PLEASANT HEARTH VFF-PH20LP (01) PDF Document

If the gas pressure for your PLEASANT HEARTH VFF-PH20LP is too low, you may experience the following issues:

• pilot will not stay lit

• burners will have delayed ignition

• fireplace will not produce specified heat

• for propane/LP units, propane/LP gas supply may be low

If you suspect your gas pressure is too low, contact your local propane/LP gas supplier.

If you smell gas, follow these instructions exactly:

• 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 qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier.

Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you experience these signs, the heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air immediately and have the heater serviced. Some people are more affected by carbon monoxide than others, including pregnant women, people with heart or lung disease, people who are anemic, those under the influence of alcohol, and those living in high altitudes.

1. This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indicated on the rating plate and is not convertible.

2. Do not place propane/LP supply tank(s) inside any structure. Locate them outdoors.

3. If you smell gas, shut off the gas supply and follow the safety procedures.

4. This fireplace shall not be installed in a bedroom or bathroom.

5. Do not use this fireplace as a wood-burning fireplace. Use only the provided logs.

6. Do not add extra logs or ornaments like pine cones, vermiculite, or rock wool, as this can cause sooting. Do not add lava rock around the base.

7. This fireplace is designed to be smokeless. If logs appear to smoke, turn it off and call a qualified service person.

8. To prevent soot, follow the instructions in Cleaning and Maintenance.

9. Turn the fireplace off before using furniture polish, wax, carpet cleaner, or similar products nearby.

10. This fireplace needs fresh air ventilation and has an Oxygen Depletion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. Refer to the “Air for Combustion and Ventilation” section if it keeps shutting off.

11. Do not run the fireplace where flammable liquids or vapors are used or stored, or under dusty conditions.

12. Do not use this fireplace to cook food or burn paper or other objects.

13. Never place any objects in the fireplace or on the logs.

14. Do not use the fireplace if any part has been underwater. Call a qualified service technician immediately.

15. Turn off and unplug the fireplace and let it cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person should service and repair it.

16. Operating the fireplace above elevations of 4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.

17. Do not operate the fireplace if a log is broken or chipped (dime-sized or larger).

18. To prevent performance problems, do not use a propane/LP fuel tank of less than 100 lb. capacity.

19. Provide adequate clearances around air openings.

SAFETY PILOT: This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The ODS/pilot shuts off the heater if there is not enough fresh air and cuts off main burner gas in the event of flame out.

ELECTRIC PUSH BUTTON IGNITION SYSTEM: This heater is equipped with an electronic piezo control system. This system requires one AAA battery (provided).

THERMOSTAT HEAT CONTROL: The control automatically cycles the burner on and off to maintain a desired room temperature.

BLOWER KIT (OPTIONAL): The blower kit helps to distribute the warmed air into the space more rapidly.

1. Remove fireplace cabinet and hood from the carton. The log is wrapped and inside the fireplace. Do not remove it at this time.

2. Remove all protective packaging applied to the fireplace for shipment.

3. Make sure your fireplace includes one hardware packet.

4. Check the fireplace for any shipping damage. If it is damaged, please do not return it to the store; instead, follow the contact instructions in your manual.

You will need a Phillips screwdriver and scissors.

1. If equipped, lift the fireplace screen up and pull it out to remove. Set the screen aside.

2. Cut the two plastic straps to remove the log from the firebox cavity. Set the log aside.

3. If you have an optional blower, install it now following the instructions provided with the blower.

4. Locate the four black Phillips sheet metal screws in the hardware packet.

5. Slide the hood between the louver and the firebox top and align the screw holes.

6. Insert the screws and tighten them firmly.

After assembly, carefully lift the insert through the center opening in the front of the mantel. Slide the insert back through the opening until the metal trim makes contact with the front of the mantel.

Use this worksheet to determine if your space is confined. “Space” includes the room where the heater will be installed plus any adjoining rooms with doorless passageways or ventilation grills.

1. Determine the volume of the space: Length x Width x Height = cu. ft. (volume of space). Example: 20 ft. x 16 ft. x 8 ft. = 2560 cu. ft.

2. Determine the maximum BTU/hr the space can support: Divide the space volume by 50 cu. ft. Example: 2560 cu. ft. / 50 = 51.2, or 51,200 BTU/hr.

3. Add the BTU/hr of all fuel-burning appliances in the space. Include your vent-free heater, gas water heater, furnace, etc. Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Example: Gas water heater (30,000 BTU/hr) + Vent-free heater (26,000 BTU/hr) = 56,000 BTU/hr total.

4. Compare the maximum BTU/hr the space can support with the actual BTU/hr used. Example: 51,200 BTU/hr (maximum support) vs. 56,000 BTU/hr (actual used).

If the actual BTU/hr used is more than the maximum BTU/hr the space can support, the space is considered confined and you must provide additional fresh air. If the actual BTU/hr is less, the space is unconfined and no additional fresh air is needed.

To ensure safe operation, maintain the following minimum clearances to combustible materials:

• Sides: 6 inches from the side of the fireplace cabinet to any combustible material or wall.

• Ceiling: 36 inches from the top of the fireplace opening to the ceiling.

• Front: 36 inches in front of the fireplace.

If the appliance is installed on carpeting, tile, or other combustible material (other than wood flooring), it must be placed on a metal or wood panel extending the full width and depth of the appliance.

CAUTION: If installing in a home garage, the pilot and burner must be at least 18 inches above the floor, and the fireplace must be located where a moving vehicle will not hit it.

A qualified service technician must connect the heater to the gas supply. Follow all local codes.

CAUTION: Never connect the heater directly to the gas supply. An external regulator (not supplied) is required. The installer must supply an external regulator for liquid propane. You must reduce incoming gas pressure to between 11 and 14 inches of water column.

1. Use new black iron or steel pipe of 1/2-inch diameter or greater. Internally tinned copper tubing may be used in some areas; check local codes.

2. The installation must include an equipment shutoff valve, a union, and a plugged 1/8-in. NPT tap for test gauge hookup. The NPT tap must be upstream from the heater.

3. Install a sediment trap in the supply line between the fuel supply and the heater to trap moisture and contaminants.

4. Apply pipe joint sealant resistant to LP gas lightly to male threads.

5. Hold the gas regulator with a wrench when connecting it to gas piping to avoid damage.

6. Connect the flexible gas line to the fireplace cabinet regulator and the equipment shutoff valve.

7. After all connections are made, check for gas leaks using a mixture of liquid soap and water on all joints. If bubbles form, there is a leak that must be corrected immediately. Never use an open flame to check for leaks.

It is very important to install the logs exactly as instructed. Do not modify logs. Use only logs supplied with the heater. Each log is marked with a number to help identify it during installation.

1. Install Log #1: Insert log #1 onto the rear row of pins on the base pan.

2. Install Log #2: Insert log #2 onto the front left pin on the base pan.

3. Install Log #3: Insert log #3 onto the front right pin on the base pan.

4. Install Log #4: Insert log #4 onto the left pin of log #1 and the pin of log #2.

5. Install Log #5: Insert log #5 onto the right pin of log #1 and the pin of log #3.

WARNING: Never use an open flame to check for a leak. Apply a mixture of liquid soap and water to all joints. If bubbles form, there is a leak. Correct all leaks immediately.

For Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG (3.5kPa):

1. Disconnect the heater, including its control valve and shutoff valve, from the gas supply piping system. Pressures above 1/2 PSIG will damage the regulator.

2. Cap the open end of the gas pipe where the shutoff valve was connected.

3. Pressurize the supply piping system using compressed air or by opening the gas supply tank valve.

4. Check all joints of the gas supply piping system with a soap and water solution. Correct any leaks.

5. Reconnect the heater and shutoff valve, and check the reconnected fittings for leaks.

For Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than 1/2 PSIG (3.5 kPa):

1. Close the equipment shutoff valve.

2. Pressurize the supply piping system.

3. Check all joints from the gas meter to the shutoff valve with a soap and water solution. Correct any leaks.

Pressure Testing Heater Gas Connections:

1. Open the equipment shutoff valve.

2. Open the gas supply tank valve.

3. Ensure the heater’s control knob is in the OFF position.

4. Check all joints from the shutoff valve to the control valve with a soap and water solution. Correct any leaks.

5. Light the heater and check all other internal joints for leaks.

6. Turn off the heater after testing.

BEFORE LIGHTING: Smell all around the appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle there. If you smell gas, follow the safety instructions provided in your manual.

1. STOP! Read the safety information.

2. Open the lower access panel located below the fireplace screen.

3. Turn the control knob clockwise to the “OFF” position.

4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Then smell for gas again. If you smell gas, STOP! If you don’t smell gas, proceed to the next step.

5. Turn the control knob counterclockwise to the “PILOT” position. Depress the control knob.

6. With the control knob depressed, push down on the ignitor button until the pilot lights. The pilot is located behind the fireplace screen, centered near the rear of the burner.

7. Keep the control knob depressed for 30 seconds after the pilot lights, then release the control knob. If the pilot goes out, repeat steps 3 through 7. Wait one minute before trying again.

8. Turn the control knob counterclockwise to the desired setting.

9. Close the lower access panel.

1. Open the lower access panel located under the fireplace screen.

2. Turn the control knob clockwise to the “OFF” position.

3. Close the lower access panel.

The remote control system operates on radio frequencies within a 20-foot range.

Key Settings:

• ON: Operates the unit to the on position. Manually operated solenoid ON.

• OFF: Operates the unit to the off position. Manually operated solenoid OFF.

• MODE: Changes the unit from manual mode to thermo mode.

• SET: Sets the temperature in thermo mode.

Manual Function:

• ON Operation: Press the ON key, and the appliance flame will come on. The LCD screen will show ON, and the flame icon will appear.

• OFF Operation: Press the OFF key, and the appliance flame will shut off. The LCD screen will show OF.

Setting °F / °C Scale:

The factory setting is Fahrenheit (°F). To change to Celsius (°C), press the ON and OFF keys on the transmitter at the same time. Follow the same procedure to change back to Fahrenheit.

The system can be thermostatically controlled when the transmitter is in THERMO mode (the word ROOM must be displayed on the screen).

1. Enter Thermo Mode: Press the MODE key until the LCD screen shows the word ROOM.

2. Set Desired Temperature: Press and hold the SET key until the desired set temperature is reached. The temperature will increase from 45°F to 99°F and then restart at 45°F. Release the SET key.

3. Confirmation: The LCD screen will display the set temperature for 3 seconds, flash it for 3 seconds, and then default back to displaying the current room temperature.

4. Disengage Thermo Mode: To exit thermostat mode, press the MODE key. The word ROOM will disappear from the screen.

The highest set temperature is 99°F (32°C) and the lowest is 45°F (6°C).

It is necessary to press the LEARN button on the receiver to accept the transmitter security code upon initial use, if batteries are replaced, or if a replacement transmitter is purchased.

1. Ensure the slide button on the receiver is in the REMOTE position. The receiver will not learn if the switch is in the ON or OFF position.

2. Locate the LEARN button on the front face of the receiver, inside the small hole labeled LEARN.

3. Using a small screwdriver or the end of a paperclip, gently press and release the black LEARN button inside the hole.

4. The receiver will emit an audible “beep”.

5. After the receiver emits the beep, press any button on the transmitter and release it.

6. The receiver will emit several beeps, indicating that the transmitter’s code has been accepted.

If you are unsuccessful on the first attempt, wait 1-2 minutes before trying again to allow the microprocessor to reset.

Pilot Flame Pattern: A correct pilot flame will be steady and touching the thermocouple. An incorrect pilot flame will not touch the thermocouple, which will cause it to cool and shut down the fireplace.

Burner Flame Pattern: A correct burner flame will have flames that are 2-3 inches above the logs. An incorrect burner flame pattern shows sporadic, irregular flame tipping, may be dark, or have an orange/reddish tinge, with flames 6-12 inches above the logs. Note: When using the fireplace for the first time, the flame will be orange for approximately one hour until the log cures. If the flame pattern is incorrect, turn off the fireplace and consult the troubleshooting section.

WARNING: Turn off the heater and let it cool before servicing. You must keep control areas, burner, and circulating air passageways clean.

Burner and Pilot Cleaning:

1. Shut off the unit, including the pilot. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.

2. Inspect the burner, pilot, and primary air inlet holes on the orifice holder for dust and dirt.

3. Blow air through the ports/slots and holes in the burner using compressed air (no greater than 30 PSI).

4. Check the orifice holder at the end of the burner tube. Remove any large particles of dust, dirt, lint, or pet hair with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner nozzle.

5. Blow air into the primary air holes on the orifice holder.

6. A yellow tip on the pilot flame indicates dust and dirt in the pilot assembly. With the unit off, lightly blow air through the small pilot air inlet hole about 2 inches from where the pilot flame comes out. You can use a drinking straw if compressed air is not available.

Log Set: If you remove the log set for cleaning, refer to the manual for proper placement instructions. Replace the log set if it is broken or chipped (dime-sized or larger).

Cabinet: Use a vacuum cleaner or pressurized air to clean air passageways. For the exterior, use a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water mixture to wipe the cabinet and remove dust.

If there is no spark, check the following possible causes and corrective actions:

• Ignitor electrode is positioned wrong: Replace electrode.

• Ignitor electrode is broken: Replace electrode.

• Ignitor electrode is not connected to ignitor cable: Replace ignitor cable.

• Ignitor cable is pinched or wet: Free the ignitor cable if pinched by any metal or tubing. Keep the ignitor cable dry.

• Damaged ignitor cable: Replace ignitor cable.

• Bad piezo ignitor: Replace piezo ignitor.

If you see a spark but the pilot does not light, try these solutions:

• Gas supply is turned off or shutoff valve is closed: Turn on the gas supply or open the equipment shutoff valve.

• Control knob not fully pressed in while pressing ignitor button: Fully press in the control knob while pressing the ignitor button.

• Air in gas lines when installed: Continue holding down the control knob and repeat the igniting operation until the air is removed.

• ODS/pilot is clogged: Clean the ODS/pilot (see Care and Maintenance) or replace the ODS/pilot assembly.

• Control knob not in PILOT position: Turn the control knob to the PILOT position.

• Depleted gas supply (propane): Contact your local propane/LP gas company.

If the ODS/pilot lights but the flame goes out when the control knob is released, check these issues:

• Control knob is not fully pressed in: Press in the control knob fully.

• Control knob is not pressed in long enough: After the ODS/pilot lights, keep the control knob pressed in for 30 seconds.

• Equipment shutoff valve is not fully open: Fully open the equipment shutoff valve.

• Thermocouple connection is loose: Hand tighten until snug, and then tighten 1/4 turn more.

• Thermocouple damaged: Replace the thermocouple.

• Control valve damaged: Contact customer service.

If the pilot is lit but the main burner does not ignite, consider the following:

• Burner orifice is clogged: Clean the burner orifice (see Care and Maintenance) or contact customer service.

• Burner orifice diameter is too small: Contact customer service.

• Inlet gas pressure is too low: Contact your gas supplier.

A high yellow flame can be caused by the following:

• Not enough air: Check the burner for dirt and debris. If found, clean the burner as per the Care and Maintenance instructions.

• Gas regulator is defective: Replace the gas regulator.

• Inlet gas pressure is too low: Contact your gas supplier.

If the heater shuts off, it is likely the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) operating. This can be due to:

• Not enough fresh air is available: Open a window and/or door for ventilation.

• Low line pressure: Contact your local gas supplier.

• ODS/pilot is partially clogged: Clean the ODS/pilot as described in the Care and Maintenance section.

Unwanted odors can be caused by the heater burning vapors from paint, hair spray, glues, cleaning supplies, new carpet, etc. To resolve this:

• Ventilate the room. Stop using odor-causing products while the heater is running.

• Check for gas leaks. Locate and correct all leaks as per the “Checking Gas Connections” section.

• Check for a low fuel supply and refill the tank if necessary (Propane/LP models).

This is likely due to not enough combustion/ventilation air. Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air. While this is beneficial, installing a heater in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause mildew to form from too much moisture. Refer to the “Air for Combustion and Ventilation” requirements in your manual.

For the VFF-PH20NG/LP Series models, the part numbers are:

For the VFF-PH20NG/LP Series models, the part numbers are:

An available accessory is the THERMOSTAT-CONTROLLED BLOWER KIT – GFB100. This kit is for all models and provides better heat distribution, making the fireplace more efficient. It automatically turns on and off as needed.