How does the Ecofan work?

The Ecofan generates it's own electricity through the difference in temperature of the stove and the fan. The base must make contact with the heat source of at least 150 degrees F or 65 C and the top and the bottom of the fan must remain cool. The actual rotation of the blade as well as the cooler air and the heat source are the essential elements needed for the Ecofan to operate.

Where should I place my Ecofan?

Be sure to position the Ecofan on a smooth flat surface on your stovetop near the side or the back of the stove where cooler air can be drawn from behind and over the cooling fins. Do not place your Ecofan in the center of the stove or in front of the stovepipe or at the front of your stove. Optimally give it the draft of cool air from behind the stove.

What temperature does the stove surface need to reach?

The Ecofan will start to rotate once the base of the fan has reached a temperature of 150 degrees F or 65 C

What is the recommended surface temperature of the stove?

The optimal running temperature of the Ecofan Original and the Ecofan Plus for wood stoves is the same as the recommended safe operating temperatures of wood stoves, between 450F to 600F (205C-345C). Relocate your Ecofan to a cooler spot if your stovetop exceeds 650F (345C).

Is the Ecofan GS operating temperature different?

The Ecofan GS optimal running temperature is between 150F & 300F (65C- 150C). Operating above the recommended temperature may be hazardous due to excessive blade speed. In order to prevent this, Caframo  has fabricated an over speed protector that will activate and slow the speed of the fan down. The Ecofan GS should then be relocated to a cooler position where the overheat speed protector will reset and protection will be in place.

How do I know if my stove is too hot?

We recommend the use of a stove top thermometer to ensure good stove safety. For wood stove Ecofans, EcofanGS, Ecofan Original and Ecofan Plus; the heat sensitive spring on the base of the fan will gently tilt the fan as your stoves temperature rises to help protect it from overheating. Relocate the Ecofan to a cooler spot on your stove if the surface temperature exceeds 650F (345C). The Ecofan GS is specifically designed for use on gas stoves or stoves with a surface temperature between 150F (65C) and 300F (150C). If the Ecofan GS is placed on a surface hotter than 300F (150C), the built in overheat protector will activate. This will cause the unit to slow down to protect itself. If this happens, simply move the EcofanGS to a cooler spot on the stove top and the overheat protector will reset automatically.

Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace?

Unfortunately not, the Ecofan generates it's own electricity through temperature differential. The base must make contact with a heat source of at least 150F and the top of the fan must remain cooler. The Ecofan needs to draw cooler air from behind in order to operate.

Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace insert?

Yes, but here again, placement is key. The fan needs to draw cooler air from behind in order to operate and the surface on which the Ecofan Original and the Ecofan Airplus is placed should never exceed 650F (345C). The surface on which the Ecofan GS is placed should never exceed 300F or 150C.

How should I store my Ecofan?

Once the Ecofan is placed properly on your woodstove there is no need to move it. We recommend leaving it in it's position on top of the stove year round. If you want to remove it for any reason, take care to store it in a location where it cannot be knocked over or dropped.

What type of maintenance will my Ecofan require?

The Ecofans have been designed to operate maintenance free. If you would like to clean the Ecofan, use a detergent free cloth to wipe it down.