Installation operating instructions, Operating instructions, First fire – Regency Classic F5100 Extra Large Wood Stove User Manual
Page 21: Draft control
 
F5100 Regency Freestanding Woodstove
21
21
INSTALLATION
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To build a fi re in igno-
rance or to disregard the information 
contained in this section can cause 
serious permanent damage to the unit 
and void your warranty!!
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
With your unit now correctly installed and safety 
inspected by your local authority, you are now 
ready to start a fi re. Before establishing your 
fi rst fi re, it is important that you fully understand 
the operation of your Catalytic combustor and 
draft control.
WARNING
Fireplace Stoves equipped with doors 
should be operated only with doors 
fully closed. If doors are left partly open, 
gas and fl ame may be drawn out of the 
fi replace stove opening, creating risks 
from both fi re and smoke.
FIRST FIRE
When your installation is completed and inspected 
you are ready for your fi rst fi re.
THIS UNIT IS DESIGNED TO BURN SEASONED 
CORDWOOD ONLY. COAL AND BRIQUETTES 
ARE NOT APPROVED.
1. Open the catalytic by-pass control fully.
(Handle facing forward)
2. Open fi rebox door and build a small fi re using
paper and dry kindling on the fi rebrick hearth, 
DO NOT USE A GRATE Secure door on the 
fi rebox and wait a few minutes for a good up-
draft in the fl ue to establish the fi re. (Leaving 
the door slightly open will help your fi re start 
more rapidly.)
CAUTION: Never leave unit unattended 
if door is left open. This procedure 
is for fi re start-up only, as unit may 
overheat if door is left open for too 
long.
3. With the catalytic by-pass damper still in the
fully open position, add two or three seasoned 
logs to your fi re. Form a trench in the ash bed 
to allow air to reach the rear of the fi rebox prior 
to closing the door.
4. The temperature in the stove and the gases
entering the combustor must reach between 
500F - 700F for catalytic activity to start. From 
the start up of a cold stove, a medium to high 
fi ring rate must be maintained for 30min. This 
ensures that the stove, catalyst and fuel are all 
stabilized at proper operating temperatures. 
Even though it is possible to have tempera-
tures at 600F within minutes after a fi re has 
been started, if the fi re is allowed to die down 
immediately it may go out or the combustor 
may stop working. Once the combustor starts 
working, heat generated in it by burning the 
smoke will keep it working. During re-fueling 
and rekindling of the cool fi re, or a fi re that has 
burned down to the charcoal phase, operate 
the stove at a medium to high fi ring rate for 
about 10 minutes to ensure that the catalyst 
reaches operating temperatures 
WARNING: Never build a roaring fi re 
in a cold stove. Always warm your 
stove up slowly!
5. When re-fueling, always open by-pass, load
fuel, then wait for at least 10-15 minutes 
before closing the by-pass. Reason for the 
10-15 min. is the fresh fuel and the opening 
of the door will cause the catalyst to drop in 
temperature as well as the moisture within the 
wood which is the fi rst thing to be released.
6. During the fi rst few fi res, keep the combustion
rate at a moderate level and avoid a large fi re. 
Only after 5 or 6 such fi res can you operate 
the stove at its maximum setting, and only 
after the metal has been warmed.
Left - Open Right - Closed
Back - Closed Front - Open
Primary Air Damper
Catalyst Bypass Control
DRAFT CONTROL
Both the primary and air wash drafts are controlled 
by the control slide located on the front left side of 
the unit (when facing the unit). To increase your draft 
- slide to the left to open, and to decrease - slide to 
the right closed. The F5100 unit has a secondary 
draft system that continually allows combustion air 
to the induction ports at the top of the fi rebox, just 
in front of the catalytic combustor. 
Draft is the force which moves air from the appli-
ance up through the chimney. The amount of draft 
in your chimney depends on the length of the 
chimney, local geography, nearby obstructions and 
other factors. Too much draft may cause excessive 
temperatures in the appliance and may damage the 
catalytic combustor. Inadequate draft may cause 
back puffi ng into the room and plugging of the 
chimney or catalyst.
7. For the fi rst few days, the stove will give off an
odour from the paint. This is to be expected as 
the high temperature paint becomes seasoned. 
Windows and/or doors should be left open to 
provide adequate ventilation while this tem-
porary condition exists. Burning the stove at a 
very high temperature the fi rst few times may 
damage the paint. Burn fi res at a moderate level 
the fi rst few days.
8. Do not place anything on the stove top during
the curing process. This may result in damage 
to your paint fi nish.
9. During the fi rst few days it may be more diffi cult
to start the fi re. As you dry out your fi rebrick and 
your masonry fl ue, your draft will increase.
10. For those units installed at higher elevations or
into sub-standard masonry fi replaces, drafting 
problems may occur. Consult an experienced 
dealer or mason on methods of increasing your 
draft.
11. Some cracking and popping noises may be
experienced during the heating up process. 
These noises will be minimal when your unit 
reaches temperature.
12. Before opening your door to reload, open the
by-pass damper fully for approximately 10 to 15 
seconds until the fi re has been re-established. 
This will minimize any smoking (spilling) back 
into the room. After loading wood and front door 
closed, close the by-pass damper
13. All fuel burning appliances consume oxygen
during operation. It is important that you 
supply a source of fresh air to your unit while 
burning. A slightly opened window is suffi cient 
for the purpose. If you also have a fi replace 
in your home, a downdraft may be created by 
your Regency Stove causing a draft down your 
chimney. If this occurs, slightly open a window 
near your unit.
CAUTION: If the body of your unit, e 
or any part of the chimney connector 
starts to glow, you are over fi ring. Stop 
loading fuel immediately and close 
the draft control until the glow has 
completely subsided.
14. Green or wet wood is not recommended for
your unit. If you must add wet or green fuel, 
open the draft control fully until all moisture has 
been dispersed by the intense fi re. Once all 
moisture has been removed, the draft control 
may be adjusted to maintain the fi re.
15. If you have been burning your stove on a low
draft, use caution when opening the door. After 
opening the damper, open the door a crack, and 
allow the fi re to adjust before fully opening the 
door.
How to Light and 
Maintain a Wood Stove Fire