Chirpy fans

[petehouk]

Hey everyone. I have a Lopi Declaration that is from 2010 or so. I have replaced the fans twice now. The most recent time was in 2021 (approximately). I replaced them when they started to "chirp". They make a squeaky noise that is really irritating. So now these latest fans are starting to make the noise after only 3.5 years or so...How long are these things supposed to last? What am I doing wrong? Lastly, is there a better way to buy these things than going to a Lopi dealer? They are very expensive through the dealer, they don't last very long (apparently), and also, Lopi and their dealer network act in ways that I consider to be anti-competitive. I would not mind transferring over some of the brackets and other bits and pieces and I am reasonably handy.

Thanks!

 

[Whitenuckler]

Other than lowering the speed I don't think you can make the "normal" noise less. If you can take one of your blowers apart then maybe you can see what kind of bearings are in there. I assume they are ball bearings, in which case you can change them if you can get the motor apart.

 

[begreen]

First, annually make sure the blades are clean. An out of balance fan can wear prematurely.
For an aftermarket replacement, try here:

Lopi Declaration Wood Insert | Find Your Blower & Parts Here

View all fireplace blowers, fans and accessories for the Lopi Declaration wood insert & stove. FAST shipping on ALL orders!

fireplaceblowersonline.com

 

[petehouk]

First, annually make sure the blades are clean. An out of balance fan can wear prematurely.
For an aftermarket replacement, try here:

Lopi Declaration Wood Insert | Find Your Blower & Parts Here

View all fireplace blowers, fans and accessories for the Lopi Declaration wood insert & stove. FAST shipping on ALL orders!

fireplaceblowersonline.com

I'm willing to give annual cleaning a try. Any guidance on how that should be done? After the chirping started, I removed them and blew them out with compressed air. Anything beyond that? Seemed like it worked temporarily wen I tried it last time but then the chirping returned. I have never tried doing it preemptively. I have been hesitant to do any lubrication because I don't want oil to attract the ash and dirt and dust that make their way in there.

 

[Whitenuckler]

I'm willing to give annual cleaning a try. Any guidance on how that should be done? After the chirping started, I removed them and blew them out with compressed air. Anything beyond that? Seemed like it worked temporarily wen I tried it last time but then the chirping returned. I have never tried doing it preemptively. I have been hesitant to do any lubrication because I don't want oil to attract the ash and dirt and dust that make their way in there.

I think you are doing the best you can. If the unit is clean and the blades blown off I don't think there is anything else you can do. I'm sure most people never remove these to clean them. Unless they are bronze bushing bearings (which I'm sure they are not) you cannot lubricate them. A sealed ball bearing is supposed to be sealed, so if it is not sealed it has failed or will fail. It appears these these parts are made in such a manner as to be disposable like a toaster or fridge.

 

[begreen]

Blowing off the blades is a good start, but it's even better if they can be brushed or individually wiped.