Empire VFD26FP vent-free gas fireplace
VFD26FP provides room-level supplemental heat without a chimney or direct-vent exhaust pipe. Select the exact fuel and control configuration before ordering. The offered variants include standard-output and L10 reduced-input versions in natural gas or propane, with millivolt or intermittent-pilot controls. The L10 designation identifies a different heat-input configuration, not a cosmetic finish.
Model and input specifications
| Model family | VFD26FP |
|---|---|
| Input rating | Standard millivolt/IP: 14,000–20,000 BTU/h. L10 models: maximum 10,000 BTU/h. |
| Fuel selection | Factory natural gas or propane; use only the gas on the rating plate |
| Venting | Vent-free; combustion and ventilation air must be provided as required by the manual |
The appliance is 30 inches wide at the front × 30-1/4 inches high × 13-1/8 inches deep; rear width is 25 inches. Gas inlet is 3/8 inch.
Included equipment and package selection
This is the fireplace appliance; the separate VFD26FM Special Edition is the mantel package. Choose an approved cabinet/corner mantel or follow the built-in installation instructions for a custom enclosure.
Optional accessories and conditional requirements
The optional FBB4 blower requires the FBBX extension kit, and the FBBX is used with FBB4. Neither item alone is the complete blower upgrade. Other listed choices include FPP26E brick liner, VPF26HP trim, VPS26HP bottom trim, VP2H26HP hood and VPL26HP slat louver. These decorative upgrades are optional.
Installation and room suitability
These appliances use oxygen from the room and add water vapor during combustion. A qualified installer must assess available room volume, other fuel-burning appliances, unusually tight construction and any required ventilation-air openings. Absence of a flue does not remove combustion-air or local installation restrictions.
The selected VFD26 and VFPA manuals explicitly prohibit field conversion between fuel types. Order the correct factory fuel rather than planning an aftermarket gas change. Follow the exact model manual for clearances, mantel projections, log positioning and ember placement; do not use framing or clearance data from a different size.
Use the appliance as supplemental room heat, not as the home’s primary heating system. A bedroom-rated option must be the exact approved reduced-input model and must also be permitted by local requirements; family membership alone does not establish bedroom approval. Keep the manufacturer-provided hood, screens and protective equipment installed as instructed.
Manufacturer documentation
Empire VFD26FP family installation manual, 30816-11-0120 gives the model-specific fuel, input, dimensions, control and installation requirements. Current Vail family brochure identifies the Premium and Special Edition package features. Installation, operation and service must follow the exact manufacturer documentation and applicable codes.
