Regency Classic i2450 Wood Insert

Right buyer

Owners of existing masonry fireplaces who want to convert an inefficient decorative hearth into a high-efficiency, EPA 2020-certified wood-burning heater — without demolishing and rebuilding the masonry structure. The i2450-2 slides into the existing masonry firebox opening, uses the existing chimney with a new stainless flex liner, and delivers serious supplemental or primary heat for medium-sized spaces. This is specifically a retrofit product: the masonry fireplace and chimney already exist; the insert transforms their function.

Buyers whose existing masonry fireplace opening meets or exceeds the minimum required dimensions of 25" wide, 21½" high, and 17" deep. Buyers whose masonry chimney is in sound condition — or can be made sound by a qualified mason before installation — and will accept a 5½" or 6" continuous stainless flex liner run from the insert flue collar to the chimney top. An inspection and cleaning of the existing chimney before installation is required, not optional. If the chimney has significant damage or an unconventional configuration, resolve it before purchasing the insert.

Buyers who want two real design choices at order. Faceplate size: Regular (40"×30" default — covers the standard masonry surround for most fireplace openings) or Oversize/Large (48"×33" upgrade — covers wider masonry surrounds where the Regular faceplate would leave exposed masonry visible around the edges). Door finish: Black (default — classic cast-iron stove aesthetic) or Black with Nickel Accent (upgrade — warmer metallic detail that reads as elevated in traditional and transitional interiors). Measure the existing masonry surround before ordering to determine which faceplate size achieves the intended coverage.

Buyers in medium-sized spaces who want up to 10-hour burns from seasoned hardwood and a large, unobstructed view of the fire through the 161 sq. in. ceramic glass — a meaningful draw for buyers who want both heat and ambiance from the same appliance.

Buyers who are comfortable with the operational model: air slide on the left side of the unit, doors operated fully open or fully closed during burning, fire built directly on the firebrick floor without grates, and a chimney that needs annual cleaning and inspection at least every two months during the heating season. The i2450-2 is not a set-and-forget appliance; it rewards attentive operation with long, clean burns.

Wrong buyer

Not for owners of factory-built or zero-clearance fireplaces. The certification label states explicitly: "INSTALL AND USE IN MASONRY FIREPLACE ONLY. NOT TO BE INSTALLED IN ANY FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACE." A factory-built or prefab fireplace insert — even one physically similar in appearance — is a different, incompatible category requiring a unit listed for that specific application.

Not for new-construction buyers who want a built-in fireplace but have no existing masonry shell to retrofit. New construction without a masonry fireplace already in place needs a zero-clearance (factory-built) wood fireplace installed in a framed chase — a fundamentally different product category.

Not for buyers whose existing masonry fireplace opening is smaller than 25" wide, 21½" high, or 17" deep. The insert physically cannot be installed in an undersized opening. Measure before purchasing — there is no workaround.

Not for buyers who plan to use a grate, andirons, or any method to elevate the fuel off the firebox floor. The safety label explicitly prohibits grates: "DO NOT USE GRATE OR ELEVATE FIRE. BUILD WOOD FIRE DIRECTLY ON HEARTH." The fire loads onto the firebrick floor only. Buyers who want elevated log sets as part of the aesthetic should look at gas insert options instead.

Not for buyers who plan to skip the stainless flex liner. The liner is not optional — it is a required component per the certification (UL 1482-2022 / CAN/ULC 628-2022). The insert cannot be safely or legally installed without a continuous liner running from the insert collar to the chimney top. Budget for the liner as part of the total project cost.

Not for buyers expecting set-and-forget supplemental heat. Non-catalytic wood inserts require active operation: initial high-burn warm-up, air control adjustment, monitoring the draft, reloads every several hours. The 10-hour maximum burn is achievable on a full pack of dense seasoned hardwood with the air throttled back — but useful heat output over that cycle requires proper fuel and attentive air management.

The i2450-2 is designed for installation inside an existing masonry fireplace in a permitted residential space. The masonry fireplace must be structurally sound, free of cracks, loose mortar, or damage, and constructed in accordance with NFPA 211 (USA) or the National Building Code of Canada, as applicable. Do not remove bricks or mortar from the masonry fireplace during installation. The existing masonry chimney must be inspected and cleaned before installation; if the chimney is in questionable condition, have a mason assess it before purchasing the insert.

This unit cannot be installed in a factory-built, prefab, or zero-clearance fireplace — the certification label states this explicitly and it cannot be overridden by the installer. If the fireplace in question is factory-built (metal shell, rated chase, no masonry), a different product listed for that application is required.

The existing damper must be either removed or permanently secured in the fully open position before installation, as it becomes inaccessible after the insert is in place. Do not connect the insert to a chimney serving any other appliance or to any air distribution duct.

Clearances to combustibles

The following minimum clearances apply from the insert body to combustible materials surrounding the masonry fireplace opening. These are measured from the insert body, not from the faceplate face.

The top and side facing material must be no more than 1½" thick. If the facing or trim protrudes more than 1½", follow the mantel (B) and adjacent side wall (A) clearances for the appropriate distances. The certification label on the unit is the binding clearance authority and overrides any figure published in any other media. Verify binding clearances with your installer before purchasing and before finishing any surrounding material.

Hearth extension and floor protection

The existing masonry hearth typically satisfies the floor protection requirement if it extends at least 16 inches (USA) or 18 inches (Canada) in front of the fuel loading door opening and at least 8 inches to each side of the appliance. If the existing hearth does not meet those dimensions, a supplemental non-combustible hearth extension of adequate size must be added before installation. Floor thermal insulation/protection with an R-value of 1.4 is required if the insert is raised less than 2½ inches from the floor; thermal floor protection is not required if the unit sits more than 2½ inches above the floor.

Chimney and liner

A continuous stainless steel flex liner of 5½" (140mm) or 6" (152mm) internal diameter must run from the insert flue collar to the top of the existing masonry chimney. For USA installations, the liner must comply with UL 1482-2022 and the type HT chimney standard UL 103, or be a code-approved masonry chimney liner. For Canada, the liner must meet the class 3 requirements of CAN/ULC-S635 or CAN/ULC-S640. The liner length is determined by the height of the existing chimney. Minimum chimney height from the top of the flue collar is 15 feet. If the fireplace has been modified to accommodate the liner, the installer must attach the metal tag supplied with the insert to the fireplace in a location visible if the insert is ever removed.

Outside air

The manual does not require outside air as a standard installation condition, as combustion air is normally drawn from room air. However, tight new-construction homes with mechanical ventilation or powerful kitchen exhaust fans may experience draft problems or back-puffing — if this occurs, the manual recommends slightly opening a window near the unit while burning. The manual specifies that the home should have working smoke and CO detectors, especially near bedrooms, and recommends having both detectors in the same room as the insert for additional safety.

Code compliance

Code compliance for any specific installation is determined by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction. A building permit may be required before installation — check with the local Building Inspection Department. A qualified installer (WETT certified in Canada; NFI or CSIA certified in the USA) is strongly recommended and often required by code, permit, or homeowner's insurance. Notify your home insurance company before installation. Local codes and regulations may override items in the manufacturer's manual.

California Proposition 65

This product can expose you to chemicals including carbon monoxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Ships with the insert

• i2450-2 insert body with cast-iron door and 161 sq. in. ceramic glass (5 mm Neoceram), pre-installed black convection grills, air-wash curtain system, side-mounted air control, ash lip, and wood-finished handle
• Configured at order with required faceplate size — Regular 40"×30" (default) or Oversize/Large 48"×33" — consisting of top, left, and right faceplate panels plus trim and insulation strips for sealing against the masonry surround
• Configured at order with required door finish — Black cast iron (default) or Black with Nickel Accent
• Firebrick set — rear, side, and floor bricks that line the firebox for heat retention and appliance protection
• Stainless steel smoke deflector (must be properly installed prior to first fire; operating without it voids the warranty)
• Two vermiculite/fiber baffles with insulation — the flue baffle system must be installed before first fire; baffles are removable for chimney cleaning access
• Door tool bracket and tool holder
• Pull rod for flue collar engagement during installation
• Safety label / certification decal and metal installation tag (to be affixed by installer to the masonry fireplace)
• Owner's and Installation Manual

Sold separately

• Continuous stainless flex liner, 5½" or 6" diameter — required installation component; length matched to chimney height at the specific installation; not included with the appliance
• Optional 2-speed blower (Part 142-917) — 115V / 60Hz / 0.6A; strongly recommended for primary-heat use; attaches to the ash lip clips without tools; includes heat-sensor thermodisc for automatic cycling; [VERIFY: Kaminos SKU for this accessory]
• Optional Brushed Nickel convection grills upgrade — replaces pre-installed black grills; coordinate with Nickel Accent door for a matched finish; [VERIFY: Kaminos SKU]
• Replacement firebrick set (Part 180-960) — firebricks are a consumable excluded from warranty coverage; replacement set available through Regency dealers and parts channels
• Replacement door gasket kit — door and glass gasketing are excluded from warranty coverage; plan for inspection and replacement every 2–4 seasons depending on use
• Installation by a qualified technician (WETT certified in Canada; NFI or CSIA certified in the USA) — required for warranty coverage and typically required by local code, permit, or homeowner's insurance; a second person required for the physical installation due to unit weight
• Masonry chimney inspection and cleaning by a certified chimney sweep — required before installation; cost varies by chimney condition and height

The 75,000 BTU/hr maximum is a peak rating — transient, achieved on dry cordwood at high loading density and short reload intervals. The figure that matters for daily planning is the sustained output across a full burn cycle, which the manual places in the 12,900–30,000 BTU/hr band under test conditions. The Regency product page also cites 34,612 BTU/hr as the EPA-tested output — this figure likely represents the average output during EPA crib-wood certification testing, which differs from the CSA B415-method cordwood range. The operative planning band is 12,900–30,000 BTU/hr.

A realistic operating day in primary-heat use for a medium-sized space: morning reload at cold start with the air fully open produces a 30–60 minute warm-up at high output as the insert and chimney come up to temperature; mid-session the air can be throttled back to sustain a medium burn; a full pack of dense hardwood at the end of the evening with the air gradually closed can provide up to the manufacturer-stated 10 hours of burn time, leaving a coal bed by morning. Actual burn duration varies by wood density, moisture, and air setting.

The 2.3 ft³ firebox sits in the medium insert tier. The 10-hour maximum burn time is genuinely achievable with the right fuel: dense hardwood, properly seasoned to 19%–25% moisture per the manual's seasoned cordwood specification, packed to the firebox capacity, air throttled hard at the close of the load cycle. Actual output and burn duration are highly sensitive to wood moisture — the same insert on properly seasoned wood versus marginally wet wood will perform completely differently on both metrics.

The dual secondary air tube system — what Regency calls "dual-burn design" — reignites combustion gases at the top of the firebox at operating temperatures. This secondary combustion is what enables longer, cleaner burns and lower particulate emissions at 1.6 g/hr. Visible secondary flames ("tubes flashing") signal that the firebox is at proper operating temperature; the manual instructs operators to wait for this before closing the door fully on a new load.

The optional 2-speed blower materially improves heat distribution into the room. At low burn rates run the blower on low; at medium-high to high burn rates use the high setting. The heat-sensor thermodisc cycles the blower on automatically as the insert comes up to temperature — the manual recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after lighting before turning the blower on manually. Without the blower, heat distribution depends on convection from the grills and radiation from the glass door — adequate for supplemental heat in a single room, less effective for primary heat in larger or multi-room spaces.

The brick-lined firebox stores heat during active burning and releases it as the fire burns down — this thermal mass is part of what enables the long burn times and helps maintain useful heat output during the coast-down phase of the burn cycle. The same brick lining requires regular inspection and eventual replacement as a consumable; it is explicitly excluded from warranty coverage.

Masonry fireplace is a hard prerequisite. This is not a product that can be adapted to a non-masonry installation. The unit is certified for masonry fireplaces only. Buyers who have a factory-built or zero-clearance fireplace, or no fireplace at all, are in the wrong product category — this cannot be overcome with creative installation.

The liner is a real additional cost and complexity. A stainless steel flex liner is a required component not included with the insert. Liner pricing varies by diameter, grade, length, and supplier; installation adds labor cost on top. For a two-story chimney the liner alone can add hundreds to over a thousand dollars to the project total, before installation labor. Budget for the liner as an unavoidable line item, not as an optional upgrade.

No grates, ever. The safety label is unambiguous: fire must build directly on the firebrick floor. Buyers accustomed to log sets or raised grates from a previous decorative fireplace will need to adapt their expectations and operational habits. There is no workaround for this constraint — grates void the warranty and compromise safe operation.

Doors must be fully open or fully closed during burning. Partial-door operation is not permitted per the safety label: "RISK OF SMOKE AND FLAME SPILLAGE, OPERATE ONLY WITH DOORS FULLY OPEN OR FULLY CLOSED." If the doors are left partly open, gas and flame may be drawn out of the opening. This rules out decorative fire-viewing with the doors cracked — doors are open only when reloading and closed the rest of the time.

Faceplate size selection is critical and permanent at order. The Regular (40"×30") and Oversize (48"×33") faceplates cover different widths of masonry surround. Measure the existing masonry surround — specifically how much width and height of exposed masonry you want the faceplate to cover — before ordering. Selecting the wrong size means either exposed masonry visible around the edges (Regular too small) or the faceplate overhanging the surround in an unsatisfactory way (Oversize too large for a narrow surround). This selection cannot be swapped in the field without purchasing the alternate kit.

Existing chimney condition is not optional to verify. The existing masonry chimney must be inspected and cleaned before installation. A chimney with deteriorated mortar joints, a damaged liner, or heavy creosote buildup is not a suitable host for this insert regardless of fireplace opening dimensions. The cost and complexity of needed chimney repairs should be factored into the total project budget before purchase.

Firebricks and gaskets are consumables excluded from warranty. The warranty explicitly excludes firebrick (rear, sides, or bottom), door and glass gasketing, and all baffles from coverage. These are normal-wear consumables: plan for firebrick inspection every 1–2 seasons, door gasket replacement every 2–4 seasons, and baffle inspection annually. Replacement parts are available through Regency dealers and parts channels.

Efficiency figures conflict between the spec sheet and the product website. The i2450-2 spec sheet shows 70.3% HHV / 76% LHV; the Regency product website shows 67% HHV / 72% LHV. The source of this discrepancy is not confirmed — it may reflect a product revision, a test method difference, or a website data error. The operator should confirm the current certified efficiency value before publishing. The certification label is the binding reference.

Non-catalytic burn time ceiling. Non-catalytic technology gives simpler operation and no catalyst maintenance, but the low-end sustained output (12,900 BTU/hr) is the throttled-back burn rate — achievable only with properly seasoned fuel and a hot coal bed. On marginally seasoned wood or a cold start, effective output will land in the middle of the band. For buyers prioritizing maximum overnight burn times with minimum reloads, a catalytic insert at this firebox volume would extend the low-burn operating window.

Blower sold separately. The blower is not included with the insert — it is optional per the listing, but in practice it is a significant difference for buyers using the insert as primary heat. Without the blower, heat stays near the fireplace opening; with the blower, it is pushed into the room via the convection grills. Budget for the blower as part of the complete heating system cost.

Damper removal or permanent lock-open. Once the insert is installed, the existing masonry fireplace damper becomes inaccessible. It must be either removed or permanently secured open before the insert slides into place. Buyers who valued the damper for occasional use as a decorative-only fireplace before the insert upgrade should understand this is a one-way conversion.

First fires — paint cure-in. For the first several fires, the high-temperature paint will off-gas a noticeable odor as it cures. Ventilate the room well during this period. The manual instructs keeping combustion at a moderate rate during the first five or six fires — avoid building a large, roaring fire until the metal has seasoned. Do not place anything on top of the insert during the cure period as it may damage the paint finish.

Startup procedure. Open the air control fully to the left (fully open position). Prepare the startup load: approximately 15–16 lb total using dry, seasoned cordwood with less than 20% moisture — two pieces approximately 16" long oriented front-to-back (N–S) at the bottom, with crumpled paper and kindling between them; 12" pieces oriented side-to-side (E–W) in a layer above; two more 16" pieces on top in N–S orientation. Light the paper and kindling. Adjust the door opening initially to establish the fire and reduce smoke rollout; keep the door in this position for five to six minutes until the secondary air tubes start flashing, then close the door fully. Burn at high air setting (fully open) for approximately one hour to establish a solid coal bed before transitioning to the main load.

Air control. The draft control slide is located on the left side of the unit — slide left to open, right to close. The unit has a secondary draft system that continuously allows combustion air to the induction ports at the top of the firebox regardless of the primary control position. Open air = high fire; closed air = low fire. Adjust gradually from high to the desired position rather than jumping directly to low. Never reduce air aggressively before the fire is fully established.

Doors — fully open or fully closed. Operate only with doors fully closed during normal burning. Open only for reloading, and open the air control fully for 10–15 seconds before slowly opening the door to equalize pressure and reduce smoke spillage. Never leave the door partially open during operation.

Fan operation. If the optional blower is installed, keep the switch in AUTO mode — the heat-sensor thermodisc cycles the fan on automatically when the insert reaches operating temperature, and shuts it off when the unit cools. Do not turn the blower on until at least 30 minutes after starting the fire. Run the fan at low speed for low to medium-low burn settings; at high speed for medium-high to high burn settings. Turn the fan OFF before opening the fuel door — the blower can push ash out of the firebox and into the room if left on during reloading. After the fire is out, the fan may continue running as the insert cools through the thermodisc cycle — this is normal behavior, not a defect.

Reload cadence. Once a solid coal bed is established from the startup and pre-burn loads, the main fuel load can be placed: up to 6 pieces maximum, 16.75"–17" long, 3"–4" diameter, loaded front-to-back (N–S orientation). Open air fully when reloading; once strong flames are established on the new load, adjust to the desired burn setting. For a high-output burn, keep air fully open. For a low overnight burn, reduce gradually to the low position after the load is engaged.

Ash removal. Remove ashes every few days during constant use. Turn the blower off before ash removal. Allow the firebox to cool. Place ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid; store the closed container on a non-combustible floor outdoors, well away from combustibles, for at least 48 hours before disposal — hot embers can remain active for days. Take care not to let ash accumulate around the start-up air housing inside the firebox under the loading door lip.

Glass cleaning. The ceramic glass stays largely clear during proper hot burns with seasoned fuel. Tar or heavy black soot on the glass is a reliable indicator that the fire is running too cool or the wood is too wet. Wipe with damp newspaper dipped in cold ash, or use a dedicated ceramic-glass cleaner. Do not strike or slam the glass door shut — impact breakage is not covered under the thermal breakage warranty clause.

Door gasket maintenance. Test the door gasket with the paper-strip test: close the door on a strip of paper and try to pull it free; firm resistance means the gasket is sealing; easy pull means gasket replacement is needed. Door and glass gasketing are excluded from warranty coverage — plan on replacement every 2–4 seasons in regular use. The adjustable cam lock on the door compensates for gradual gasket compression over time; adjustment instructions are in the manual.

Firebrick inspection. Inspect the firebrick lining at least once per heating season. Cracks under approximately 1/8" are cosmetic and do not affect performance. Cracks wider than that, or bricks showing chunks missing, should be replaced. Firebricks are warranty-excluded consumables — replacement sets are available through Regency dealers.

Annual chimney sweep and liner inspection. During the first year of use, clean the chimney and liner twice; thereafter, clean at least once per year. During the heating season, inspect at least every two months for creosote buildup — if buildup reaches 3 mm (1/8"), sweep before continuing use regardless of how recently the last cleaning was done. A malfunctioning or poorly maintained chimney is a fire and CO hazard; do not defer this maintenance.

Wood seasoning. Hardwood needs a minimum of 12 months split, stacked off the ground with sun and wind exposure, to reach usable moisture levels; dense hardwoods like oak and maple may need 18–24 months. The manual specifies seasoned cordwood at 19%–25% moisture content; the startup load procedure calls for less than 20%. A digital moisture meter is the only reliable tool for confirming fuel readiness — do not trust supplier "seasoned" claims or visual inspection alone. Wood above 25% moisture will burn inefficiently, soot the glass, and accelerate creosote buildup in the chimney.

What never to burn. Per the manual: no treated wood, lawn clippings or yard waste, manure or animal remains, coal, rubber or plastic-containing materials, saltwater driftwood, garbage, cardboard, waste petroleum products (paints, thinners, asphalt), solvents, colored paper, Bio Bricks, construction or demolition debris, railroad ties, or unseasoned wood. Burning prohibited materials may release toxic fumes, render the insert ineffective, and void the warranty. Fire starters made from paper, cardboard, sawdust, or wax are permitted for the purpose of starting a fire only.

The Regency Limited Lifetime Warranty for indoor wood products is extended to the original retail purchaser only and is non-transferable. It applies to products used in normal residential indoor installations only. The warranty starts on the day of purchase and requires the appliance to remain in the original place of installation. Proof of purchase (dated bill of sale) is required for any warranty claim. Online registration at regency-fire.com within 90 days of purchase is recommended.

Coverage by component

Replacement appliances and air tube/baffle replacements under warranty are each limited to one per warranty term. A one-time replacement limit also applies to items covered under any limited lifetime clause. The installer is responsible for ensuring the appliance is operating as designed at the time of installation. The original purchaser is responsible for annual maintenance as outlined in the owner's manual.

The warranty does not cover damage or malfunction resulting from: improper fuel (unseasoned wood, mill-ends, construction lumber, treated wood, plastics, coal, etc.); operator error; installation error; installation by an unqualified installer; incorrect chimney components; lack of regular maintenance; environmental conditions; acts of God; or any use inconsistent with the owner's manual. Appliances showing signs of neglect or misuse, or with altered/removed serial numbers, will not be covered.

Warranty claims are made through the authorized selling dealer or an alternative FPI-authorized dealer. Kaminos is the retailer for this insert and supports buyers through purchase; final warranty determination rests with FPI as manufacturer. Regency's dealer and parts network is well-established — replacement firebricks, baffles, door gaskets, glass, hardware, blower components, and faceplates are available through authorized Regency dealers and parts vendors.

[VERIFY: The subsidized labor coverage periods by component were not clearly separated in the warranty document text extraction — confirm the labor column values against the current Regency Indoor Wood Product Warranty PDF before publishing.]

Coverage details are subject to change; the current Regency Indoor Wood Product Warranty document controls. Effective date of the current warranty revision: August 1, 2025 (posted at regency-fire.com).

[VERIFY: No price-book-confirmed Compare-With list has been provided by the Operator. Per Kaminos content rules, no models may be referenced in this section without Operator confirmation against the price book. Do not populate this section until the Operator supplies the confirmed list of sibling and competitor models. Possible candidates to confirm: other Regency wood inserts in the lineup, Pacific Energy wood inserts, Osburn wood inserts, Enerzone/Valcourt wood inserts — but none of these may be listed until price-book-verified by the Operator.]