Better Blower for the Englander NC13

[JPinnell]

So I scored a NC13 mid season last Winter from Lowes. I'm really happy with it, except for the blower. I do realize this stove was built to a price point and that's part of the reason why I purchased it. The stove is located center of our house in the LR. The blower is just a small squirrel cage with a 2-3" outlet and installs on the rear of the heat shield. It is loud enough to be annoying so I haven't ran it more than a few times. It does seem to make a noticeable difference when it's really cold out so it does have some benefit. I'm wondering if anyone has tried the unit from the NC30 or other stove that would be quieter? I'm handy enough to cut and make the mods necessary for fitting something else, just don't know what would be a good unit.

Thanks

- JP

 

[cmonSTART]

I think the 30 blower would move too much air for the 13. It's a pretty big unit and moves a LOT of air when on high. That would be my biggest worry. Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[BrotherBart]

It would cool the firebox too much screwing up the efficient burn. And would not be silent by any stretch.

 

[WayneB]

Maybe try a computer muffin fan? Some of the surplus places online have quite a selection, and some have the db. rating. I would mount it a little ways from the stove, due to most having plastic blades.

 

[JPinnell]

WASAJCO - I'd considered a couple of muffin fans. I have one somewhere in my stash that is an aluminum housing and phenolic blades, but I can't find it. I've been watching surpluscenter.com but nothing looks too promising yet.

Ideally I'd be able to find one that's high output, but could be turned down low enough to be quiet. The original puts out a good volume of air on high. Mine seems to have a bit of vibration an resonates the heat shield a bit. Maybe I just have a poor quality blower motor? Anyone else have the optional stock blower for the NC13 and is satisfied with the noise output in their main living area?

 

[daleeper]

If the motor on your fan will allow it, slow it down. I have a fan on my old earth stove that I didn't use for several years for the same reason, too loud. I put a router speed control box on it to slow the fan down, and it works great. Certain motors will not last long on a rheostat like that, not sure whether the one from englander will handle it or not. Make sure the rheostat motor controller has enough amp rating to handle the motor. The only other addition I would like on mine is to add a thermostatic disc on/off switch, so that it comes on when the stove is hot, and shuts off when it cools down. I bought the snap disk switch, but haven't wired it in yet.