On this page, you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Xzense and exodraft chimney fans.
Xzense is a wireless control for controlling an exodraft chimney fan
An exodraft chimney fan is a ventilator for wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. It is installed on top of the chimney and ensures that your wood-burning stove receives sufficient combustion air to burn brightly and cleanly all day. The exodraft chimney fan creates a negative pressure in the chimney which solves some of the issues you might experience when firing with solid fuels (such as difficult lighting or smoke in the room).
No. All exodraft chimney fans require a controller for adjusting fan speed and other functions.
The mechanical chimney fan solution is actually a 60+ year-old invention – and today it is already found on many chimneys all over the world. But the solution was not created to be visible, but rather, effective. For this reason, you rarely notice if a chimney has a chimney fan installed. A survey has shown that one in every four households with a wood-burning stove experiences problems with difficult lighting and smoke in the room. Unfortunately, it is often something people give up on trying to fix and simply learn to live with. That is a shame as an exodraft chimney fan can easily solve these issues.
A chimney fan sits on top of the chimney, ensuring a proper chimney draught for your wood-burning stove or fireplace. The chimney fan is controlled by the Xzense controller or its associated smartphone app which must be used in the vicinity of the fireplace.
Often, the natural draught in the chimney is insufficient – and the problem only gets worse as we make our homes more air-tight and energy efficient, installing air conditioning and powerful range hoods.
There is not enough air to go around in a draught-free house, and it is very common for the stove to have insufficient air – the result is difficult lighting of the fire and smoke in the living room.
Instead of extending your chimney to improve the draught, you can – in the vast majority of cases – install an exodraft chimney fan instead. The chimney fan propels the smoke high in the air, keeping flue gasses and particles away from your house and your neighbours. It is a nice alternative to having a tall eyesore of a chimney.
No. An exodraft chimney fan creates a mechanical draught equivalent to the natural draught in a well-functioning chimney. Additionally, it reduces particle emission, thereby protecting the environment.
The construction of the fan is balanced with high-quality ball bearings, giving it a very low noise level. You will still be able to hear the soft rush of air moving through the flue.
No. For safety reasons, the chimney fan cannot be turned off while running. This means that you can only turn off the chimney fan when the temperature in the chimney has reached the set minimum temperature. Temperature set points can be changed with the Xzense controller.
The chimney fan should be cleaned at least once a year. You can do this yourself or make an appointment with your chimney sweep. Contact your chimney sweep for further information. No other maintenance is required.
Chimney cowls are typically spherical with a “rotating cover” that turns only when it is windy. Unlike a chimney fan, they have no controller. The main function of the cowl is to prevent backflow due to wind or birds entering the chimney. Since the cowl has no control system, you can’t control how often or for how long it turns. The exodraft chimney fans are the only fans on the market that give you full control over the chimney draught so you can adjust it based on your needs. They are also the only system that can run in automatic mode, automatically adjusting the draught to current weather conditions and the fireplace. Finally, an exodraft chimney fan will create and maintain a solid and consistent chimney draught even when there is no wind, i.e. when it is most needed.
Installer:
If you buy your chimney fan from an exodraft partner, he or she can provide you with further information about the nearest authorised installer.
Also, don’t forget to buy an installation kit that covers the installation of both the chimney fan and the controller.
Note that the chimney fan and the controller must be installed correctly for the warranty and right-of-cancellation requirements to be met.
Do-it-yourself:
You can install the chimney fan yourself. When you purchase an exodraft chimney fan, it comes with detailed instructions. It is required by law, however, that any controllers, except for Xzense, be installed by a qualified electrician.
On all chimneys with insufficient draught – both brick and steel chimneys, tall and short.
Xzense is compatible with all exodraft chimney fans. You select the right chimney fan model based on your needs (fireplace type, dimensions etc.) and then you just pair the Xzense controller with your selected chimney fan.
For help in determining which exodraft fan model you need, fill out this appraisal form and send it to us, and we will guide you in making the correct selection.
The Xzense controller measures H700 x W850 x D250 mm and weighs 150 g.
The Xzense controller is made from ABS and is coated with a surface treatment that makes the controller feel secure to the touch, providing a non-slip base when placed on a table or similar surface.
Xzense comes with a bracket for wall-mounting the controller, but it can also be placed on a table or in a drawer.
Do not place Xzense on – or near – the stove/fireplace!
No. The Xzense app only works when paired with the Xzense controller and its power unit. After pairing Xzense with your smartphone, you can use the app to optimise lighting conditions and adjust the speed of the chimney fan, but the Xzense controller and power unit are critical components for the operation of the chimney fan. The power unit must be supplied with power from a fixed power outlet in order to work with the app.
Problem:
– The switch is off.
– Poor electric connections.
Solution:
– Check the switch.
– Check the switch and fix the problem.
Problem:
– Poor electrical connections
Solution:
– Check and fix any problems with the connections
Problem:
– Accumulation of soot can block your exodraft chimney fan
Solution:
– Clean your exodraft chimney fan
Problem:
– The damper is closed / in the wrong position
– The chimney is blocked
– House ventilation and/or range hood has too much suction
– The selected exodraft chimney fan may be too small
Solution:
– Set the damper correctly
– Check the chimney for obstructions
– Turn down house ventilation and/or range hood – or install a more powerful chimney fan model
– Replace the current exodraft chimney fan model with a larger/more powerful model
Problem:
– The motor’s axle may be bent
Solution:
– Replace your exodraft chimney fan
Problem:
– A foreign body may be stuck in the chimney fan
– The ball bearings in the engine may be worn
Solution:
– Remove any foreign bodies
– Replace your exodraft chimney fan
Any new changes? Such as:
– Did you buy a new wood-burning stove?
– Did you get a new, efficient range hood in your kitchen?
– Did you install an air conditioning system in your home?
– Did something around your house get taller – such as a neighbour’s tree, a higher roof top, an added second storey etc.?
Solution:
– Turbulence around the chimney or a new, modern ultra-efficient stove can create problems, since it only lets out limited heat through the chimney. All these problems can be solved once and for all with an exodraft chimney fan.