The blower motor in your furnace spins the fan that causes air to circulate through your system. Since the motor works hard, it can develop problems with parts due to wear and age. Here are signs the motor in your furnace could be bad and repairs that might have to be done.
Signs Of A Failing Furnace Blower Motor
If the motor doesn't have enough power to spin the fan normally, you may notice a decrease in the air coming from the registers, and this could result in a loss of heat in your home. If the motor can't turn the fan at all, your furnace may run but not blow air.
When the motor struggles to operate, it may overheat. This can cause a burning odor from your furnace, and the overheating can shut down the furnace so it won't work at all. You might also hear strange noises from your furnace when the motor starts to act up. The bearings might squeal or a broken part might cause clattering noises.
Repairs That Might Be Needed For A Bad Motor
When you notice signs, such as a burning odor or loud noises, turn off your HVAC and call a furnace repair service. The technician will determine if parts can be fixed or if the motor has to be replaced. The age of the motor and how well it's been maintained play a part in how suitable the motor is for repair.
The motor may need to have the bearings lubricated, or it might need to be cleaned, since a buildup of dust and grime makes it difficult for the motor and fan to operate. The capacitor might be bad, or there could be a part broken off that has to be replaced. The technician will remove the motor and blower parts to examine the blower cage, belt if there is one, and the motor.
Repairs may be possible, but if the technician determines the motor has to be replaced, the right type of motor has to be sourced and put in. A furnace can have a single-speed or variable-speed and a direct-drive or fan-drive motor. Things like size and power also have to be determined. Once the right motor is selected, the technician can install it to get your home warm again.
While it might be possible to find an inexpensive motor, a new motor might be costly when you consider the age of your furnace. If your furnace is old and having frequent breakdowns, replacing the entire furnace might be something to consider. However, if your furnace is still fairly new, then repairing or replacing the motor would probably be the best use of your money.
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