Outdoor Furnace: Top 4 Signs Your Blower Fan Will QUIT Soon!
Top 4 Signs Your Outdoor Boiler Blower Fan Will QUIT Soon! How To Know If Death is Imminent
We are getting calls from many customers whose outdoor wood boiler blower fans are NEAR DEATH, but they don't realize this.
Blower fans don't usually just go from NORMAL to DEAD instantly. They often die slowly, and if you pay attention, you can be prepared for this. An outdoor wood burning boiler blower fan that is near death should be replaced immediately! Do NOT risk freeze damage!
Here are the TOP 4 Signs Your Blower is Near Death:
1. You see an increase in CREOSOTE in your outdoor wood furnace. This is a sign of poor combustion, likely from a failing blower.
2. You feel little or no air from the fan. Place your hand in front of the air flow opening (door) and feel the air flow. The air flow should be sufficient to blow your hair away from your face (if you have hair!).
Burn Caution: If the air flow opening on your outdoor wood stove is inside the stove, do not use your hand, but rather attach a 5" strip of plastic (from a grocery bag) to a stick and hold it in front of the air flow.
3. Unusual Fan Noise/High Amperage. A failing fan will often make a humming sound, or a squealing sound. If the fan is not spinning, sometimes it can be started spinning and it takes off. (Do not use your hand to start it!)
If a routine check of the amperage load to the motor reveals high amperage, the motor is working too hard and will fail soon. This test is done using an amp meter on the common wire.
4. Wood Not Burning Well. If your wood is not burning well, this is usually a sign of poor airflow. Airflow problems can be caused by a bad solenoid, a blockage of some sort, or because your blower fan is NEAR DEATH!
Again, a blower fan that is near death should be replaced immediately! A blower fan cannot be oiled - they are designed to be maintenance-free, and then just replaced when they reach their end of life. The lowest cost maintenance is a full replacement - components of the fan are not available to replace cost-effectively.
Click HERE for Replacement Blower Fans. Don't buy a cheap imitation fan - DON'T RISK voiding your warranty, or destroying your investment with improper replacement parts!
OutdoorBoiler.com Recommendation: Since all outdoor wood burners are designed to OUTLAST their electronics, we recommend that you always have a SPARE of the four main electrical components:
1. Blower Fan
3. Solenoid
We call these four items the "Emergency Prep Kit". For more outdoor wood boiler parts, visit our online store OutdoorBoiler.com!
Operating Furnace FAQs:
- Am I burning too much wood?
You may be. Is the wood properly seasoned? Have you cleared the firebox? High wood consumption can be caused by a number of factors.
- Can I leave my furnace over the weekend?
You may have someone "feed" your furnace for you or you may lower the thermostat temperature.
- Should I turn my thermostat down at night?
No, the lower the water temperature will cause the use of more wood to recover.
- What are the critical items to operate and maintain my furnace efficiently?
1. Keep water full
2. Manage ash
3. Use water treatment
4. Use seasoned wood
5. Keep fire in the middle of the firebox
6. Clean tubes regularly
Maintenance FAQs
- Why is water treatment important?
The chemical (water treatment) coats the inside of the furnace to reduce the effects of corrosion on the metal. Click HERE to order our Liquid Armor Water Treatment and other outdoor wood furnace parts.
- How often do I need to Inspect my Chimney/Flue
Inspect chimney and flue monthly and clean as needed. Clean chimney and flue annually. Perform cleaning and maintenance only when no fire is present in the firebox and ashes are cooled completely.
- How Can I Change Door Rope Gasket?
The rope will settle in the first few months of use. Before you change the rope gasket try adjusting your door. This is easiest with two people, one to push the door against the chute and the other to adjust the bolts. Keep your door snug but not so tight that it is difficult to operate.
- Why is ash management important?
If the ash becomes wet it is corrosive to the metal of the furnace. If the level of ash is too thick in the water box it does not allow for efficient heat transfer to the water in the water jacket of the furnace. The temperature of the water in the jacket is used to heat your house.
Troubleshooting
- Why am I not getting hot water?
Check that the hot water system is connected properly. Check if the heat exchanger is partially or totally clogged.
- Why does my furnace continue to burn wood when it is not operating?
Check the door seal, door adjustment, and solenoid.
- I can't find a leak in my furnace. Why am I losing water?
Wood burning furnaces use a non-pressurized system, this means that the heating system is exposed to the air. Since the water in the system can and will be warmer than the air, there will be evaporation of the water in the system. The water must be checked and adjusted at least once a month, sometimes more.
Be the HERO to your family and Be Prepared so you can keep your family warm and toasty while saving from your heating bills and avoiding the expense of costly repairs for your outdoor boiler!
