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OPERATING THE FIREPLACE
Fuel -
USE SOLID NATURAL WOOD FUEL
ONLY. This appliance is designed to burn dry
seasoned natural wood only (see Page 8 for a
list of prohibited fuels). Failure to burn proper
fuels only will void the certification and the
warranty of the appliance. Hardwoods are
preferred to softwoods since the energy content
of wood is relative to its density. Hardwoods
will result in a longer burning fire and less
frequent refueling.
A moisture content of 15% to 20% (seasoned)
is recommended. Wood that has been cut and
split and let to dry under a cover for a period
of one year will usually meet that criteria. The
required drying time will vary depending on the
climate. Wood that is packed tight together will
take longer to dry. Seasoned wood is darker in
color than wet wood and will have visible cracks
in the grain on the ends. Excessively wet wood
will be difficult to burn and will result in lower
efficiency, increased creosoting and plugging
of the catalytic combustor. Excessively dry
wood will burn well but will also have higher
emissions and shorter burning time.
DO NOT OVERFIRE THIS HEATER
Attempts to achieve heat output rates that
exceed heater design specifications can result
in permanent damage to the heater.
First Fires
The first five or six fires should be small fires
of short duration (about 30 to 60 minutes).
This will help cure the refractory bricks. During
the first few fires of this appliance there may
be some odor and smoke due to the curing of
the paint, dust accumulation and burning off of
lubricants used in the manufacturing process .
It may set off a smoke alarm located in the same
room. For this reason the room should be well
ventilated for the first few fires.
4
Catalytic Combustor
This fireplace is equipped with a catalytic com-
bustor. Unburned by-products of the wood fire
are burned as they pass through the combustor
resulting in less pollution, reduced creosote and
higher efficiency. In order to have the catalyst
working, temperatures of the flue gases entering
the combustor have to be higher than 500° F
(260° C). That is why the unit is equipped with
a CAT bypass damper that allows the draft air
to bypass the catalytic combustor. Opening the
CAT bypass damper control increases the draft
allowing the unit to achieve proper operating
temperatures during a cold start-up. It also
provides more draft to prevent smoke spillage
when the door is opened.
Catalytic CAT Bypass Gauge
To determine when to close the CAT bypass,
the unit is equipped with a gauge (see Figure
1). Once you can see the gauge needle in the
catalytic combustor operating range, you may
push to close the CAT bypass lever, about 15-30
minutes after initial light-off.
See Detail A
This wood heater has a manufacturer-set minimum low
burn rate that must not be altered. It is against federal
regulations to alter this setting or otherwise operate
this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with the
operating instructions in this manual.
Figure 1
This manual describes the installation and operation of the IHP model WRT3920WS catalytic
equipped wood heater. This heater meets the 2020 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's certified
to comply with 2020 particulate emission standards using crib wood. Under specific test conditions
this heater has been shown to deliver heat at rates ranging from 10,900 to 35,600 Btu/hr.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE.
When the catalyst light-off conditions are
achieved, the combustor will keep on going
until it runs out of smoke. Note that the catalyst
does not need to be glowing to be working, it
can work very well at temperatures well below
the 538° C (1000° F) level at which it will begin
to glow. The best way to see if the catalyst is
active is to take a look at what is coming out
of the chimney. If the catalytic combustor is
working you will see some white water vapor
coming out, compared to a more brown/gray
smoke when the CAT bypass is opened. Do
not burn any chemical chimney cleaner; it can
make the catalyst inactive.
COMBUSTION CONTROLS
Primary Air Control
There is no flue damper in the fireplace. As is
common with air tight stoves, the combustion
air control sets the flow of air entering the fire-
box. This allows for a more precise control of
the fire. The combustion air control is located
below the door on the left side. The main source
of air (primary air) entering the firebox can
be diminished by moving the air combustion
control from left to right. The primary air is
fully opened when the air control is completely
moved to the left.
Thermometer
Detail A
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