Dickenson Newport Fireplace Fan

[Rex Delay]

We truly like our little fireplace (propane) but when really chilly out, we need the circulation fan. Problem is, the fan is really noisy. Has anyone replaced theirs with something quiet and if so, what and from where?

[waterworldrob]

Surplus Center (aka burden sales) has lots of those little fans..

[AnchorageGuy]

We had the diesel unit and used it for many years. The fan was not that noisy so I wonder if you have another problem like something being loose and rattling around. Chuck

[IdoraKeeper]

There are new fans out for computers that are slow speed and larger diameter. Those attributes make them much quieter. You might have to get creative with ducting but it will be a better air mover and quiet.

Todd

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

We had the diesel unit and used it for many years. The fan was not that noisy so I wonder if you have another problem like something being loose and rattling around. Chuck

Just to confirm, this model is naturally loud (I was on my boat with the bugger last night). I hate it above ~ 50%.

I wonder if it is the fan, or how the fan is mounted to the shell (transfering vibration). I'll have to look.

[Rex Delay]

Just got a response from Dickinson. They are aware of the noise issue and are testing replacement fans. Will get back to me when they find a quiet one.

[Rex Delay]

Just got a message from Dickinson. They have sourced a fan which is quieter and are testing it now. Results in about a month. If suitable, will let you know.

[thinwater]

Please!

And good work; the old fan made a racket from day one, and my unit is still just 1-year old..

[silverp40]

We just replaced ours with a new one purchased from Dickinson (not cheap!) and it is also noisy despite my best attempts to install it properly so that nothing rattles around. The fan has metal blades for heat resistance I suppose ( although the heat normally rises above it). The istructions say not to bend the blades otherwise they will cause noise.

Well, I did not bend them and the fan is still noisy.

Maybe they prebent the blades at the factory on a Friday afternoon shift....

[squarerigger]

I love my propane fireplace also with the exception of the fan which is truly noisy and irritating. When I contacted the company they said that they chose this fan because it was the most economical in use of electricity. Personally, I'd be willing to expend a bit more juice not to have to listen to the noise. In the end I installed a Hella fan above the fireplace where it can blow a stream of air down across the unit. Not as efficient as the fan in the fireplace but it's silent.

Best,
Ray

[Rex Delay]

Dickenson is currently testing a plastic fan which they claim is much quieter. They are running it for a month to see if it is as good long term. They said they would email me the results and if satisfactory, I will post the results and a source for the fan.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by squarerigger

I love my propane fireplace also with the exception of the fan which is truly noisy and irritating. When I contacted the company they said that they chose this fan because it was the most economical in use of electricity. Personally, I'd be willing to expend a bit more juice not to have to listen to the noise. In the end I installed a Hella fan above the fireplace where it can blow a stream of air down across the unit. Not as efficient as the fan in the fireplace but it's silent.

Best,
Ray

I do the same, with the fireplace fan on very low. Try that, it helps and is still very quiet.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by squarerigger

I love my propane fireplace also with the exception of the fan which is truly noisy and irritating. When I contacted the company they said that they chose this fan because it was the most economical in use of electricity. Personally, I'd be willing to expend a bit more juice not to have to listen to the noise. In the end I installed a Hella fan above the fireplace where it can blow a stream of air down across the unit. Not as efficient as the fan in the fireplace but it's silent.

Best,
Ray

We did much the same, here it is,
http://tinyurl.com/mjf7ab
Chuck

[Rex Delay]

An email I got from Dickinson last night.

"So far the fan had worked well on our boat. It is quieter and we have had no problem when running it 3-4 hours at a time. Tomorrow we are testing a unit in the shop to run all day to see if the heat effects the fan in anyway since most of the heat radiates from the top of the heater so I'm thinking there won't be any issues. I have also sent samples to a few to customers to test for me as well. I will let you know tomorrows outcome as we are almost positive we will be changing to this fan in the future."

[thinwater]

Keep posting. I appreciate it.