If you Google "Ball vs Sleeve Bearing", you'll likely come across a number of articles pertaining to computer fans and the dynamics of choosing between a ball and sleeve bearing cooling fan. Ball and sleeve bearings on a fireplace blower work much in the same way. Like all things, there are advantages and disadvantages to each.
Ball Bearing Fireplace Blower
Advantages - Certainly the ball bearing's biggest advantage in fireplace blower applications is its ability to resist much higher temperature ranges than it's sleeve bearing counterpart. This is particularily true in wood burning applications where the temperatures are much higher. Although there is some debate on the longevity of ball vs sleeve bearings, we've concluded a few things. Most important of which is that the ball bearing units seem to last a bit longer - assuming of course the blower is properly maintained and cleaned. There is literally no shaft play in the ball bearing units, while the sleeve bearing blowers tend to allow the fan cage to oscillate. This has a tendency to prematurely wear out the sleeve bearing.
Disadvantages - Ball bearing blowers tend to cost a bit more. Additionally, there is some evidence that the ball bearing blowers may be slighly louder than their sleeve bearing counterparts. Although we haven't officially tested the sones or dB of each, you may notice a slight increase in noise.
Sleeve Bearing Fireplace Blower
Advantages - Sleeve bearings typically cost less and can often be more quiet.
Disadvantages - Less tolerance to heat, increased shaft play, and lower life expectancy.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us directly at 262-989-4882 or visit us at http://www.fireplaceblowersonline.com/.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
GFK-160 where are you?
I reported back in August that we anticipated the introduction of GFK-160 kit within a month's time. Well, it's now February into the next year, so what's the deal? Many have called me a liar, an idiot, someone not to be trusted. Fear not my fellow industry experts and clients, I'm here to set the record straight!
In an effort to provide the most valuable and efficient GFK-160 blower, we decided to make a last minute revision to the GFK-160's bracket, which is traditionally fixed to the two blowers. Unfortunately, the original design doesn't allow much flexibility for applications that require less than 4.25" of louver clearance. Those who have legacy model Lennox and Superior fireplaces that used the now defunct FAB-1100 and FAB-1600 fan kits, are perfect examples. Applications now requiring less than 4" of clearance will now be able to utilize our new and improved GFK-160.
So what's different?
The new GFK-160 does away with the fixed bracket design in favor of a hinged bracket. You'll be able to use the GFK-160 as a traditional GFK-160, or you'll be able to rotate the bracket so that the fans can now face forward (or backward). Who cares you ask? Great question.
Many wood burning applications that require a hearth mounted forward or rear facing blower will now be able to take full advantage the GFK-160's awesomeness! Additionally, many gas fireplaces will now be able to use the GFK-160 as an alternative to models with less air flow.
I hate to make another prediction, but I believe we're only a couple of weeks away. Call us at 262-989-4882 or visit us at http://www.fireplaceblowersonline.com for more details.
In an effort to provide the most valuable and efficient GFK-160 blower, we decided to make a last minute revision to the GFK-160's bracket, which is traditionally fixed to the two blowers. Unfortunately, the original design doesn't allow much flexibility for applications that require less than 4.25" of louver clearance. Those who have legacy model Lennox and Superior fireplaces that used the now defunct FAB-1100 and FAB-1600 fan kits, are perfect examples. Applications now requiring less than 4" of clearance will now be able to utilize our new and improved GFK-160.
So what's different?
The new GFK-160 does away with the fixed bracket design in favor of a hinged bracket. You'll be able to use the GFK-160 as a traditional GFK-160, or you'll be able to rotate the bracket so that the fans can now face forward (or backward). Who cares you ask? Great question.
Many wood burning applications that require a hearth mounted forward or rear facing blower will now be able to take full advantage the GFK-160's awesomeness! Additionally, many gas fireplaces will now be able to use the GFK-160 as an alternative to models with less air flow.
I hate to make another prediction, but I believe we're only a couple of weeks away. Call us at 262-989-4882 or visit us at http://www.fireplaceblowersonline.com for more details.
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