If your fireplace is whirring, grinding, rattling or squealing, here's how to figure out where that noise is coming from and what to do about it.
ComplexityBeginner
Introduction
If your fireplace is whirring, grinding, rattling or squealing, here's how to figure out where that noise is coming from and what to do about it.
Many gas fireplaces use a blower to drive warm air out into the room. They also have a fan speed adjustment switch so you can strike a balance between blower speed and noise level. But if the fan gets loaded with dust or the motor bearings wear, the blower will make a rumbling noise at all speeds.”It’s a problem you can often fix yourself with simple tools like a screwdriver and wrench,” says John Jordan, president of Integrity Heating & Cooling.
Even if your fireplace blower isn’t making noise, it’s a good idea to clean it regularly to help it last longer. Depending on the amount of dust and pet hair in your home, that could be once a season to every few years.
If your gas fireplace is making noise (or you just want to keep it well-maintained), here’s how to troubleshoot the cause and, if necessary, replace the gas fireplace blower.
Why Is My Fireplace’s Blower So Loud?
If your fireplace blower is causing a racket, it could be something as simple as a little dust buildup on the fan blades. The worst-case scenario is that you’ll need to replace the whole blower. Whatever the reason, the first step is to find the blower on the fireplace.
Tools Required
- Shop-vac or other vacuum with a nozzle
- Soft cloth or brush
- Voltage sniffer (to make sure the power supply is disconnected)
- Wrench or screwdriver (depending on your model)
Materials Required
- New air filter (if your model has one)
- New motor (if the old one ends up being shot)
Project step-by-step (9)
Step 1
Identify the fireplace air blower
- Turn off your fireplace and unplug it or turn off the electrical breaker.
- Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Tilt out the bottom grille and shine a light inside the unit.
- Snap a photo of the blower assembly.
- Locate the nameplate on the bottom of the air intake and write down your fireplace’s brand and model number. This will be key if you end up having to replace it.
Step 2
Suck out the dust bunnies
Before replacing a gas fireplace blower, check to make sure the problem isn’t just as simple as an accumulation of dust and debris that’s built up on the fan blades or motor, as that can cause an imbalance that leads to vibrations or rattling.
“Dust build-up is the number one reason gas fireplace blowers are noisy,” says Dan Morris, founder of FireandSaw.com. “Inspecting the fan and motor will tell you if that’s the case.”
To do this:
- Lift the front panel straight up to unhook it from the side pins. Then, pull it straight out and set it aside.
- Clean off any dust with a vacuum, or wipe it off with a soft cloth or brush. You may want to remove the blower to get it fully cleaned.
- Gently brush across the fan blades with an old toothbrush, taking care not to bend them.
- Replace the air filter, if your model has one.
- Also, clear out any buildup in the vents.
- Make sure the vents aren’t obstructed by furniture.
- Give everything a second vacuum, for good measure.
- Reposition the blower and test it for noise and smooth operation.
“Doing all these things eliminates the problem in 90% of cases,” says Jordan. “You don’t need a pro for this and a lot of guesswork, just do these basic cleaning tasks and see if it helps.”
Step 3
Check for loose screws
Another common problem is loose screws or brackets on the blower motor or housing. “This can lead to annoying rattling sounds,” says Aaron Lipman, owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair. “You can check for movement by gently pushing on the blower or motor. Tightening loose screws with a screwdriver should stop the noise.”
Step 4
See if the fan is misaligned
In some cases, the blower fan might have shifted out of alignment, causing it to rub against the housing. If you hear a grinding noise, this is probably your culprit. “This is trickier but still manageable,” says Lipman.
To fix it:
- Turn off the fireplace and unplug it, or turn off the electrical breaker.
- Loosen the mounting screws.
- Realign the blower.
- Re-tighten the screws.
Lipman says if the noise is high-pitched or grinding, the blower’s motor bearings might be worn out, which could mean you need to replace the motor entirely. Also, if the fan is bent or damaged, you’ll probably need to replace the whole gas fireplace motor assembly.
Step 5
Check for bad bearings
If you hear a squealing noise, it’s most likely an issue with the blower motor bearings, says Jordan. You can try lubricating them with motor oil, but if they’re worn out, you’ll need to replace the blower.
Step 6
Slide out the old blower
If you’ve determined that you actually do need to replace your fireplace blower, the first step in replacement is to slide out the old blower:
- Pull it toward the front of the fireplace.
- Rotate it so it clears the grille opening.
- If you need more clearance, remove the rubber feet.
Step 7
Order a replacement blower
- Order a replacement blower from an authorized dealer or an online supplier.
- If your blower runs but is noisy, buy just the motor/fan assembly.
- If the motor doesn’t run at all, chances are it has a bad temp sensor or speed switch. In that case, buy a complete kit. We bought just the blower for the 14-year-old Heat & Glo gas fireplace shown here.
Step 8
Position and install the new blower
- Roll the blower through the grille area and position it with the blower outlet pointing up.
- Push it all the way to the back of the fireplace until it contacts the back wall. Then, pull it forward 1/4 inch to prevent vibration noise.
- Shut off the circuit breaker and use a voltage sniffer to confirm the power is off. Don’t just use the wall switch.
- Open the bottom grille. If it doesn’t look like you’ll have enough room to remove the blower, try removing the front panel.
- Clean the area in front of the blower with a shop vacuum.
- If you’ve ordered a complete kit, unplug the old blower and disconnect the temperature sensor mounted on the bottom of the firebox. The sensor is held in place with a magnet, clip or screw.
- Disconnect the speed control switch and remove the old blower.
- Clean the air intake area again.
- Install the new blower.
- Reinstall the kit’s new temperature sensor and speed switch and plug in the blower.
Step 9
Test and adjust
- Turn on the power and fire up the burners.
- Wait for the firebox to heat up enough for the blower to turn on (about 10 minutes).
- Adjust the fan speed to your liking.
- Reinstall the front panel (if equipped) and grille.
FAQ
Do all gas fireplaces have a blower?
No, but blowers are a nice addition, as they help circulate heat more evenly. “By default they’re built to work without it, but I recommend adding one if there are large rooms in the house,” says Jordan.
Does a gas fireplace need a blower?
A gas fireplace doesn’t need a blower to work, but not having one will lead to less efficient heating and cold spots in the room, says Jordan. “It’s designed to operate safely without one,” he says. “However, without a blower, heat distribution will depend more on radiant heat, meaning it can take longer to warm a room.”
Everything You Need to Know About Gas Fireplaces
Explore the essentials of gas fireplaces, from how to use them to properly maintain them.
- Indoor Gas Fireplace Safety for Beginners
- What to Know About Gas Fireplace Servicing and Maintenance
- Types of Gas Fireplaces
- How to Install a Gas Fireplace
- How to Light a Gas Fireplace
- How to Clean a Gas Fireplace
- Guide to Gas Fireplace Inserts
- Best Gas Fireplace Inserts for Homeowners
About the Experts
- John Jordan is president of Integrity Heating & Cooling in the Chicago area, and an HVAC and air quality professional with 24 years of experience.
- Aaron Lipman is owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair in Houston, and has spent more than 20 years helping homeowners solve all kinds of maintenance issues.
- Dan Morris founded FireandSaw.com, where he shares expert insights on everything firewood, wood stoves and chainsaws.
