Does Your Furnace Fan Motor Need Checking And Fixing? Find Out

A furnace comprises a system of components that deliver a heating output for indoor comfort. In this case, a motor powers the fan in forced air furnaces to blow heated air through the ducts. However, the fan motor may deteriorate with time, causing it to malfunction. Ultimately, this creates an uncomfortable atmosphere, making your interiors quite uninviting. Therefore, you should hire a furnace repair technician to assess your unit and fix the underlying issue for optimal performance. The following are the signs your blower motor needs attention.

Reduced Or No Airflow

When you notice less airflow from the heat grates, your fan motor could be faulty. This may result from the start capacitor motor experiencing voltage spikes, fastening its deterioration. Over time, the capacitor will swell and degrade, compromising the motor's operation. Further, the motor will lack the torque to run the fan, resulting in no airflow from the vents. Thus, it is wise to contact a heating expert to replace the capacitor for the motor's seamless operation.

Unusual Noises

The fan motor could be defective if you hear rattling noises while your furnace operates. In most cases, this happens due to worn-out ball bearings or a screw becoming loose over time. On the other hand, you may hear a squealing noise if the lubrication in the motor depletes. Finally, additional strain on the components due to restricted airflow can cause the belt-driven unit to overheat. As a result, the belt can lose tension and slip or even break, producing a screeching noise. Therefore, you should schedule heating unit repairs for the expert to tighten loose parts and lubricate the motor for a less disruptive operation.

Increased Energy Bills

When you engage your furnace after a long time of inactivity, chances are dust has settled within the unit. Given this, you may also have dirt build-up on the motor, hindering its performance. Consequently, the motor will overwork to run the fan, increasing energy usage and spiking your bills. Thus, you should engage a heating specialist to clean and optimize the fan motor to lower energy costs.

Strange Smells

If the lubrication levels go low, the motor parts will rub against each other. This causes friction which generates heat and gradually leads to overheating. As a result, the motor will produce an acrid burning smell and fail. If this is the case, you must install a new motor and lubricate it for peak efficiency.

Note that a malfunctioning fan motor will need costly repairs to sustain the unit's operation. Thus, you should schedule regular inspections with a heating repair expert to replace your blower motor for peak functionality.

Speak to a company such as B & H Heating and Air to learn more.