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There are several ways to make a fireplace blower quieter:
- Clean the blower and vents – Built up dust and debris can cause extra noise
- Lubricate the motor – Lubricating the blower motor can help reduce noise
- Adjust the speed – Running the blower at a lower speed may reduce noise
- Add sound dampening materials – Rubber pads, acoustic insulation or baffles can dampen vibration and noise
- Replace worn out parts – Worn bearings, blades or motors are often louder and should be replaced
- Buy a quieter model – Newer blowers may have design improvements and soundproofing
Consult your owner’s manual or a fireplace professional for the best way to access and maintain your specific fireplace blower. With some simple maintenance and adjustments, you can likely extend the life of the blower while also making it run quieter.
Fireplace blowers are a great way to maximize heat output by dispersing warm air from a fireplace into a room. However, some homeowners find that their fireplace blowers are excessively noisy and disruptive. If your fireplace blower is rattling, buzzing, or otherwise too loud, there are several steps you can take to help quiet it down. With some basic maintenance and a few upgrades, you can continue enjoying the increased efficiency of a fireplace blower without the bothersome noise.
How Fireplace Blowers Work
Before getting into how to make a fireplace blower quieter, it helps to understand what a fireplace blower is and how it works. A fireplace blower is a fan installed near the firebox that is designed to pull cool air from the room into a heat exchange chamber. As this air passes near the hot firebox, it warms up. The blower then forces the warmed air back out into the living space, circulating heat more effectively throughout the room.
Fireplace blowers run on electric motors and typically have multiple speed settings. They are controlled by a thermostat or manual switches. When turned on, the motor spins a fan blade that creates airflow. The size, design and speed of the fan can all impact noise levels.
Some key fireplace blower components that influence sound include:
- Motor – Powers the spinning of the fan blade
- Fan blades – Metal or plastic blades that circulate air
- Housing – Metal enclosure surrounding the blower
- Vents – Intake and outlet vents that direct airflow
- Controls – Thermostats, switches and rheostats that control on/off and speed
- Mounts – Rubber or metal vibration dampening mounts
Issues with any of these components can lead to increased noise. Basic maintenance and upgrades to the blower assembly or individual parts may help reduce sound.
Cleaning the Blower
One of the simplest ways to help reduce blower noise is to give it a thorough cleaning. Over time, dust, lint and debris can accumulate on and within the blower motor and housing. Excess buildup of dirt inside the blower can cause the following issues:
- Restricted airflow leading to increased vibration and noise
- Friction against fan blades causing rattling or buzzing sounds
- Overheating of motor due to blocked air intakes and restricted airflow
- Imbalance of fan blade from debris buildup causing wobbling
Carefully vacuuming out the blower assembly, vents and surrounding areas can remove these accumulations. Compressed air can also be used to dislodge stubborn dirt buildup. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended cleaning method for your specific model.
Be sure to wear safety glasses, a mask and gloves when cleaning a blower to avoid inhaling or touching potentially hazardous soot and ash residue. The blower area may contain sharps pieces of metal that could cut hands.
After a thorough cleaning, run the blower and listen for any improvement in sound levels. You may immediately notice a reduction in rattling, buzzing or grinding type noises coming from the blower.
Tips for Cleaning a Fireplace Blower
Here are some useful tips to effectively clean a noisy fireplace blower:
- Unplug blower before cleaning
- Use soft brush attachment on vacuum for delicate parts
- Vacuum intake vents, output vent and surrounding area
- Use vacuum crevice tool to remove debris inside housing
- Wipe down exterior housing, blades and motor with dry cloth
- Blow out dust with short bursts of compressed air
- Replace air filters if applicable
- Consult manual for any disassembly required to access and clean internal components
- Ensure all loose debris is removed and parts fully reassembled after cleaning
- Run blower to check for noise reduction
Regularly cleaning out your fireplace blower can remove particle buildup that leads to unnecessary noise. Always be sure to follow safety precautions when working near electrical components.
Lubricating the Motor
Another common contributor to excess blower noise is lack of lubrication. Most electric motors require periodic oiling or greasing to prevent premature wear. Motors contain small bushings, bearings and internal gears that need lubrication to run smoothly and quietly.
When motor components run dry, friction increases leading to potential squealing, grinding or rattling noises. Applying fresh motor lubricant helps minimize this friction and noise while also extending the life of the motor.
Refer to your owner’s manual to determine what type of lubricant is recommended and the method for accessing and oiling your particular blower motor. Many motors have oil ports specifically designed for periodic lubrication. Avoid over-oiling to prevent leaks or splattering that could damage other components.
Proper lubrication will help internal motor components glide quietly. But be aware that worn out or damaged bearings and bushings may still require replacement no matter how much oil is applied.
Tips for Lubricating a Fireplace Blower Motor
Here are some key tips for effectively lubricating a blower motor:
- Check manual for recommended lubricant and oil port locations
- Only use lubricant specified by manufacturer
- Disconnect power source before lubricating
- Clean oil ports and surrounding area first
- Apply oil sparingly using manual oiler or syringe
- Wait 5 minutes for oil to distribute before turning on
- Run briefly and check for reduced noise
- Repeat oiling if noise persists until smooth and quiet
- Do not overfill or allow excess dripping
Periodic lubrication of the blower motor is an easy maintenance task that can keep it running cooler and quieter. Combine with cleaning for a complete blower noise reduction tune-up.
Adjusting Blower Speed
If cleaning and lubricating don’t eliminate all blower noise, adjusting the speed may help. Most fireplace blowers have variable speed controls, either via rheostat dials or adjustable thermostats. Running the blower at lower speeds can sometimes reduce noise for several reasons:
- Slower blade rotation generates less turbulence
- Lower air velocity creates less duct rumbling
- Reduced load on motor creates less resistance and friction
Experiment with lowering blower speed settings in increments to find an optimal level that still provides sufficient heat circulation at acceptable noise levels.
This may involve a balancing act between airflow volume and noise reduction. Higher CFM blowers or HVAC fans will naturally move more air which often generates more sound. Try reducing speed until noise is minimized then bump up slightly as needed ensure adequate heating performance.
Some blowers may have a resonant frequency at certain speeds that amplifies sound. Slowing or increasing speed may avoid this excessive resonant vibration. Play with speed settings while listening close to blower to pinpoint optimal quiet operation range.
Tips for Adjusting Fireplace Blower Speed
Here are some tips for adjusting blower speed to reduce noise:
- Consult manual for speed adjustment method (rheostat, controls, etc)
- With fire going, start blower at lowest speed
- Gradually increase speed while listening for changes in noise
- Identify speed just before noise increases significantly
- Confirm heat output still sufficiently supplements fireplace at this speed
- Use insulation blanket to allow lower speed without reducing heating effect
- Mark or note best low-noise speed setting for future reference
- Consider installing a variable speed control for greater precision
Running at the lowest effective speed can minimize turbulence and vibration that creates distracting blower noise in a living space.
Adding Sound Dampening Materials
In cases where cleaning, lubricating and adjusting fan speed still don’t sufficiently reduce blower noise, adding sound dampening materials can help absorb and muffle sounds. There are several ways to integrate damping materials to make a large impact on blower noise:
Vibration Dampening Pads
Rubber or foam pads can be used below the blower mounts to absorb motor vibration from transferring into the surrounding material. This isolates the blower and prevents amplified resonance. Mounting pads should match the size of the blower base. Adhesive pads make installation easier.
Acoustic Baffles
Baffles installed around the blower assembly help break up and reflect sound waves, dissipating noise. Baffles can be metal partitions or acoustic foam panels designed to trap noise. Strategic placement around the intake, output and housing creates a quieter blower chamber.
Insulation Blankets
Special high-density insulating blankets wrap directly around blower housings to smother noise emanating from the metal body. The dense, molded material blocks noise transmission better than standard insulation. This is an effective retrofit solution for noisy blower housings.
Duct Soundproofing
Applying sound damping materials inside ducts that contain blower air circulation can mute rumbling reverberations. Acoustic insulation wraps or foam lining inside ductwork prevent amplified noise transfer through vents.
Intake Silencers
Installing acoustic silencers fitted over blower intake vents can reduce turbulence and muffling sounds as air enters the fan chamber. These reusable foam filters dissipate noise while still allowing full airflow.
Combining several of these soundproofing methods can have a significant impact on reducing blower motor and airflow noise for a peaceful environment. Be sure any materials installed do not fully block or restrict air intake or output of the blower.
Replacing Worn Parts
With regular maintenance, blowers can provide many years of reliable service. But over time, wear and tear inevitably takes a toll, especially when blowers run frequently during cold seasons. As components slowly degrade, excess noise is a common side effect.
When basic maintenance, adjustments and soundproofing no longer silence a noisy blower, replacing worn out parts may ultimately be needed. Some common components that may require replacement due to normal wear include:
- Bearings – Allow blades and shafts to spin smoothly
- Bushings – Reduce friction in motors and bearings
- Fan blades – Critical for smooth, balanced airflow
- Motor – Powerful yet quiet electric motors are essential
- Fan housing – Dented or warped housings can amplify vibrations
Upgrading to higher quality replacement parts often reduces noise that cheaper generic parts may produce. Premium ball bearings, higher efficiency fan blades and sound-dampened motors can make substantial noise reductions.
Consult your owner’s manual for specific part numbers and always use OEM parts when possible. Proper sizing and installation is critical. Attempting to jury rig or install incorrect spare parts is not advised. Consider hiring a professional for the best long-term results.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Blower Parts
Here are some signs that worn blower components may be causing increased noise:
- Screeching, scraping or grinding noises
- Rattling from loose, unbalanced or bent fan blades
- Squealing or shrieking from failing or seized bearings
- Knocking or slapping sounds from worn bushings
- Overheating, burning or smoking smells
- Excess motor vibration
- Reduced heating ability
- Continually needing oil added to compensating for failing parts
Replacing even a single worn out part can sometimes eliminate the root cause of new blower noise and restore normal operation.
Purchasing a New Blower
If your fireplace currently lacks a blower, or replacing the existing unit is needed, purchasing a new blower is a chance to upgrade to a quieter model. There have likely been design improvements that enhance performance and noise reduction since your fireplace and blower were manufactured.
New blowers offer advantages such as:
- Advanced motors with sound dampening
- Optimized fan blade angles for quieter air movement
- Whisper-quiet bearings and bushings
- Improved seals to reduce air leaks
- Integral acoustic insulation and materials
- Modified intake and vent designs
- Housings with noise cancellation geometry
- Higher quality components and craftsmanship
Look for ratings that indicate noise level reductions, measured in decibels. Also compare CFM air movement to find a blower with a high airflow to noise ratio. Manufacturers continue making incremental enhancements that increase performance and comfort.
Just be sure to choose a replacement blower properly sized and designed specifically for your fireplace model. Consider paying extra for a quality brand name blower for the best results. This is one home appliance where it pays to buy the most advanced model available. The difference in noise reduction for a few extra dollars will be worth it.
Working with Professionals
While many blower repairs and upgrades can be done as DIY projects, don’t hesitate to enlist professional help for certain blower noise issues. HVAC technicians and fireplace specialists have the skills, tools and expertise to properly diagnose and fix problems you may be unable to remedy on your own.
They also have access to specialized sound dampening products, materials and replacement parts not available to ordinary consumers. Upgrades like installing commercial grade soundproof duct materials require professional installation.
Even just having an annual fireplace and blower tuneup done by a service company can keep your system running quietly and efficiently. Any serious mechanical issues can also be identified early before becoming major problems.
Get several quotes to compare costs for repairs versus new blower purchase and installation. Ask about any sound testing diagnostics performed to pinpoint blower noise causes. This can determine whether specific components or the entire blower should be replaced.
With professional guidance combined with regular DIY cleaning and maintenance, your noisy fireplace blower can once again provide warm, tranquil heat.
Conclusion
Unwanted noise from fireplace blowers can be annoying, but in most cases the problem can be fixed with minimal effort. Start with a thorough cleaning and lubrication. Adjusting speed settings lower may also help reduce noise. Adding sound dampening materials such as baffles, pads and duct insulation can smother noise. Replacing worn out bearings, blades and motors eliminates components that may have degraded over time. And replacing an older, noisy blower with a new whisper-quiet model is the ultimate solution. With a few upgrades and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a crackling fire with a peaceful automated airflow for optimal comfort and ambiance.