from combustible

     
-

 Do make a periodic visual check of pilot and burners. Clean
and replace damaged parts.
 Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water.

appliance and to replace any part of the control system and
any gas control which has been under water.
 -
stalled.
 -
ances for Solid Fuel Burning Fireplaces. State or local codes
-
ration. Check your state or local codes.

28092-0-1110Page 8
Important
All correspondence should refer to complete Model Number, Serial
Number and type of gas.
Attention: During initial use of log you will detect an odor as
the log is cured.
Notice:
smoke will occur. To prevent triggering of smoke alarms, ventilate
the room in which the unit is installed.
WARNING: This appliance is for installation only in a solid-fuel
burning masonry or UL 127 factory-built replace or in a listed
ventless rebox enclosure. It has been design certied for
these installations. Exception: DO NOT install this appliance
in a factory-built replace that includes instructions stating
it has not been tested or should not be used with unvented
gas logs.
WARNING: Any modication to this unvented gas heater or
its controls can be dangerous. Improper installation or use
of the heater can cause serious injury or death from re,
burns, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Well Head Gas Installations
Some natural gas utilities use "well head" gas. This may affect the
Btu output of the unit. Contact the gas company for the heating value.
Contact the manufacturer or your gas company before changing

IMPORTANT: Read all instructions carefully before starting
installation. Failure to follow these installation instructions may
result in a possible re hazard and will void the warranty.
Save this manual for future reference.
Please read this manual before installing and using the
appliance.
Instructions to Installer
1. Installer must leave instruction manual with owner after
installation.
 
with unvented room heater/vented decorative appliance.
3. Installer should show owner how to start and operate unvented
room heater/vented decorative appliance.
Always consult your local Building Department regarding regulations,
codes or ordinances which apply to the installation of an unvented
room heater/vented decorative appliance.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured
(mobile) home, where not prohibited by state or local codes.
*Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from
the manufacturer.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indicated on the
rating plate. This appliance is not convertible for use with other
gases.
New Installation

appliance is installed.
A vented decorative appliance must be installed only in a solid-
         
noncombustible material.
Any alteration of the original design, installed other than as
shown in these instructions or use with a type of gas not
shown on the rating plate is the responsibility of the person
and company making the change.
ACCESSORIES
Accessory Description Color
For use with VFSE and VFSV models
EK-1 Embers Kit
ELH-1 Fireplace Hood for Vent-Free Logs Black
ELH-2 Fireplace Hood for Vent-Free Logs Brass
For use with VFSE models ONLY
AD1106V AC/DC Adapter
Note: Thermostats are for Vent-Free Applications only.
INTRODUCTION

28092-0-1110 Page 9
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Natural Gas Propane Gas
VFSE VFSV VFSE VFSV
Regulator pressure setting 3.5" W.C. 4.0" W.C. 10.0" W.C. 10.0" W.C.
Gas inlet pressure Max. 10.5" W.C. 10.5" W.C. 13.0" W.C. 13.0" W.C.
Min. 7.0" W.C. 7.0" W.C. 11.0" W.C. 11.0" W.C.
Model Gas Valve Type BTUH Max. Rate BTUH Med. Rate BTUH Min. Rate
VFSE-18 Natural Intermittent 32,000 — 26,000
VFSE-18 Propane Intermittent 32,000 — 26,000
VFSE-24 Natural Intermittent 36,000 — 28,800
VFSE-24 Propane Intermittent 36,000 — 28,800
VFSE-30 Natural Intermittent 38,000 — 30,000
VFSE-30 Propane Intermittent 38,000 — 30,000
VFSV-16 Natural Variable 25,000 — 18,000
VFSV-16 Propane Variable 22,500 — 17,000
VFSV-18 Natural Variable 32,000 — 21,000
VFSV-18 Propane Variable 32,000 — 21,000
VFSV-24 Natural Variable 36,000 — 24,000
VFSV-24 Propane Variable 36,000 — 24,000
VFSV-30 Natural Variable 38,000 — 27,000
VFSV-30 Propane Variable 38,000 — 27,000
Note: Thermostats are for Vent-Free Applications only.

28092-0-1110Page 10

room in which it is installed. Provisions for adequate combustion
and ventilation air must be provided.
Keep room area clear and free from combustible materials, gasoline

Unvented gas heaters are a supplemental zone heater. They are not
intended to be a primary heating appliance. Water vapor produced
by an unvented heater can create moisture problems in a home
when operated for extended periods of time.
During manufacturing, fabricating and shipping, various components

These chemicals are not harmful but may produce annoying smoke
and smells as they are burned off during the initial operation of the
appliance; possibly causing headaches or eye or lung irritation. This
is a normal and temporary occurrence.
The initial break-in operation should last 2 to 3 hours with the burner
at the highest setting. Provide maximum ventilation by opening
windows or doors to allow odors to dissipate. Any odors remaining
after this initial break-in period will be slight and will disappear with
continued use.
This appliance must not be used with glass doors in the closed
position. This can lead to pilot outages and severe sooting outside

Do not use this room heater if any part has been under water.

heater and replace any part of the control system and any gas
control which has been under water.
WARNING: This appliance is equipped for (natural or
propane) gas. Field conversion is not permitted.
Before you get started
Carefully inspect the contents for shipping damage. If any parts are
missing or damaged, immediately inform the dealer from whom you
purchased the appliance. Do not attempt to install any part of the
appliance unless you have all parts in good condition.
Make sure you have received all parts:
Check your packing list to verify that all listed parts have been
received. You should have the following:
 
 
sheet metal anchoring screws.
 
coverage.
 
 
Handle the gas log burner assembly by the grate and legs only.
Do not pick the unit up by the burner.
Gloves are recommended when handling logs to prevent skin
irritation. Logs are fragile - Handle with care.
Qualied Installing Agency
Installation and replacement of gas piping, gas utilization equip-
ment or accessories and repair and servicing of equipment shall be


person or through a representative is engaged in and is responsible
for (a) the installation, testing, or replacement of gas piping or (b) the
connection, installation, testing, repair, or servicing of equipment;
that is experienced in such work; that is familiar with all precautions
required, and that has complied with all the requirements of the
authority having jurisdiction.
State of Massachusetts: The installation must be made
          
Massachusetts.

room heaters shall provide to each purchaser a copy of 527
CMR-30 upon sale of the unit.
The installation must conform with local codes or, in the absence of
local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.*
*Available from the American National Standards Institute, Inc. 11
West 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10018.
High Altitudes: For altitudes/elevation above 2,000 feet ratings
should be reduced at the rate of 4 percent for each 1,000 feet above
sea level. Contact the manufacturer.
Water vapor is a by-product of gas combustion. An unvented room
heater produces approximately one (1) ounce (30ml) of water for

Unvented room heaters must be used as supplemental heat (a
room) rather than a primary heat source (an entire house). In most
supplemental heat applications, the water vapor does not create a
problem. In most applications, the water vapor enhances the low
humidity atmosphere experienced during cold weather.
The following steps will help insure that water vapor does not
become a problem.
1. Be sure the heater is sized properly for the application, including
ample combustion air and circulation air.
 
help lower the water vapor content of the air.
3. Do not use an unvented room heater as the primary heat source
(an entire house).
GENERAL INFORMATION
WATER VAPOR: A BY-PRODUCT OF UNVENTED ROOM HEATERS