Questions and Answers about Regency Wood Products

EPA certified appliances must meet strict emissions guidelines. In order to do so, they incorporate advanced combustion technology designed to reduce pollution. There are two types of technology currently in use: catalytic converters and secondary combustion.

An EPA certified appliance complies with strict emissions and efficiency regulations designed to reduce pollution and control energy costs. In an increasing number of jurisdictions, only EPA certified units are allowed to be installed. The EPA certification is your guarantee that the stove you are buying will burn cleanly and efficiently, reducing your heating costs and protecting the air we breathe. Non-certified appliances are less efficient and more expensive to operate in the long run. Every Regency wood model is EPA certified.
For more information on EPA visit their web site.

They are both correct. The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) label measures environmental emissions (particulate matter or smoke) based on a test using a controlled, standardized, high efficiency fuel.

Information on the mandatory EPA label regarding heat output efficiency is for similar non-catalytic wood heaters and EPA mandates a default efficiency rating of 63% for ALL qualifying non-catalytic wood stoves and wood inserts. This is not the actual efficiency of the unit.

The brochure efficiency rating is the proven overall efficiency result for a properly installed, operated and maintained unit.

Similarly, the BTU rating on the EPA label is based on a set amount of fuel burned in testing, not necessarily the maximum amount of fuel that could be inserted into the firebox. The brochures BTU rating is based on tests utilizing the full capacity of the firebox.
 
For more information on EPA visit their web site.

Yes, wood is a renewable natural resource - well managed forests are a renewable, sustainable source of energy that helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be less dependent on oil & gas. Wood is also carbon neutral. This means that as trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When trees die and are left to decompose in the forest or burn in forest fires the carbon stored in the trees is released in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Burning firewood produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as it has absorbed during it's life cycle - making wood burning carbon neutral. In addition Regency is committed to restoring nature's balance with our "One Regency, One Tree program".

With durable air tubes and baffles that encourage 100% combustion and almost zero emissions, the Regency non-catalytic appliances burn cleaner and require less maintenance than stoves with catalytic combustors.  Over a lifetime expect to replace the catalytic combustor several times.  This is a costly maintenance requirement ranging from $150 to $300.

Catalytic converters need to be replaced after a certain number of hours of operation, and the converters can cost in excess of $150-300 every 2-3 years. Regency uses secondary combustion to achieve low levels of emissions, and our system is guaranteed for as long as you own the appliance. Secondary combustion systems require less maintenance and are made from more durable, heavy-duty components than catalytic converters.

 Yes, all our Regency wood models come with the option of adding a blower.
Blowers are an excellent way to spread the heat from your appliance throughout your home more quickly. They do not affect the combustion rate of the fire, since they move air around the outside of the firebox. If you are trying to heat a large room or several rooms, a blower is highly recommended.

No. Burning un-vented logs will void your warranty and will likely void your homeowner’s insurance.  Regency wood units are certified and approved to burn wood in your wood burning appliance. 

All of our wood stoves and fireplaces require a chimney.  The size of the chimney should match the flue collar of your wood appliance to insure a strong draft.  An existing chimney will need to be inspected and updated prior to installation. 

Ash drawers make cleanup a lot easier and safer. Instead of scooping out the ashes after every fire, simply dump them into the drawer, and empty the drawer every few weeks.  A lid prevents the ashes from flying out while they are being taken and discarded outside.

There must be non-combustible material under your wood stove. This protects against heat, sparks, and embers generated from your Regency Wood appliance.  Please consult your owners manual for exact specifications on the thickness (height), width and depth for the required non-combustible material for your Regency stove, insert or fireplace.

An outside air kit provides oxygen (combustion air) to your fireplace or stove from outside your home rather than from inside your home. The installation of an outside air kit is recommended for tightly constructed or well-insulated homes. 

A draft pulls air into the firebox of your wood unit and expels smoke and combustion gases out through the chimney.

A blower is useful tool is you want to distribute the heat produced by your stove.  By forcing the hot air forward the blower increases the heating capabilities of your wood unit.

Every Regency wood model is designed with a unique airwash system that forces cool air in front of the glass to keep the flames and exhaust away. This keeps your door looking clean and transparent a lot longer. Over the course of a winter, or if you underfire your appliance, you might need to clean the glass. This is easily done with fireplace glass cleaner, available at your local hearth shop.