Opinions on variable speed controllers for exhaust fans

[jpcyan]

IMy 6 inch 430 cfm in line fan started making a lot of noise and some vibration. I attepted a full dismantle, cleaning and oiling, but I'm pretty sure its got a bad spot on the bearings.

So, I had a 8 inch 660 CFM Elicient I bought spur of the moment ,an impulse buy on eby years ago Cheap. It was slightly used, but clean enough inside I knew it hadnt had alot of time on. It runs smooth an wow the air that thing moves. But its loud. Real loud (no ducting). Its also a little too much for my filter size but i plan on keeping the duct as is at six inch.

Whats your opinions of a speed controller to knock it back a bit?

I've read they make some fans hum loudly, while other say they worked perfectly for their situation. I've seen them as low as 10 bucks. And realize, often you get what you pay for.

Either that or about $50 for a replacement like my last one, which lasted 4-5 yrs.

Who's tried a speed controller? Any input appreciated. I will need something very soon. Heat removal is key for me at the moment with no central A/c to the room.

 

[yendor]

I have one on my 8 inch fan it works fine. I keep it on a low speed and it stiil shifts a lot of air . Less fan noise as well .

 

[gwheels]

I never liked that fan howl you hear with a cheap fan speed controller. I got a veriac transformer and use that instead.
Voltage is adjusted go the fan (0 to 120V) with a dial so you can get it exactly where you want. And no fan howl. At low speed it is almost silent, all of my cheapos are quiet with it.

Better still are fancier fan controllers that work with thermostat controls but they cost a lot more than a veriac.

I use this one (about 75 CDN delivered on Amazon). It was a lot more important in my tiny tents where i had to really dial in the heat and fan output.

Portable 5 Amp Auto Transformer 110V/120V AC Input 0-130V Variable AC Output 500VA Voltage Regulator 500W Rated

 

[jpcyan]

Aha, well I happen to have one of those. I actually hooked it to my DIY Trimmer, but the fan was a magnetic type, so it has only off, and high spreed. I could easily just put an on-off toggle on the trimmer or just plug in as needed.
That's cool, two outputs/outlets. I have all these parts in stock The ceiling fan controller on the Elicient might be an option on the cheap and efficient.. Nice idea.I'd have to double check amp rating, but it came from a big ceiling fan. Good tip Thanks. @ Jesselikes2Grow

I never liked that fan howl you hear with a cheap fan speed controller. I got a veriac transformer and use that instead.
Voltage is adjusted go the fan (0 to 120V) with a dial so you can get it exactly where you want. And no fan howl. At low speed it is almost silent, all of my cheapos are quiet with it.

Better still are fancier fan controllers that work with thermostat controls but they cost a lot more than a veriac

I will have to pay attention to the change in sound if it occurs (the howl)
Those are quite nice , I have used a Veriac in a few application over the the years. Mostly at work.
Fortunately I don't need so much control, just a reduction of 20-30 percent, and It will not ever need adjusted.

It is a basement and holds temps pretty steady, around upper 50ºF to low 70'sº F without anything powered in room. In Summer I just need to scrub the odors and remove as much heat as possible. Fast.
In series it is as follows: Can type Scrubber>duct fan> Insulated and unisulated flex duct > 1K fixture> flex duct> cold air return for central/ac and UV generator in that c/a return duct.
Winter I use the central heating provided by my outdoor wood boiler, I have a temp/thermostat controlled duct vent in the room. It actually was an open or close actuated vent, but I added a standard wall type digital thermostat on a length of cable. It allows me to activate adjustments from almost any location in the room.

Those variable txformers certainly come in handy when you need them though. i might look into one. i know my former employera has several. Good call ty for tips as well[

 

[LordKoos]

A variac is what I use as well, originally bought mine to use with guitar amps, but it ended up doing duty in the basement. They are bullet proof and can be found used on ebay all day. The really old ones look awesome.

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I never liked that fan howl you hear with a cheap fan speed controller. I got a veriac transformer and use that instead.
Voltage is adjusted go the fan (0 to 120V) with a dial so you can get it exactly where you want. And no fan howl. At low speed it is almost silent, all of my cheapos are quiet with it.

Better still are fancier fan controllers that work with thermostat controls but they cost a lot more than a veriac.

I use this one (about 75 CDN delivered on Amazon). It was a lot more important in my tiny tents where i had to really dial in the heat and fan output.

Portable 5 Amp Auto Transformer 110V/120V AC Input 0-130V Variable AC Output 500VA Voltage Regulator 500W Rated