November 9, 2022 - First Repair Getting Marge Ready for the Trip South for the Winter

Last week we brought Marge home to get her ready for the trip South for the winter. 

There are always items to address with RVs, whether from being used or from sitting. Last winter I noticed that one of the light bulbs in the electric fireplace had burned out. I took it apart today to replace that bulb. While doing that learned how the "embers" and "flames" are created. The fireplace uses six candelabra-type light bulbs. The top two bulbs can be dimmed to create the ambiance you want. The bottom four bulbs light up the logs from below to create "glowing embers". 

After taking the cover and the glass off I quickly found the burned-out bulb on the top right side. I had some candelabra bulbs and put a new one in. The new bulb is either a little more wattage than the old one, or the other bulb has just lost some intensity due to aging, or both. Here is a picture. 

Here is a picture of the bottom bulbs, all of which are working. They light up the logs from below but do not dim.

The logs are made of three pieces of sculptured Styrofoam screwed together. The entire log unit just lifts out. I took the opportunity to clean the logs, especially the reflective areas on each that create the ember effect. Here are pictures of the logs together and apart.

   

The "flames" are made by a slowly spinning rod, with bent aluminum pieces attached. The rod stretches from one side of the fire box to the other behind an opaque second glass pane. The rod is turned by a motor on one end, which can be slowed down or sped up, again for the ambiance you want. The aluminum fins are different in shape and bent in different directions to make the flames "dance" as the rod turns. Pretty cool. Here is a picture of the aluminum fins. 

Since the shaft makes a little noise as it turns, I took the opportunity to oil each end. Surprisingly the unit was pretty clean even though it is sixteen years old. After cleaning where I could reach, I put everything back together for a picture.

The fireplace is not just for looks. It also has a 1500 electric space heater built in. We use it almost daily in Florida to take the morning chill off the living area. Good for another season!