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85-03-01096
Cool Wall Vent Kit Installation Instructions
Cool Wall vent kits AA-11-03781, AA-11-03782 and AA-11-04062
Each vent kit must be used with AA-11-04060.
Approved for use with all Mendota ZC Fireplace models, except M27.
NOTE: This kit must be installed by a qualified installer. These instructions are to be used in conjunction
with the fireplace installation manual to insure proper installation.
These kits are designed to use natural convection to transfer warm air from the front of the fireplace to
a different location. The kits allow the warm air from the fireplace to enter the room farther up on the
fireplace chase front wall or side wall. This results in much lower breastplate, mantel and wall
temperatures above the top convection chamber of the fireplace.
REQUIRED TOOLS FOR INSTLALLATION
▪ Phillips Screw Driver
▪ Flat Screw Driver
▪ 1/4” Hex Head Driver
▪ 5/16” Hex Head Driver
▪ Drill or Impact Driver
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Table of Contents
REQUIRED TOOLS FOR INSTLALLATION ......................................................................................................................... 1
GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................................... 3
APPLICATION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
USE OF FIREPLACE FANS WITH THE COOL WALL KIT ................................................................................................. 3
KIT CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
AA-11-03781 – 48” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT .......................................................................................................... 4
AA-11-03782 – 36” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT .......................................................................................................... 5
AA-11-04062 – DUAL 12” X 4” VENT BOX KIT .................................................................................................................. 6
PLANNING FOR VENT LOCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 7
TV Installation Above Fireplace ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Recommendation for Installing a Television Using a Cool Wall Vent Kit. .................................................................. 7
AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 9
AA-11-03781 – 48” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT ................................................................................................. 9
AA-11-03782 – 36” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT ............................................................................................... 10
AA-11-04062 – DUAL 12” X 4” VENT BOX KIT....................................................................................................... 10
MINIMUM FRAMING DIMENSIONS ................................................................................................................................. 11
48” X 2” & 36” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KITS .................................................................................................... 11
12” X 4” DUAL VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT ............................................................................................................. 11
VENT HEIGHT ABOVE FIREPLACE ................................................................................................................................ 12
HORIZONTAL OFFSET ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
CLEARANCE TO FIREPLACE DIRECT VENT ................................................................................................................. 13
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 14
PREPARING FIREPLACE FOR INSTALLATION OF KIT ................................................................................................. 14
PREPARING VENT COMPONENTS FOR INSTALLATION ............................................................................................. 15
INSTALLING THE VENT ................................................................................................................................................... 16
FINISHING AROUND VENT BOX AND INSTALLING VENT TRIM/GRILL ...................................................................... 20
Recommendation 3: Install a heat transfer system ......................................................................................................... 21
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GENERAL INFORMATION
APPLICATION
These kits are designed to use natural convection to transfer warm air from the front of the fireplace to a different location.
The kits allow the warm air from the fireplace to enter the room farther up on the fireplace chase front wall or side wall. This
results in much lower breastplate, mantel and wall temperatures above the top convection chamber of the fireplace.
Three different Cool Wall vent kits are available. A 48” x 2” vent, a 36” x 2” vent kit and a dual 12” x 4” vent kit.
The 48” and 36” wide vent kits are intended to be used on the chase front facing wall above the fireplace. It is recommended
to use the 48” vent when installing a Cool Wall kit with a fireplace that has a glass frame that is close to or wider than 48”.
The dual 12” x 4” vent kit is intended for installation on side walls. However, it can also be installed with the vents located
side by side on the front facing wall.
WARNING: The Cool Wall vent must be located in the same room as the fireplace. The Cool Wall kit cannot be used to
move warm air to another room. The Cool Wall vents are approved for horizontal discharge only. They cannot
be located in a ceiling or any other unapproved application.
WARNING: The Cool Wall vent can be located at a minimum of 6 inches below a ceiling. When the Cool Wall vent is
located this close to the ceiling, staining or streaking may occur on light colored ceilings due to dust in the air
flow. To reduce the possibility of staining or streaking locate the Cool Wall vent farther down from the ceiling.
WARNING: Do not place any objects in front of or on top of the Cool Wall vent openings. The air discharged from the
Cool Wall vent is hot. Never block the Cool Wall vent opening.
USE OF FIREPLACE FANS WITH THE COOL WALL KIT
Mendota fireplaces come with warm air fans included. When a Cool Wall kit is installed on the fireplace and the fans are
turned on the wall temperatures above the fireplace will increase. The fans will force some of the heated air out the front of
the top convection opening on the fireplace. Thus, increasing the temperatures on the breastplate, mantel and wall directly
above the convection opening on the fireplace. Increased temperatures on the breastplate, mantel and wall above the
fireplace when the warm air fans are running is normal and safe.
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KIT CONTENTS
AA-11-03781 – 48” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT
This kit contains the following parts.
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
QTY
HA-118-00001
48” X 2” VENT BOX
1
HA-117-00005
VENT GUIDE BOTTOM
1
HA-117-00004
VENT GUIDE TOP
1
HA-117-00006
SUPPORT BRACKET
2
HA-118-00002
48” X 2” VENT TRIM
1
50-01-00102
#8 X ½” SELF-DRILLING SCREW
30
THE FOLLOWING ARE INCLUDED IN THE AA-11-04060 KIT.
45-01-00422
8” STARTER COLLAR
2
45-01-00421
8” X 24” VENT PIPE
2
45-01-00426
8” FLEX ALUMINUM VENT
25
FEET
HA-19-00268
COLLAR CLIPS
4
50-06-00162
8” HOSE CLAMP
4
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AA-11-03782 – 36” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT
This kit contains the following parts.
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
QTY
HA-118-00003
36” X 2” VENT BOX
1
HA-117-00015
VENT GUIDE BOTTOM
1
HA-117-00014
VENT GUIDE TOP
1
HA-117-00006
SUPPORT BRACKET
2
HA-118-00004
36” X 2” VENT TRIM
1
50-01-00102
#8 X ½” SELF-DRILLING SCREW
30
THE FOLLOWING ARE INCLUDED IN THE AA-11-04060 KIT.
45-01-00422
8” STARTER COLLAR
2
45-01-00421
8” X 24” VENT PIPE
2
45-01-00426
8” FLEX ALUMINUM VENT
25
FEET
HA-19-00268
COLLAR CLIPS
4 50-06-00162
8” HOSE CLAMP
4
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AA-11-04062 – DUAL 12” X 4” VENT BOX KIT
This kit contains the following parts.
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
QTY
HA-118-00005
12 X 4 VENT BOX
2
HA-117-00020
VENT GUIDE BOTTOM
2
HA-117-00019
VENT GUIDE TOP
2
HA-117-00006
SUPPORT BRACKET
4
65-06-01453
12” X 4” SIDEWALL GRILL
2
50-01-00102
#8 X ½” SELF-DRILLING SCREW
50
THE FOLLOWING ARE INCLUDED IN THE AA-11-04060 KIT.
45-01-00422
8” STARTER COLLAR
2
45-01-00421
8” X 24” VENT PIPE
2
45-01-00426
8” FLEX ALUMINUM VENT
25
FEET
HA-19-00268
COLLAR CLIPS
4
50-06-00162
8” HOSE CLAMP
4
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PLANNING FOR VENT LOCATION
TV Installation Above Fireplace
An advantage of installing a Cool Wall Vent Kit with your fireplace is being able to install a television above the fireplace.
Using a Cool Wall Kit can make it possible to install a television above the fireplace. These instructions show Mendota’s
recommendations of installing a television above the fireplace when using a Cool Wall Kit.
When planning to install a television or other heat sensitive product above your fireplace, there are some points to consider.
Many television manufacturers specify in their installation instructions that the television must not be installed near or above
a heat source. The decision to install a television near or above a Mendota fireplace rests solely on the consumer. It is the
consumers responsibility to satisfy television specifications and insure the television will not exceed maximum operation
temperatures. Mendota Hearth will not be held liable for any adverse effects on a television or other products located near
to a Mendota Hearth fireplace.
The drawing below shows a recommendation that may be used as a guide for those consumers that decide to locate a
television above a Mendota Hearth fireplace. The recommendation has been found to reduce the heat impact to a television
when installed above a Mendota Hearth fireplace.
Recommendation for Installing a Television Using a Cool Wall Vent Kit.
WARNING: The convection fans on the fireplace must be turned off to insure the heat from the fireplace is redirected
through the Cool Wall Vent Kit. Turning the convection fans on will force heated air out the front of the fireplace, heating the
surrounding area.
- On fireplaces with a millivolt system: DXV35 Timberfire, DXV42, DXV60, M50 the convection fans must be
disconnected from power to insure they cannot be turned on.
- On fireplaces with electronic ignition system that come with a PF2 remote the convection fans function must be
programed out of the remote. This will ensure that the convection fans cannot be turned on. Follow the directions
below to remove the convection fans function from the remote.
1. Remove a battery from the remote.
2. Hold down both the ON/OFF key and MODE key
and reinstall the battery.
3. Continue to hold the ON/OFF key. Release the
MODE key. Press the MODE key once to
highlight the convection fan function.
4. While still holding the ON/OFF key press the
DOWN ARROW key. The display will change
from “Set” to “Clr” to indicate that the convection
fan function has been disabled.
5. Release the ON/OFF key.
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The Mendota Cool Wall system uses natural convection to take heat off the wall directly above the fireplace and redirects it
up and away from surrounding areas. Testing has shown that when using a Cool Wall system, temperatures above the
fireplace are reduced making it possible to mount a television 15” above the fireplace’s top air gap.
Note: The model depicted in the image is a representation of a Mendota Hearth fireplace. This recommendation applys to
all Mendota Hearth Fireplaces.
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AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS
You can choose form three different vent box outlet shape designs. Chose the vent box and trim kit that will look best when
installed with your fireplace and room décor.
AA-11-03781 – 48” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT
This vent box and trim are designed to be installed above the fireplace. The vent box has a simple slot opening that is 48”
wide and 2” tall. The vent box and trim come painted black but can be repainted to match room décor if desired. It is
recommended that this 48” vent box be used with fireplaces that have a glass width of close to 48” or more. However, it can
also be used on smaller fireplace if desired. For comparison the drawings below show the 48” vent box and trim installed
over a ML72 fireplace and a FV34 fireplace.
ATTENTION: When installing this vent box kit over smaller fireplaces the minimum chase framing dimensions will need to
be increased to accommodate the vent. Be sure to understand all framing requirements of both the fireplace
and vent box and trim kit before installation.
INSTALLED WITH ML72 FIREPLACE INSTALLED WITH FV34 FIREPLACE
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AA-11-03782 – 36” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT
This vent box and trim kit is designed to be installed above the fireplace. The vent box has a simple slot opening that is 36”
wide and 2” tall. The vent box and trim come painted black but can be repainted to match room décor if desired. It is
recommended that this 36” vent box is used with fireplaces that have a glass width less than 48”. However, it can also be
used on any fireplace if desired. For comparison the drawings below show the 36” vent box and trim installed over a ML72
fireplace and a FV34 fireplace.
ATTENTION: When installing this vent box and trim kit over smaller fireplaces the minimum chase framing dimensions will
need to be increased to accommodate the vent. Be sure to understand all framing requirements of both the
fireplace and vent box and trim kit before installation.
INSTALLED WITH ML72 FIREPLACE INSTALLED WITH FV34 FIREPLACE
AA-11-04062 – DUAL 12” X 4” VENT BOX KIT
This dual vent box and trim kit is designed to be installed on a chase side wall. The dual vent box and trim kit can also be
installed above the fireplace on the front wall. The vent box and trim kit can be used with any fireplace. This vent box and
trim kit comes with two vent boxes that are each 12” wide and 4” tall. When installed the vent boxes are finished with a
louvered vent cover. The louvered cover comes painted white but can be repainted to match the room’s décor if desired.
The drawings below show how this kit would look like installed on a chase side or front wall.
INSTALLED ON A SIDEWALL INSTALLED ON THE FRONT WALL
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MINIMUM FRAMING DIMENSIONS
In addition to these dimensions, consult the installation manual for the fireplace that the vent will be installed with. The
minimum framing dimensions may need to be increased to accommodate the fireplace or vent kit. Be sure to understand
all factors that will affect the placement of the fireplace and these vent kits before beginning construction.
NOTE: The vent guides for each vent box are designed to insure clearance to combustible material is meet. The framing
guides will locate the vent opening the required 6 inches from the ceiling.
48” X 2” & 36” X 2” VENT BOX AND TRIM KITS
12” X 4” DUAL VENT BOX AND TRIM KIT
This kit includes two vent boxes as shown below. The vent boxes can be installed one on each sidewall or both vent boxes
can be installed on the front wall.
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VENT HEIGHT ABOVE FIREPLACE
The vent box must be located at least 30 inches and up to 12 feet above the top of the fireplace. To meet the minimum
height requirement when framing for the vent guides the bottom framing 2x4 must be at least 24” above the top of the
fireplace.
HORIZONTAL OFFSET
When the vent box is placed in a location that requires the flex vent to be offset horizontally, a maximum 45° or 1:1 rise to
run ratio must be maintained. This is to insure adequate air flow through the vent system. Support diagonal sections of the
flex duct with strapping every 24” to keep the flex duct from drooping.
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CLEARANCE TO FIREPLACE DIRECT VENT
When planning the location of the Cool Wall vent box and trim kit be sure to consider how the fireplace exhaust vent system
is to be installed. For example, if the fireplace must be vented vertically, make sure there will be room for the direct vent
duct from the fireplace to pass by the Cool Wall Vent. The minimum framing depth may need to be increased to allow
clearance for the direct vent ducts around the Cool Wall vent.
The fireplace venting can also dictate which Cool Wall vent box and trim kit is used. In this example, instead of increasing
the framing depth the dual 12” x 4” cool wall vent box and trim kit could be used and installed so that the fireplace direct
vent duct passes between the cool wall kit vent ducts.
NOTE: The fireplace direct vent duct may require two 45 deg. offsets to shift the direct vent duct to pass by the vent box.
This is shown in the diagram below. The chart gives what the new framing depth would need to be for each fireplace model.
The finishing depth is dependent on how thick the finishing material is on the front wall.
MIN 1" THICK MAX 4" THICK
FV34, FV34-DÉCOR, FV34-ARCH 22" 19"
FV36, FV41, FV41-DÉCOR, FV41-ARCH, FV42 23" 20"
FV46 23" 22 1/2"
ML39, ML47, ML54, ML60, ML72 23" 22"
DXV35 22" 19"
DXV42, DXV45 23" 20"
DXV60 23" 22.5"
M50 GREENBRIAR 23" 21.5"
FINISHING MATERIAL THICKNESS
FIREPLACE
MODEL
MIN FRAMING DEPTH INCREASES TO ALLOW
FOR CLEARANCE TO FIREPLACE VENT.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARING FIREPLACE FOR INSTALLATION OF KIT
1. Locate the two circular cutouts on top of the fireplace. Use a side cutter or tin snips to cut the tabs around the
perimeter of the circle and remove the cutout.
2. Next remove the insulation in the cutout to expose the fireplace’s top inner shield. This part also has a circular
cutout. Use a side cutter or tin snips to cut the tabs around the perimeter of the circle and remove the cut out.
3. Remove any loose pieces of insulation and push the insulation away from the inner cutout so that when the 8” rigid
venting is inserted into the fireplace all of the insulation fits around the vent pipe. Insert the 8” by 2’ rigid vent pipe
into the cutout on the fireplace. The vent pipe will sit on top of the inner shield. The cutout on the inner shield is
smaller than the vent pipe. Therefore, the vent will not pass through the inner shield cutout.
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4. Use the collar clips and self-drilling screws to secure the vent pipe to the top of the fireplace. Make sure the vent
pipe is pushed down against the inner shield while attaching the collar clips.
PREPARING VENT COMPONENTS FOR INSTALLATION
1. Each kit comes with two 8” crimped starter collars. To install the starter collars, slide the end with the tabs through
the 8” holes on the bottom of the vent. Then, bend over all the tabs to hold the starter collar in place.
2. Each vent box kit comes with a front framing guide. The guide comes in two parts that need to be screwed together.
Line up the screw holes on the two halves and screw them together using 4 of the hex head sheet metal screws.
When screwed together, the parts will have a hole in the center which matches the size of the vent box outlet
opening.
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INSTALLING THE VENT
See the sections in these instructions PLANNING FOR VENT LOCATION and FRAMING DIMENSIONS. Follow
the information in these sections to plan out the installation before proceeding.
NOTE: These instructions show a 48” x 2” vent. The other vent sizes install in the same way.
1. The first step is to fasten the framing guide to the framing. The opening in the framing guide will determine where
the vent is located. The vent slot in the framing guide is not vertically centered it must be positioned as shown with
the slot towards the top.
ATTENTION: Locate the bottom 2 x 4 used for framing “on end” as shown. This will allow for clearance to the vent
tubes when they are attached to the vent box.
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2. Place the vent box support brackets as shown and screw them in a couple of places to the framing. The bottom of
the brackets rest against the bottom framing 2 x 4 and can be pushed up against the framing guide plate. The side
of the bracket with one row of holes must be facing up.
3. Slide the vent box outlet end through the opening in the framing guide. The bottom of the vent box will sit on the
support brackets.
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4. The distance the vent box outlet sticks out the front of the framing guides is adjustable up to 4”. It is important at
this time to know how deep the finishing material around the vent will be so that the vent box outlet can be set at
the correct depth. Set the distance the vent box protrudes out from the framing guide to match the thickness of
finishing material that will be used.
5. When the vent box is located at the correct depth, use a couple of self-drilling screws on each side to attach the
vent box to the support brackets.
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6. Next use the flex vent to connect the vent pipe that was installed on top of the fireplace to the starter collars that
are located on the vent box. Cut the vent to length and pull it tight between the two connections. Use the 8” hose
clamps to hold the flex vent to the starter collars on the vent box and rigid pipe on the unit. In addition to the hose
clamps a couple self-drilling screws can be used below the hose clamps to screw the flex vent to the rigid pipe and
starter collars.
ATTENTION: When running the flex vent with a horizontal offset a minimum 1-to-1 rise-to-run ratio must be
maintained.
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FINISHING AROUND VENT BOX AND INSTALLING VENT TRIM/GRILL
ATTENTION: Finishing material used around the vent box can be up to 4” thick. Finishing material that is placed over
the metal framing guide must be non-combustible.
1. Place finishing material around the vent box outlet. The finishing material can be placed up to the edges of the
vent box opening, but it cannot cover the opening of the vent box. Finishing material can be screwed to the
framing guide using sheet metal or drywall screws.
2. For 48 x 2 vent and 36 x 2 vent:
Once the finishing material is installed, install the vent trim by sliding the trim into the vent box opening. Push the
trim tight against the wall. Self-drilling screws can be used to secure the trim to the side of the vent box opening.
For 12 x 4 vent:
Once the finishing material is installed, the grill can be installed over the vent box opening. Center the grill over
the vent box opening and use the two included screws to secure the grill to the wall. Make sure that the louvers
on the grill are slanted upwards so you can’t see into the vent.
NOTE: The trims for the 48 x 2 and 36 x 2 vents box come painted black. The grill for the 12 x 4 vent comes
painted white. If desired, they can be repainted another color. High temperature paint (>250°F) must be
used. For additional information on acceptable paint types to use around the fireplace and vent box, refer
to the installation manual included with the fireplace.
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Recommendation 3: Install a heat transfer system
Mendota Hearth offers three heat transfer systems that take heat from the fireplace and redirect it to another area. When
used correctly these heat transfer systems can make it possible to mount a television above the fireplace without installing
a mantel or creating a recessed cavity.
Note: Heat transfer systems are not available for use on M27 model fireplaces.
WARNING: The convection fans on the fireplace must be turned off to insure the heat from the fireplace is redirected
through the heat transfer system. Turning the convection fans on will force heated air out the front of the fireplace, heating
the surrounding area.
- On fireplaces with a millivolt system: DXV35 Timberfire, DXV42, DXV60, M50 the convection fans must be
disconnected from power to insure they cannot be turned on.
- On fireplaces with electronic ignition system that come with a PF2 remote the convection fans function must be
programed out of the remote. This will ensure that the convection fans cannot be turned on. Follow the directions
below to remove the convection fans function from the remote.
1. Remove a battery from the remote.
2. Hold down both the ON/OFF key and MODE key
and reinstall the battery.
3. Continue to hold the ON/OFF key. Release the
MODE key. Press the MODE key once to
highlight the convection fan function.
4. While still holding the ON/OFF key press the
DOWN ARROW key. The display will change
from “Set” to “Clr” to indicate that the convection
fan function has been disabled.
5. Release the ON/OFF key.
Mendota Cool Wall
The Mendota Cool Wall system uses natural convection to take heat off the wall directly above the fireplace and redirects it
up and away from surrounding areas. Testing has shown that when using a Cool Wall system, temperatures above the
fireplace are reduced making it possible to mount a television 15” above the fireplace’s top air gap.
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