* Please Note: A black 3 piece trim kit is included with this unit.
If you are looking for a great gas fireplace that does not require a venting system, this Vail Premium fireplace built by Empire is a perfect choice. The highly efficient heating system comes with a realistic gas log set, plus the hood, slat louvers, blower necessary for operation, and both natural and propane gas models can be purchased. No vents are required, and no clearance is needed to use this fireplace, making it an easy and convenient fireplace that can fit even in tight areas.
Can this be hooked up to a wall switch?
This unit can indeed be connected to a wall switch.
Is there an Empire banded brick liner for this specific unit?
Empire offers both the Aged Brick and Stacked Limestone liners for the 36" Vail fireplaces.
Is this Empire Vail premium natural gas fireplace safe to use at an altitude of 5030'?
This unit is safe at your altitude, however, your installer will need to decrease the gas pressure and orifice size according to the product manual's altitude requirements for safe installation.
What log set comes with this fireplace? What is a hem bent seam?
This product will ship with the standard ceramic oak log set. We are also able to special order the refractory sassafras logs as well. Hem bent seams are the overlapping portions of the metal edges at the top, side, and bottom of the fireplace. The metal between each panel is overlapped and interlocked, eliminating the need for fasteners.
Does this fireplace come fully assembled with the blower and liner? Can 14 gauge wire be used for the outlet?
This unit ships with the blower and liner packaged separately to prevent damage while in transit, however assembly is relatively easy. It is acceptable to use 14 gauge wire for the junction box, as the blower is fairly low on amp draw.
Does this fireplace have a glass front or is it a screen that can be moved from side to side?
This unit utilizes a solid mesh panel screen, which can be easily removed for service of the unit.
Will this unit operate when there is an electric outage? Do you have the specs for a corner installation for this unit or do you have similar designed for a corner install?
This unit will indeed operate in the event of a power outage, save for the blower, which requires 110 volts to operate. Page 12 in the downloadable owner's manual on the item page covers the specifications for installing the unit in a corner application. Almost all units can be built into a corner by installing them at a 45 degree angle and maintaining proper clearances from the back of the unit to the wall.
How much does this fireplace weigh? Is there a gas shutoff valve that is accessible?
This unit weighs approximately 110 pounds with the log set included. The unit will indeed have a manual shutoff valve that is also hidden behind the bottom louvers.
Does it include the logs?
Yes, this firebox includes the charred oak log set.
I am a builder and have been looking for a quality supplier for gas fireplaces with reasonably priced products. I have found one now!
This fireplace insert has met all my expectations. it works flawlessly and is a great addition to my living room.
Very nice Fire Place, easy to install.
This unit appears well constructed. I am currently installing it. I will add further comments after complete installation.
ProsAs described in sales literature. Attractive and concise install instructions.
We've had our Empire Vent-free fireplace approximately 2 months now and it has done exactly what we needed it to do. We bought it as back-up heat for our basement in case the power ever went out and we were gone. So far, that has not happened, but we just got back from vacation and set it on low as back-up for our furnace. While we were gone, temps dropped to -18 below zero and 14 inches of snow was on the ground when we arrived home. Our home was toasty warm upstairs and downstairs. Kudos to our Empire fireplace.
We ordered our fireplace on a Thursday and it was delivered the following Tuesday. The delivery man was very helpful in assisting us with it. When it was unpacked, we were more than pleased at the appearance of the fireplace. When it was all together and hooked up, we turned it on and it was just like being in a cabin in the woods with a real fireplace - so cozy. We are very pleased with the quality and the service from this seller. I would definitely recommend it my friends.
Nice fireplace. Good value. Comes with blower.
This unit is doing a great job for the space we installed it in. The room is 20 x 30 and heats up nicely. The flames are nice looking and the fire is quiet.
The fan included does not blow as well as others I have seen and is also a little noisy, but I've seen other units that the blowers are much more noisy than this unit. Installed the unit ourselves without any issues. The directions could be written a little better.
ConsNoisy blower Accessories look cheap so we did not install the optional doors The blower is temperature activated. I did not see that in the directions so when we first started the unit we thought it eas not working.
ProsLooks great and does a fine job of heating a 12x24 room.
Very nice unit! Completely satisfied. Keeps our basement very warm.
Well made unit. Installation is straight forward. Could use some better instructions for the burner unit regarding remote control options. Looks great when finished with optional trim kits.
ProsEasy install, looks great, see through design.
ConsInstallation of extruded outer frame is difficult and wimpy using supplied hardware. I drilled and countersunk some holes in the frame and used sheet metal screws to attach firmly.