About stove fans
In the past few years, wood burning stoves have grown in popularity and are now becoming an icon, as well as a core heating device for many homes. As a result, companies have been looking for ways to both compliment your stove and increase its efficiency. One such product that has seen a rise in production and sales are stove fans.
Stove fans are small mechanical devices that sit on your stove and are aesthetically pleasing, simple to use and easy to maintain. It is important to note that stove fans do not make your room warmer; rather they distribute heat both further and more effectively, making more of the room benefit from the warmth given off by your stove.
Take a look at our stove fans here.
How do stove fans work?
Stove fans don't need batteries or connection to the mains. They are either powered by a thermoelectric motor or a Sterling engine. All fans currently stocked by Calido Logs & Stoves have a thermolectric motor. This device operates through an engine that converts the stove's heat to kinetic energy. The heat differential between the base and top of the fan powers the motor, which causes the blades to turn. The amount of air distributed is measure in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
(Image from UK Stove Fans Website)
Can I use any stove fan on my stove?
The type of stove fan you use, will greatly depend on the type of stove you have, the type of room or area you are heating and the direction of heat flow you want to achieve.
To begin with, stove fans will only operate on stoves that achieve a minimum temperature. This is because, the base of the stove fan needs to reach a specified temperature before the energy can be converted, which leads to the blades rotating. As a result, small stoves, or stoves that do not reach a high temperature, can still use a stove fan, but you will need to consider getting one which is designed to operate with low temperatures.
The size of your stove fan and the number of blades it has, can also influence the direction and power of heat flow. For example, a 3 blade fan is larger than a 2 blade or 4 blade and is best suited for larger stoves and larger rooms, as the intensity of heat and the distribution will be greater.
How should I position my fan?
The most important thing to remember when positioning your fan, is to leave ample space behind it. This is because the fan draws cooler air from behind itself to convert into energy. If you block the back of the fan, by placing it against the flue or your wall, it will fail to work effectively and you may also overheat it.
Can I use a stove fan on a gas stove?
You certainly can. Stove fans simply require a flat, metal and suitably hot surface to sit on. They will work well with wood burning stoves and gas stoves. But if in doubt about your chosen make and model, just check with your supplier.
Can stove fans overheat?
Yes, if stove fans get too hot, this can damage the motor and lower efficiency or break the fan altogether. To prevent this happening, most fans have additional smaller fans called cooling fans at the back of the product, which regulates the temperature of the main fan. A further option, is to purchase a stove thermometer, which will accurately monitor the temperature of your stove.
If your fan gets too hot, you can move it to a cooler point on the stove or remove it and give it a break. Even although there are generic temperature guidelines for most stove fans, each model may differ in temperature tolerance, so it is important to check this before you make a decision on which one to purchase.
Are stove fans loud?
Most stove fans are either silent or relatively quiet, depending on the make and model. Either way, they won't create an intrusive noise and in most cases, you'll hardly hear a thing.
Are there warranties for stove fans and can you get replacement parts?
All good quality and reputable stove fan manufacturers offer a warranty. However, the warranty length may vary depending on the brand. Replacement parts are also available for most models, making it easy to maintain your fan and extend its life.
Reasons to buy a stove fan from Calido
The stove fans we supply, have the following qualities:
Efficiency – Having a stove fan increases the efficiency of your stove up to 33%. The fan distributes the heat evenly across the room.
Eco-friendly – Completely self powered, no need for power supply, electricity or battery pack. Burning less fuel means reduced deforestation and CO2 emissions.
Savings – Reduces fuel consumption up to 20%. Less fuel means less money you are spending on wood. A heat powered stove fan is a great long-term investment.
Easy to Use – Operates silently and requires no maintenance. Self-sufficient therefore doesn’t need a battery or any wires. Simply place on top of your wood burning stove or gas stove (requires minimum 50°C for start temperature) away from the flue then sit back and enjoy the warmth.
Safety – If the surface temperature reaches above 250°C, the safety strip on the base of the fan will gently lift the fan away from the hot surface to protect it from damaging the motor and prevent it from overheating. The safety strip will then lower the fan back to the surface when the temperature decreases to it’s maximum operating temperature.
