clyde1 said:
Are folks experiencing problems with the rheostat/blower control on their Hearthstone clydesdale? I have seen another post complaining about the problem, but wanted to see if this was common.
Anyhow mine went just weeks after the warranty expired and hearthstone is completely unwilling to work with me to to replace it. I went to them directly after my dealer didn't have any luck with them.
If anyone had this part fail and was able to replace it with a universal part from another vendor I would love to hear from you. I am very disappointed with Hearthstone.
Thanks
Clyde 1:
Ok then... We have been using our Clydesdale for over a year now. The only problem that we have experienced with the blower system is noise. The blower motor housing tends to rattle intermittently under certain conditions of air control, how hot the firebox is, and how high the fan speed is set. I did install the "elasomeric" block under the fan housing that is supposed to fix the problem, but it is not a permanent fix. This fix was designed/provided by Hearthstone. When I get motivated, I will remove the ash lip and study the rattle under operating conditions. Then I will have my welder or sheet metal shop fabricate an "anti-rattle" device. Maybe I will sell the patent rights to Hearthstone. Ha!!
Sorry to hear about your issues with Hearthstone. One would think that they would replace a part that was recently "out of warranty" to create customer good-will. However, such behavior is often not the current business model today.
I digress...There was a time many years ago, (in the 70's) that Eddie Bauer was a sportsman outfitter. They sold very high quality sleeping bags, down coats, boots, fly fishing equipment (Orvis). If you ever had an issue with any of the products that they sold you, they would take it back - no questions asked - no matter how old it was. Not any more. Now Eddie Bauer is just another clothing store. What a shame. By the way, if you want a high quality jacket, pants, hat, etc., buy from Filson.com. They have the same customer oriented attitude that Eddie Bauer used to have. The Filson motto? May as well have the best.
Regarding the heat output of the blower, I think you have to consider the whole installation and use of the insert. Those Clydesdale insert owners that complain about low heat output from the fan may not have optimized the stove installation. For example, is there a block off plate to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney cavity? Is the block off plate insulated? Is the chimney pipe installed? Is the space under the top plate insulated? Is dry wood being burned? And a host of other issues that should be considered.
I do know this much, we have a 2000sf ranch. If I run the blower at max speed, the insert will cook us out of the house. I normally run the blower at 1/4 or 1/3 speed to find the sweet spot where it's not putting out too much heat and the unit does not rattle.
Let us know how you resolved your blower motor problems. You could take the unit to an electrician and see what can be repaired/replaced.
Good luck