Stop in for a cup of coffee

Is that for circulation of the hot air into the room, or does it need it to burn right? My woodstove has a blower on the back. pushes air between the double wall and out the slot on top of the front. Wasn't working and I just gave it a bump and it started. Oiled it and seems good again. However,...we might be done burning this year. Every time, we get a little water draining from chimney and smells horrible. Think I need to let it warm from outside and completely thaw. Then repair top so it can't do it next year.
Circulation over the top of the firebox and under the cast iron housing.