Creative ways to use your woodstove in summer
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woodstove wood stove cleaning wood stove ecofan caframo

Spring has sprung, and warmer weather is on the way! We have already caught a glimpse of what summer may look like here on the Bruce Peninsula, and we are ready to say goodbye to snow and frosty conditions for yet another year. 

As we enter a new season, gone are chilly days curled up by a wood stove with an Ecofan spinning merrily along. However, there are a few unique ways to utilize your wood stove all summer. If you're still fighting the spring chill, here are some helpful tips for having spring fires in your wood stove!

Wood stove in summer with flowers and Ecofan

Prepare Your Ecofan for the Summer Months!

However, cleaning your wood stove and chimney regularly is recommended if you use your wood stove in the off-season. This will not only assist in utilizing your wood stove effectively but safely as well. 

Creosote can quickly build up and cause issues in proper ventilation and function. If creosote hardens within your chimney, it can become flammable and increase the risk of chimney fires. If you need help correctly cleaning your wood stove or chimney pipe, please consult a professional for care and maintenance tips. 

Here are a few tips to follow when cleaning your wood stove. And if you really want to show your wood stove that you love it, be sure to check out this blog, all about showing your wood stove love and getting your wood stove ready for summer!

  1. Ensure that the stove has cooled entirely and that no embers are actively burning or hot. 
  2. Use gloves, and with a small shovel, wood stove brush, and dustpan, carefully remove the ashes from the firebox and place them in a metal pail. Once clear and cleaned, put the ashes outside safely away from combustibles. 
  3. Fill a spray bottle of safe glass cleaner (water and vinegar make a fantastic cleaner), and carefully wipe both sides of the front glass door of your wood-burning appliance with a soft cloth. 
  4. Sweep the hearth around the wood stove to clear away debris. 
  5. Wipe the top of your stove and chimney pipe with a damp cloth to ensure that the exterior surface of the wood stove gets some love as well!

Wood stove with flowers and Ecofan

Ecofan Care is Easy Too!

  1. Once completely cool, remove the Ecofan from the top of your stove by the handle. 
  2. Take a damp cloth and carefully wipe the unit’s blades. You can dust the body of the Ecofan or use short spritzes of compressed air, but ensure that the wires, the motor, and the module are not disturbed. 
  3. If you want to store it for the summer, please place the Ecofan in the box it came in or a package that the unit will stand up in easily. Store the unit where it cannot fall, become crushed, or encounter moisture. You can choose to leave it on the stove as well.
  4. In early Fall, take your Ecofan out of storage, and test the unit to ensure it works as it should! Typically, an Ecofan motor will run for 3-5 burning seasons depending on use, and the module will function for 10+ years if the unit has not overheated or fallen from the stove. 

If you encounter any issues with your unit, contact our Customer Service Team so your Ecofan can be ready for the first signs of winter! Not sure how Ecofan works and want to be able to tell your friends? Follow this link for everything you need to know about wood stove fans.

Wood stove with candles and Ecofan

Decorate and Show Your Personality

If you do not utilize your wood stove during the off-season, why not create a functional space within your home? There are so many ways that you can spruce up your space. A few ideas to consider are;

  • Decorate the top of the stove with candles. It provides a great space to burn candles safely.
  • Utilize the hearth or stove top to showcase your green thumb. Placing potted plants on top of your stove allows you to bring the outdoors in all summer long. You can even use leftover ashes and fertilizer for happy, healthy plants.
  • Rearrange your living space. Now that your wood stove is no longer in use, bring in another accent chair to create a spot for reading, entertaining, or simply adding more of your personality into the space. 

Cooking on a wood stove and Ecofan

Use it to Cook Delicious Meals!

If you use your wood stove all year, many delicious dishes can be cooked directly on the stovetop. By utilizing cast iron pots and frying pans, it’s easy to cook soups and stews, roast potatoes, fry eggs and bacon, or even cook a thick juicy steak! 

Here are a few recipes you can try this season.

If you own a wood stove, try cooking on the stovetop, as it is a great alternative that could save you a few headaches. No matter the weather outside, or if power outages occur due to a summer storm, you can rest assured that you have an alternative option for cooking tasty meals for your family. 

Chilly evening? Cooking on your wood stove can also help ward off the evening chill and keep your home comfortable. 

Wood stoves are incredibly versatile! We would love to hear from you whether you close up your stove for the off-season or use it all year. What uses have you found for your wood burner? Please share with our team!