Existing Fireplace Preparation - Valor RetroFire RF24DN Installation And Owner's Manual

Existing Fireplace Preparation

A few points must be considered before inserting the RF24 into an existing fireplace cavity. Generally, no
modifications are allowed to the existing fireplace that will compromise the integrity of the existing fireplace.
Components that are bolted or screwed on such as dampers or baffles may be removed to accommodate the
installation of the RF24 engine. Cutting away any sheet metal parts of the existing fireplace to accommodate
the installation of the RF24 is prohibited. Check with local authorities if in doubt.
Clean Fireplace and Chimney
Have the chimney swept and the fireplace cavity including ash dumps and clean-outs cleaned before installing the
RF24 heater and vent liners. Any creosote or soot residue remaining in the fireplace cavity, chimney, or clean-out
may cause odors or stains once the RF24 insert is installed. Consult with chimney sweep for information on how
best to clean.
Existing Dampers
Factory-built, zero-clearance fireplaces will require the damper to be removed in order to install the vent liners.
These dampers are usually bolted into place. Dampers in masonry fireplaces must be fixed open and may remain in
place.
Ash Retaining Curbs
Some fireplaces (particularly factory-built) have a raised curb at the front edge to retain ashes. Check the
dimensions carefully to ensure the RF24 engine will fit behind any raised curb (some curbs may be removed
separately from the refractory base). The fret retainers allow for some vertical adjustment of the cast iron fret should
the fret need to sit on top of the curb, otherwise the fret will need to be eliminated or adequate room provided behind
the curb.
Gas Line Routing
Plan the routing of the gas line before proceeding. Utilize the existing hole for the gas line. If the factory-built
fireplace has no access hole, carefully drill an access hole of 1.5 inch (38 mm) or less through the lower sides or
bottom of the firebox. The access hole must be plugged with non-combustible insulation after the gas supply line
has been installed. See General Dimension drawing for detailed location of gas inlet. Also, take into consideration
whether or not a fan or shut-off valve will interfere when planning routing of the gas line.
Existing Glass Doors and Wire Screens
Existing glass doors must be permanently removed prior to installing the RF24 insert. Existing wire fire screens
may remain in place or new ones may be added. The RF24 has been tested and approved to operate with wire fire
screens in the closed or open positions.
Combustible Mantels
Combustible mantel clearances must conform to those required for the original solid-fuel fireplace into which the
RF24 is being installed.
Paint Existing Refractory Liners
It may be desirable, for visual reasons, to paint the existing refractory liners in black to blend in with the RF24 insert
once installed.
Attach Warning Label to Existing Fireplace (label supplied loose with RF24 heater)
Attach the "This fireplace has been converted..." label to the existing fireplace using screws or other mechanical
means and store any removed parts in back of the existing fireplace for future use.
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