FAQ - Wood

Questions and Answers about
Woodburning Stoves and Inserts

Ever wondered?

1. What does "EPA certified" mean?

2. How are EPA certified appliances different?

3. Is burning wood environmentally friendly?

4. Difference between catalytic converters & secondary combustion?

5. Which is better?

6. Do I need an ash drawer?

7. Will the glass door stay clean?

8. Do I need a blower?

1. What does "EPA certified" mean?

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.

2. How are EPA certified appliances different?

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.

3. Is burning wood environmentally friendly?

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 its life cycle - making wood burning carbon neutral. In addition Regency is committed to restoring nature’s balance with our One Regency, One Tree program. Click here for details.

4. What is the difference between catalytic converters and secondary combustion?

A catalytic converter is a device through which wood smoke is channeled. It lowers the combustion temperature of the gases, allowing them to be consumed at lower firing. Secondary combustion mixes air with the exhaust gases, causing them to re-ignite and burn before going up the chimney.

5. Which is better?

Catalytic converters burn more cleanly, but they need to be replaced after a certain number of hours of operation, and they can cost in excess of $150. Regency uses secondary combustion to achieve almost the same 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 more heavy-duty than catalytic converters.

6. Do I need an ash drawer?

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. The drawer comes with a lid to prevent the ashes from flying out while they are being taken outside.

7. Will the glass door stay clean?

Every Regency 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.

8. Do I need 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.