Have you ever noticed the fan atop some wood stoves? That’s a stove fan, and it has a very specific purpose – to help circulate heat around the room.
If you are considering getting a wood stove fan, or you already have one, you must know that not all of them are created equal.
In this guide, we will learn more about wood stove fans, their different types, and how to best use them, along with a few other common questions that you might have in mind.
Different Types Of Wood-Burning Stove Fans
A wood-burning stove fan is a small, electrically powered appliance that helps circulate the air in a room.
Moving the hot air that rises from the wood stove can help to even out the temperature in the room and make it more comfortable. And that’s what this device actually does.
Additionally, a wood-burning stove fan can improve the stove’s efficiency by helping to distribute the heat more evenly, which can save you money on your heating bill and also make your stove last longer.
If you are considering purchasing one, please note that there are two main types of wood-burning stove fans:
1. The Free-Standing Fan
The free-standing fan is the most common type of wood stove fan. It sits on top of the woodstove and has its own base, meaning it doesn’t need to be attached to the stove in any way.
The main advantage of a free-standing fan is that it’s very easy to set up and use. You simply put it on top of your wood stove, and it’s ready to go.
Another advantage of a free-standing fan is that you can take it with you if you move house or if you have a holiday home with a wood stove.
The main disadvantage of a free-standing fan is that it can take up quite a bit of space on top of your wood stove.
If you have a small wood stove, or if you want to use the space on top of your stove for something else (like storing wood), then a free-standing fan might not be the best option for you.
2. The Blower Fan
As the name suggests, this type of fan attaches to the back of the woodstove and blows hot air out into the room.
The advantage of a blower fan is that it doesn’t take up any space on top of your wood stove, which is beneficial if you have a small stove or if you want to use the space on top of your stove for something else.
The main disadvantage of a blower fan is that it can be more difficult to set up and use. You need to make sure that the fan is properly attached to the back of the wood stove, which can be tricky.
Additionally, some people find that the hot air from a blower fan can be too much and make the room uncomfortable.
3. Heat-Powered Wood Stove Fan
Heat-powered wood stove fans are a great way to circulate heat from your wood stove without electricity. They work by using the heat from the stove to power the fan, so they’re completely renewable and sustainable.
Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install, so they’re definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a way to improve the efficiency of your wood stove.
Just keep in mind that heat-powered fans don’t work well in all situations, so it’s essential to research and ensures a fan is suitable for your particular stove and setup.
Besides the above, there are also types of wood stove fans that include the following:
a) Single or dual fans: The single-speed wood stove fans are the most common type. They have one blade that rotates at a constant speed, circulating the air in the room.
Dual-speed wood stove fans have two blades that rotate at different speeds. This allows you to choose how much air circulation you want in the room.
b) Thermostatically controlled: Some wood stove fans come with a thermostat that automatically turns the fan on and off when the temperature in the room reaches a certain level.
This can be very handy if you don’t want to have to worry about turning the fan on and off yourself.
c) Fans with 2, 3, 4, 5, or even more blades: The number of blades on a wood stove fan can affect how much air it moves and how much noise it makes.
In general, the more blades a fan has, the more air it will move, but it will also be louder.
How to Choose the Right Wood Stove Fan for You?
When choosing a wood stove fan, there are several factors you need to take into account, including:
1. The Size
If you have a small wood stove, it’s good to consider a blower fan or a fan with fewer blades. You can choose any type of fan if you have a large wood stove.
2. The Level of Air Circulation
If you live in a hot climate or want to circulate a lot of air in the room, you might want to consider a dual-speed fan or a fan with more blades.
3. The Amount of Space You Have on Top of Your Wood Stove
You can choose any type of fan if you have a lot of space on top of your wood stove. If you have limited space, you should consider a blower fan or a fan with fewer blades.
4. Your Budget
Woodstove fans range in price from around $30 to $200. The more expensive fans tend to be made from better quality materials and often come with more features (like thermostats and multiple speed settings).
How to Use a Wood Stove Fan – Where to Place it for the Best Heat Circulation?
There are wood stove fans that go on top of the stove, those that sit on a hearth pad in front of the stove, and those that are freestanding.
- If you have a big, bulky stove, you might want to consider a top-mounted fan so you don’t lose too much valuable counter space.
- If your stove is smaller or you have a lot of other things going on in your kitchen, a hearth-mounted fan might be a better option.
- And if you want the freedom to move the fan around as needed, a freestanding model would be your best bet.
If you want you can put the stove fan in front of the fireplace to move the heat. But it’s important to make sure the fan is placed in a way that won’t obstruct the flow of air into the fireplace. If the fan is blocking the air intake, it won’t be effective.
You can also place the fan behind wood stoves, but it should not be any closer than 24 inches from the stove. Plus, it should not have plastic covers on it.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when operating these fans:
1. Place the fan on a level surface: This helps to prevent the fan from tipping over and getting damaged.
2. Make sure the blades are not obstructed: Before turning on the fan, make sure that there is nothing blocking the blades (like a piece of wood or a piece of paper).
3. Start with the fan on low: If you’ve never used a wood stove fan before, it’s best to start with it on low. Once you get used to the amount of air circulation, you can gradually increase the speed.
4. Don’t leave the room with the fan running: If you’re leaving the room, make sure to turn off the fan. Otherwise, the fan will continue to circulate the air and could potentially overheat the room.
5. Clean the blades regularly: Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the blades of the fan. This can reduce the airflow and cause the fan to work less efficiently.
To clean the blades, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
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Hi, I am Mark Garner a professional carpenter, woodworker, and DIY painter. I live in the small city of Peoria, Arizona as a semi-retired woodworker. I have started this blog with a simple motive to help you with my wood experience in this sector. If you like to know more about what I love doing and how it all got started, you can check more about me here.
