by Empire Comfort Systems

The First and ONLY Vented Fireplace That

• Exceeds 90% Efficiency

• Uses PVC Pipe for Low-Cost Venting Installation 

• Humidifies as it Heats

• Installs as Fireplace, Insert, or Freestanding Stove 

• Installs as a Direct-Vent or Single-Vent System

Fireplace System
2

The World’s Most Efficient and Versatile Fireplace

 The Mantis exceeds 90% efficiency – which means it uses 

about 35 percent less fuel compared to any other vented 

heater or fireplace system per Btu of heat in your room. 

This makes Mantis the greenest fireplace you can buy. 

 Because its inexpensive 1 1/2-inch PVC vent pipe can 

be run inside a conventional 2 x 4 framed wall, the Mantis 

costs less to install – in materials, time, and labor. 

 The Mantis is the first and only vented fireplace 

that adds humidity to the dry winter air, making 

your home feel warmer and more comfortable.

 The Mantis comes in two versions. The new flatfront Mantis Fireplace comes in three models with 

vent kits to allow installation in a wall, in a mantel, or 

as an insert in an existing wood-burning fireplace. 

The Mantis Bay Window comes in three models for 

installation in a mantel, as an insert, or on a pedestal.

Green Heating with Gas

 According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, heating 

with any gas appliance generates far less particulate pollution than 

heating with any other common fuel. The worst polluter, a wood 

fireplace, generates 28 pounds of particulates (measuring 2.5 

microns or more) for every million Btu of fuel you put in. Heating 

with gas generates a tiny fraction of that (just 0.0083 pound) for 

every million Btu input. Compared to an EPA-certified wood stove, 

gas heat still generates less than 1 percent of the particulate 

pollution. And gas produces less than 2 percent of the pollution 

emitted by a pellet stove.

Welcome to MANTIS

Mantis

Conventional 

DV Fireplace

Efficiency 90%* 60%

Gas Input (Btu/H) 28,000 28,000

Heat Output (Btu/H) 25,200 16,800

Exhaust Gas Heat Loss (Btu/H) 2,800 11,200!!

Annual Savings 35% 0 

Particulate 

Pollution Generated 

by Heat Source

PM 2.5 lb/

million BTU

Percentage 

Compared to a 

Wood Fireplace

Fireplace Burning Wood 28 -

Uncertified Wood Stove 4.6 16.43%

EPA-certified Wood Stove 1.4 5.00%

Pellet Stove 0.49 1.75%

Oil Furnace 0.013 0.05%

Gas Furnace 0.0083 0.03%

Above: Mantis Bay 

Window Pedestal 

Package (Shown with 

Silver Window Frame)

Below: Mantis Bay 

Window Insert 

Package (Shown with 

Gold Window Frame)
The Award Winning Mantis

 The Mantis won the 2007 Innovation Award, which recognizes 

products that best help HVAC contractors provide safer, healthier, 

more efficient, and more comfortable environments. Sponsored 

by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers, the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 

Institute, and The International Exposition Company. 

 The Mantis earned the 2007 Dealer Design Award, 

which recognizes products that advance home heating 

& air conditioning, and attain new levels of installation, 

maintenance, and service ease. Sponsored by the NEWS, 

a monthly magazine serving HVAC Contractors. 

 The Home Builders Association of Connecticut awarded 

the 2009 HOBI Award for Best Green Product to the Mantis 

Fireplace in The Homes at Greenbrier sustainable community. 

The HOBI awards were sponsored by HBA of Connecticut, Inc.

3

What Makes Mantis Unique?

 Inside the Mantis a three-stage heat exchanger sends more 

than 90 percent of the heat energy into your home – not up 

the flue. While the temperature inside the combustion chamber 

may exceed 900 degrees F, the exhaust gas exits the flue 

at just 120 to 130 degrees F – as little as two feet away! 

 This makes Mantis the first and only condensing fireplace, 

which means the exhaust is cool enough to run in PVC. Using 

PVC for venting makes the total installed price (unit, labor, and 

materials) comparable to a direct-vent fireplace or pellet stove. 

 The Mantis puts the green in environmentally friendly. Its 

power-vented heat-exchanger technology ensures the optimal 

air/fuel mixture for consistently clean-burning operation. 

With its clean burn and super-efficient heat exchanger, the 

Mantis generates fewer greenhouse gases – CO and CO2. 

 The top and sides of the Mantis stay cool-to-the-touch 

– so cool, in fact, it earned a zero-clearance certification for 

installation against any combustible building materials.

 The dual burners deliver a total of 28,000 Btu. Operating the 

front burner alone lets you enjoy the ambiance of the attractive 

log set and gas fire without overheating the room. But, when the 

temperature dips, the Mantis rises to the occasion, switching 

on the second burner to produce maximum heat output.

3 Star Rating Heater

Graph shows a simplified visual of actual laboratory testing. Graph shows a simplified visual of actual laboratory testing.

5.7 Star Rating Heater

3 Star Rating Heater

Graph shows a simplified visual of actual laboratory testing. Graph show

 If the Mantis is so efficient, why does 

it not carry an Energy Star rating? 

 Mantis is so new to the U.S. 

market, it fits no current 

Energy Star category, 

however, it outperforms 

most Energy Star 

rated central furnaces 

in heat transfer efficiency. (The Mantis does 

not fit the furnace classification because it 

does not need “ductwork” to convey the 

heated air. Ironically, a central furnace’s 

ductwork contributes to heat loss.)

 In Australia, however, where this technology 

was originally developed, the Mantis earns 

a 5.52 out of 6 on that country’s Star Rating 

system. No vented zone heating system 

– U.S. or Australian – outperforms it. 

Developed in Australia 

more than 10 Years Ago

Patented Design – Worldwide

Australia’s Star system graphically represents heat transfer 

efficiency. The red and orange areas represent area of 1,500-sq ft 

room heated after one hour at 28,000 Btu/H input in Independent 

Laboratory Testing. For comparison, a typical 60-percent AFUE 

system would rate just three stars.

 The American Heating and Refrigeration 

Institute is working with the U.S. Department 

of Energy to create an Energy Star category 

for gas-fired zone heating products. 
Advanced Technology and Solid-State Controls

 The sophisticated control system monitors every critical aspect of the Mantis’ operation to maximize

efficiency, comfort, and safety. 

 For all its advanced technology, the Mantis is amazingly easy to operate. Two on/off buttons control the two 

burners, allowing you to set the temperature to low (front only), medium (rear only) or high (both burners). 

 Or, choose one of the optional external controls, such as the programmable thermostat, and let your Mantis 

deliver the right amount of heat for each day of the week and time of the day. 

 The Mantis automatically purges unburned gas from the combustion chamber for 40 seconds before each 

ignition for controlled, even starts every time. The modern, hot-surface ignitors conserve gas by eliminating the need for a standing pilot. 

 The three-speed automatic circulating fan cycles on only after the Mantis 

reaches operating temperature 

and continues blowing as long 

as it senses warm air. You never 

feel a cool draft – just warm, 

humidified air.

4
Inside the Mantis, separate systems create the heat and 

distribute the heat, so room air stays isolated from the 

combustion process.

Creating the Heat (White, Black and Gray Arrows) 

(A) The power vent blower draws in outdoor air (White Arrow) 

via the PVC intake pipe. 

(B) Inside the fireplace the three-stage burner, below the 

log set, mixes the air and gas (LP or natural) and burns it to 

produce heat.

(C) The power vent blower extracts the hot combustion gases 

(up to 900o Fahrenheit) out of the combustion chamber and 

through the heat exchanger (Black Arrow).

(D) The combustion gases exit the heat exchanger (now cooled 

to less than 130o) and are forced outdoors through the PVC 

vent pipe (Gray Arrow).

Circulating the Warmth (Blue and Red Arrows)

(E) The circulation blower draws in room air (Blue Arrow) via 

louvers beneath the fireplace...

(F) ...and forces it across the heat exchanger fins. This transfers more than 90% of the heat inside the tubes to the room air. 

(G) The blower forces this warm air out through louvers above the fireplace to warm the home (Red Arrow). 

Adding the Humidity

(H) Droplets of moisture, a by-product of the Mantis’ super-efficient heat exchanger, are captured in a holding tank (not visible).

(I) Once the Mantis reaches operating temperature, a pump cycles on to send any collected water onto a stainless steel tray 

above the combustion chamber, where heat and airflow circulate the water vapor. This added humidity helps alleviate the static 

shocks, wood furniture damage, and even sore throats caused by dry winter air. 

5

Opposite Page: Mantis

In-Wall Fireplace Package

(Shown with Copper 

Metallic In-Wall Surround 

Kit)

Right: Mantis Fireplace 

Package

(Shown with Matte Black 

Mantel Surround Kit and 

Oak Mantel)
6

Quality Construction – 

Factory Tested 

 Critical internal components in the 

Mantis – including the heat exchanger – are 

manufactured from the same corrosion-resistant 

and heat-resistant stainless steel that was 

developed for high-efficiency central furnaces.

 The steel cabinet is finished in matte 

black powder coating to resist chipping and 

smudging. The Mantis Bay Window is available 

with decorative fireplace frames in contemporary 

nickel chrome plating, or matte black. 

 Ceramic glass withstands temperatures 

in excess of 1,500-degrees F and radiates 

more heat into the room, while providing 

a great view of the flames and log set.

 The Mantis’ hand-painted ceramic fiber log 

set complements the flame pattern, and glows 

when heated to provide exceptional realism. 

 Two rugged printed circuit boards 

– designed specifically for the Mantis – 

monitor all functions and controls. The hand 

assembled wiring harness is made from 

heat-insulated copper wire fitted with clicklock connectors for reliable performance. 

 Two powerful blowers inside the Mantis 

feature maintenance-free motors driving 

precisely balanced fans for a lifetime of quiet, 

efficient performance. One fan draws air into 

the combustion chamber and draws hot gases 

through the heat exchanger. The second fan 

draws room air across the heat exchanger and 

circulates the heated air throughout the room. 

 To ensure your fireplace performs 

flawlessly, every Mantis is connected to 

gas, electricity, and a PVC exhaust system, 

and test fired before it leaves our factory. 

Mantis Bay Window

Pedestal Package with 

Chrome Window Frame
Humidify While You Heat - Greater Comfort

 The Mantis captures condensed water – a by-product of its clean combustion and super-efficient 

heat exchanger – and evaporates it to introduce humidity to the room air. 

 This water contains fewer contaminants than the drinking water in most homes. An automatic 

blower in the Mantis gently diffuses the humidified air into the room. 

 The result is a more comfortable home environment.

B 

C 

(A) Water vapor, a combustion by-product, condenses out of the 

 rapidly cooled exhaust and collects in a holding tank (not shown).

(B) Mantis pumps the water onto an evaporation tray above the firebox.

(C) Heat and circulating air evaporate the water to create humidity.

Automatic Humidification

Most heaters dry the air. Mantis actually adds humidity to the home for 

greater winter comfort.

7

Mantis Fireplace Package 

with Stainless Steel 

Louverless Surround
Versatile Installation

 With the power-vented exhaust and intake made from PVC, the venting options are numerous. Install the Mantis as a 

direct-vent co-axial system, as a direct-vent co-linear, or as a single-vent system.

 Any vent configuration may be used with any 

Mantis package. Using PVC for venting significantly 

reduces installation time, and requires cutting a much 

smaller opening in the home’s exterior than is required 

for conventional metal venting. This makes Mantis 

ideal for any installation, especially for sunrooms, 

basements, and other applications that demand 

unobtrusive venting. 

 Packages include PVC vent adaptors for single 

and co-linear venting. Lengths of 1 1/2-inch PVC 

to complete the vent run are available at your local 

hardware store.

8

Zero-Clearance Fireplace Package

Mantis installed with co-axial direct-vent along 

an outside wall (up to 4 ft). Bay Window model 

shown with Empire cabinet mantel.

Fireplace Picture Frame Package

Mantis Fireplace installed in-wall with singlevent running up and out through a horizontal 

termination (up to 40 ft of PVC).

Fireplace Insert Package

Mantis Bay Window installed as an insert in an 

existing wood-burning or vented gas fireplace, 

with co-linear direct-vent vertical termination 

(up to 40 ft of PVC).

Freestanding Pedestal Stove Package

Mantis Bay Window Pedestal Package installed 

with single vent running down and out through 

a basement or crawlspace to a horizontal 

termination (up to 40 ft of PVC). Single-vent 

and direct-vent 1 1/2-inch PVC runs can also 

route up and out an exterior wall or up and out 

through the roof.

All Mantis packages include PVC vent adaptors 

for single vent (shown above coming from the 

unit) and co-linear (shown right on the exterior 

wall). Vent pipe and elbows not included.
9

Surround Options and Available Finishes

Window Frame Color Choices for Mantis Bay Window

Matte Black Stainless Steel Copper Metallic Hammered Pewter

Black Frame Chrome Frame

Mantis Bay Window (BF28-BM) 

with surround

Mantis Fireplace (FF28-BM)

with Mantel Surround (FFK-28)

Mantis Fireplace (FF28-BM) with

In-Wall Surround (FWK-28)

Mantis Fireplace (FI28-BM)

with Insert Surround (FIK-28)

NEW! Mantis Fireplace (FF28-BM)

with Louverless Surround (FGK-28)

Mantis Fireplace Insert 

Package with Matte 

Black Surround

Below: Mantis Bay 

Window Pedestal 

Package with Black 

Window Frame 

(installed without 

pedestal)
10

Mantis Fireplace Package for Zero-Clearance Fireplace

Includes PVCA Co-linear Adaptor, PVVKSH Vent Adaptor, 24-V Thermostat

BF28-BM Mantis Bay Window Fireplace Package, Black Window Frame (for use with mantel) - Includes Slim Top & Surround

BF28-CM Mantis Bay Window Fireplace Package, Chrome Window Frame (for use with mantel) - Includes Slim Top & Surround

FF28-BM Mantis Fireplace Package - Requires FFK-28 Surround for mantel installation or FWK-28/FGK-28 Surround for in-wall installation

Mantis Insert Package for Installation in an Existing Fireplace

Includes PVCA Co-linear Adaptor, PVVKSH Vent Adaptor, PVTC Termination Cap, PVVKCFA Vent Flex Kit (x 2), 24-V Thermostat

BI28-BM Mantis Bay Window Insert Package, Black Window Frame - Includes Slim Top & PVE-1 Surround

BI28-CM Mantis Bay Window Insert Package, Chrome Window Frame - Includes Slim Top & PVE-1 Surround

FI28-BM Mantis Fireplace Insert Package - Requires FIK-28 Surround

Mantis Pedestal Package for Installation as a Freestanding Stove (with or without pedestal)

Includes PVCA Co-linear Adaptor, PVVKSH Single-Vent Adaptor, PVPK Pedestal, PVVTC Termination Cap, 24-V Thermostat

BP28-BM Mantis Bay Window Pedestal Package, Black Window Frame - Includes Full Top

BP28-CM Mantis Bay Window Pedestal Package, Chrome Window Frame - Includes Full Top

Mantis Accessories

TDV-1 Wall Thermostat, Wire, 24-V 

TMV2 Wall Thermostat, 2-Stage

TRW Wall Thermostat, Wireless

FRBTC Remote Control, Thermostat, Battery Operated

FRBC Remote Control, Battery Operated

FRBTP Remote Control, Programmable, Battery Operated

FSW-1 Wall Switch

EMBF-9S Cabinet Mantel*

EMBC-9S Corner Cabinet Mantel*

Mantis Bay Window Accessories

PV-4H Top, 10-inch, for insert installation, projects Mantis further into room

PVSH Black Metal Rear Shroud, 5-inch deep, conceals vent pipes on Pedestal Package 

Floor Pad May be required for applications over carpet or tile – see dealer

Mantis Fireplace Accessories 

(FWK, FIK, and FFK surrounds available in Matte Black, Copper Metallic, Hammered Pewter, or Stainless Steel. 

FGK surround available in Matte Black and Stainless Steel)

FGK-28 NEW! Mantis Fireplace Louverless In-Wall Surround Kit for use with FF28-BM

FWK-28 Mantis Fireplace In-Wall Surround Kit for use with FW28-BM

FIK-28 Mantis Fireplace Insert Surround Kit for use with FI28-BM 

FFK-28 Mantis Fireplace Mantel Surround Kit for use with FF28-BM

* Mantels are available in Cherry, Dark Oak, Oak, Nutmeg, Unfinished Hardwood, Unfinished Oak, and White. 

Mantis Packages

Fireplace packages require metal surround available in Matte Black, Copper Metallic, Hammered Pewter, and Stainless Steel. Bay Window Fireplace and 

Insert packages include a Matte Black surround. Mantis Bay Window may be ordered with Black, Chrome, or Gold window frame.
11

Mantis Bay Window Dimensions:

Mantis Fireplace Dimensions:

Bay Window Pedestal Package

23 1/2”

(59.7cm) 28”

(71.12cm) 6 1/2”

(16.5cm)

23 1/2”

(59.7cm)

17 5/8”

(44.77cm)

6 5/16”

(16cm)

28”

(71.12cm)

Bay Window Top-Down View

29 3/4”

(75.6cm)

38”

Fireplace Surround (PVE2-1) Insert Surround (PVE-1)

(96.5cm)

35 7/16”

(90cm)

5 15/16” (15.1cm)

23 13/16”

(60.5cm)

LOUVER 6”

(15.2cm)

17 13/16”

(45.4cm)

6 1/2”

(16.5cm)

Bay Window Insert & Fireplace Package

Dimensions in this brochure are approximate; read and follow the framing dimensions in the owners manual supplied with your Empire product. 

35”

(88.9cm)

29 3/8”

(74.6cm)

23 1/2”

(59.7cm)

6 1/2”

(16.5cm)

24 3/4”

MIN.

(62.87cm)

Fireplace Mantel Package 

(with FFK-28 Surround)

38”

(96.5cm)

30 7/8”

(78.4cm) 24 9/16”

MIN.

(62.38cm)

23 1/2”

(59.7cm)

6 1/2”

(16.5cm)

Fireplace Insert Package

(with FIK-28 Surround)

28”

(71.1cm)

23 1/2”

(59.7cm)

17 3/16”

(43.67cm)

6 5/16”

(16cm)

Fireplace Top-Down View

35”

(88.9cm)

33 7/16”

(84.9cm)

23 1/2”

(59.7cm)

6 1/2”

(16.5cm)

24 3/4”

MIN.

(62.87cm)

Fireplace In-Wall Package

(with FWK-28 Surround)

23 1/2”

(59.7cm)

6 1/2”

(16.5cm)

24 9/16”

MIN.

(62.38cm)

32 1/2”

(82.5cm)

42 29/32”

(109cm)

Fireplace In-Wall Package

(with FGK-28 Surround)

Specifications: 

Btu/H Fireplace

Input/Output

Bay Window

Input/Output

High (Both Burners) 28,000/25,200 28,000/25,200

Med (Back Burner) 15,000/13,500 19,000/17,100

Low (Front Burner) 13,000/11,700 9,000/8,100

Efficiency 90+%

Fan 3-Speed Automatic (cycles on only when heat is available)

Ignition Hot Surface (eliminates standing pilot)

Humidification Automatic

Heating Heats up to 1,600 sq ft (actual area will depend on heater position, floorplan, and 

home insulation)

Clearance Zero Clearance to combustibles
Empire is committed to continuous product improvement; specifications are subject to change without notice. Flame size, shape, and color will vary from photos. Our mantels feature natural veneers and handrubbed finishes – wood grain and color will vary. Adjust light levels and use “natural light” incandescent bulbs to enhance the dramatic look for your wooden mantel. 

918 Freeburg Ave.

Belleville, IL 62220-2623

e-mail: info@empirecomfort.com

©Empire Comfort Systems Inc. 

ECS-00721 12/09/10 

Member of the following industry associations: Recipient of the following awards:

This appliance is design-certified

to the ANSI standard by:

BEST GREEN

2009 HOBI Awards

HBA of Connecticut

presented by

PRODUCT

All Mantis units carry a limited 10-year warranty on Heat Exchanger, limited 5-year warranty on parts, and limited 2-year warranty on labor (See owner’s manual for complete warranty information).

Warranty Overview:

www.empirecomfort.com