FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Ecofan™ Fans: (Irish Version)
1. How does the Ecofan work?
2. Where should I place my Ecofan?
3. What temperature does the surface need to reach in order to operate?
4. What is the recommended surface temperature of the stove?
5. What will void my warranty?
6. How do I know if my stove is too hot?
7. Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace?
8. Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace insert?
9. How should I store my Ecofan during the off-season?
10. Where can I purchase an Ecofan?
11. How can I become an Ecofan retailer?
12. What is the warranty on the Ecofan?
13. What type of maintenance if any will my Ecofan require?
14. My Ecofan worked great and now it is slowing down. What should I do?
15. Do I need to keep the box my Ecofan came in?
16. Do you have a question not covered by the above?
1. How does the Ecofan work?
The Ecofan generates an electrical current utilising a temperatre diferential across a semi conuctor. The base must make contact with a heat source of at least 65ºC (150ºF) and the top of the fan must remain cool. The Ecofan needs to draw cooler air from behind in order to operate. 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. See Technical Information for more detailed information.
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2. Where should I place my Ecofan?
Be sure to position the Ecofan on a smooth flat surface on your stovetop near the side or back of the stove where cooler air can be drawn from behind and over the cooling fins. Do not place your Ecofan in the centre of the stove or in front of the stovepipe or at the front of the stove. Full information is supplied in the User Manuals.
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3. What temperature does the surface need to reach in order to operate? The Ecofan will start to rotate once the base of the fan has reached a temperature of 65ºC (150ºF).
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4. What is the recommended surface temperature of the stove? a) For wood-stoves the optimal running temperature of the Ecofan Original or Ecofan Airplus is the same as the recommended safe operating temperatures for wood-stoves of between 230ºC and 340ºC (450ºF and 650ºF). Remove your Ecofan if your stovetop temperature exceeds 340ºC (650ºF). b) For gas-stoves the optimal running temperature of the Ecofan GS is between 65ºC and 150ºC (150ºF and 300ºF). Placing your Ecofan GS on a stovetop surface of above 150ºC (300ºF) will reduce its effectiveness. Never use an Ecofan GS on a wood-stove.
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5. What will void my warranty? Caframo will warranty any product bought through a recognised retailer. Products bought through individuals or on-line auctions have no warranty. The warranty does not cover abnormal wear or damages resulting from accident, misuse, abuse or, if applicable, breakage (when such breakage is not due to a manufacturing defect) and any other incidental or consequential damages. Simply put -If you overheat your fan or drop your fan your warranty will be voided. See Warranty Terms for more information.
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6. How do I know if my stove is too hot? We recommend the use of a stovetop thermometer to ensure good wood-stove safety. If you do not have a stovetop thermometer the heat sensitive spring on the base of the fan will gently tilt the fan as your stove”s temperature increases. No tilt or a small tilt (the gap between the front of the Ecofan base and stove) of up to 2mm or 1/16″ is good. A large tilt over 5mm or 3/16″ means your stove is too hot and you should remove your Ecofan until your stove has cooled down. (As a result of advances in thermoelectric module technology, from the summer of 2008 heat sensitive springs are no longer fitted to the 3-blade 802 Airplus Ecofans).
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7. Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace? Unfortunately no, the Ecofan generates its own electricity through temperature differential. The base must make contact with a heat source of at least 65ºC (150ºF) and the top of the fan must remain cooler. The Ecofan needs to draw cooler air from behind in order to operate.
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8. Can I use a wood-stove Ecofan on a fireplace insert? Yes, but placement is key. Again the fan needs to draw cooler air from behind to operate and the surface on which the Ecofan is placed should never exceed 340ºC (650ºF).
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9. How should I store my Ecofan during the off-season? Once the Ecofan is placed properly on your stove there is no need to move it. We recommend leaving it in its position on top of the stove year round. If you want to remove it for any reason, please take care to store it in a location where it cannot be knocked over or dropped. It is a good idea to retain the original box and packing to safely store your Ecofan when not in use.
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10. Where can I purchase an Ecofan? Caframo manufactures the Ecofans and does not sell to end consumers. If you having difficulty locating a stockist near you, please contact us at Renewable Technologies Ltd. and they will guide you to the appropriate retailer in your area. Find Local Stockists link.
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11. How can I become an Ecofan retailer? We are actively looking for reputable stockists for the Ecofan. If you wish to stock and sell Ecofan”s in the republic of Ireland please contact us with your details and we will return to you with necessary details.
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12. What is the warranty on the Ecofan? Both models of the wood-stove Ecofan and the gas-stove Ecofan carry a two-year warranty. See Warranty Terms for more information.
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13. What type of maintenance if any will my Ecofan require? The Ecofans have been designed to operate maintenance free. If you would like to clean your Ecofan, use a detergent free cloth to wipe down the extrusions.
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14. My Ecofan worked great and now it is slowing down. What should I do? Check your fan for proper placement. Check the normal operating temperature of your stove with a stovetop thermometer. Within Ireland contact us at Renewable Technologies Ltd. and we will enquire further into the problem. A refurbishment service is available if this is required. Top
15. Do I need to keep the box my Ecofan came in? It is advisable as the box is designed to protect the Ecofans” blade/motor arrangement. You can use it for safe storage of your Ecofan over the summer months and it will make it easier if you ever need to return the fan under guarantee or for refurbishment.
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16. Do you have a question not covered by the above? Ask us your question and we will get back to you with an answer soon. Select the ”Contact Us:” link by clicking here. Top