NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE.
4
OPERATING THE FIREPLACE
Fuel -
This appliance is designed to burn
dry seasoned natural wood only (see Page 7
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 refuelling.
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.
Overheating the unit above 1000° C (1800º F)
is harmful for the catalytic combustor, it can
damage the catalyst coating and can cause
cracking of the substrate. Looking through
the upper louvers, if the top of the firebox is
glowing, the unit is overheating.
DO NOT OVERFIRE THIS HEATER
Attempts to achieve heat output rates that
exceed heater design specifications can result
in permanent damage to the heater and to the
catalytic combustor if so equipped.
First Fires
The first 5 or 6 fires should be small fires of
short duration (about 30 to 60 minutes).
This
will help cure the refractory bricks. Ashes that
will accumulate in the ashtray will protect it
from intense heat. During the first few fires
of this appliance there may be some odor and
smoke due to the curing of the paint, dust ac-
cumulation 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.
Catalytic Combustor
These fireplaces are equipped with a catalytic
combustor. Unburned by-products of the wood
fire are burned at lower temperatures as they
pass through the combustor resulting in
less pollution, reduced creosote and higher
efficiency. In order to have the catalyst work-
ing, 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 by-pass damper that allows the draft air to
by-pass the catalytic combustor. Opening the
by-pass 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 By-Pass Gauge
To determine when to close the By-Pass, the
unit is equipped with a gauge
(see Figure 1)
.
The gauge is located behind the bottom louver in
the lower left corner. To open the louver, gently
pull underneath the top fin of the louver and
the door will open down. Once you can see the
gauge needle in the catalytic combustor operat-
ing range, you may push to close the By-Pass
lever and close the bottom louver.
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 by-pass is opened. Do not
burn any chemical chimney cleaner; it can make
the catalyst inactive.
Combustion Control
There is no flue damper in this fireplace. As is
common with air tight appliances, the combus-
tion air damper controls the air entering the
firebox. This allows for a more precise control
of the fire. The combustion air damper knob is
located on the left of the bottom louver (
Figure
1)
. It is opened when moved completely to
the left. This control should be in the closed
position when the fireplace is not in use. This
will minimize air leakage up the chimney.
The
combustion air control and the by-pass damper
control must be opened before opening the
door to minimize the possibility of back draft
coming into the room.
Figure 1
This manual describes the installation and operation of the IHP model Villa Vista™ series catalytic
equipped wood heaters. This heater meets the 2015 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s crib
wood emission limits for wood heaters sold after May 15, 2015. Under specific test conditions this
heater has been shown to deliver heat at rates ranging from 10,900 to 35,600 Btu/hr.
CLOSED
OPEN
By-Pass
Combustion
Air Control
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 operating
instructions in this manual.
Catalytic By-Pass Gauge
Located behind bottom
louver assembly
IHP – P/N 900525-00
15-27830
ACTIVE
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR
Villa Vista™ Shown
