There is nothing worse than coming home after a long day at work and seeing your furnace is not functioning properly, leaving you cold in this chilly Canadian weather.
Factors like your furnace not turning on, the pilot light appearing to discolour, poor heating, etc., can be reasons why your heating system is not working properly.
But one major issue that is responsible for leaving your house cold is the poor-functioning blower motor in your furnace.
A furnace blower motor is an important component, especially in forced-air heating systems such as heat pumps and furnaces.
The main task of a furnace blower motor is to circulate warm air in your house or building by pushing the heated air through the ductwork and into the living spaces.
It is one of the hardest working components in your heating system as it pushes air for both the heating and the cooling cycles. There is no surprise that this hardworking component might need attention sometimes.
In this blog, we will understand a few signs that say your furnace blower motor is not working properly. In addition, we will also show you how to troubleshoot your furnace blower motor.
So, let's get started.
Signs Your Furnace Blower Motor Is Not Functioning Well
Let us understand a few signs that say your furnace blower motor is not working properly.
Strange Noises
Unusual noises like screeching, rattling, grinding, or clanking that are coming from the furnace could indicate something is wrong with the blower motor.
These strange noises might be because of worn-out motor bearings, debris, or any component that might be loose.
If you hear these kinds of noises, it is advisable to contact your HVAC professional to get it fixed immediately.
Overheating
Blower motors might overheat because of excessive dirt and debris buildup, electrical issues, or lack of lubrication. An overheating blower motor could release a burning smell or cause the system to shut down to prevent catastrophic damage.
Increased Energy Consumption
If you notice a sudden surge in your utility bill, a non-functioning motor can be the reason for the same. A faulty motor could result in a reduction in efficiency, which can cause your HVAC system to consume more energy to keep the desired temperature in your house.
Guide to Troubleshoot Your Furnace Blower Motor
Now that we have understood the signs of a faulty furnace motor blower, let us learn how to troubleshoot it to keep your house warm and cozy.
- Inspect the Circuit Breaker: The first step you should do to troubleshoot the furnace blower motor is to check the circuit breaker powering the system.
If the breaker is tripped, you should reset it and let the furnace go through a general heating cycle. A tripped circuit breaker can sometimes result in a non-functioning furnace blower motor.
- Check the Thermostat: If your furnace blower motor is not functioning well, you can inspect whether the thermostat is set to the correct temperature or not. If the thermostat setting is set too low, the furnace will not turn on and won't circulate any air. You can refer to the guide on recommended thermostat settings.
You should also check for the batteries in your thermostat because the low battery can also be the reason why the furnace blower motor is not working. - Clean Air Filter: Another thing you can do to troubleshoot the furnace blower motor is to clean or replace the air filter. A clogged or dirty air filter will not allow air to pass and strain the furnace blower motor. To prevent this from happening, clean it regularly or replace it if required.
- Inspect the Blower Wheel: Check if the blower wheel has any dirt or debris or is damaged. If the wheel has any debris on it, clean it with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
Make sure that the blower wheel is spinning smoothly and that no obstructions are affecting the movement. - Check for Loose or Damaged Wiring: If you feel your furnace blower motor is faulty, check the wiring connections in the furnace, especially those connected to the blower motor.
Damaged or loose wires can restrain the flow and stop the motor from operating well. Since this troubleshooting tip includes working with electrical components, we advise you to contact a professional furnace repair company in Toronto to fix the issue.
Tips To Prevent Furnace Blower Motor from Breaking Down
While regular maintenance and repair are important to keep the heating system intact, taking proactive measures is also crucial to prevent the furnace blower motor from breaking down. Here are some tips to secure the furnace blower motor from breaking down:
Oiling Furnace Blower Once a Year
During winter, it is crucial to ensure all the parts of your furnace are clean and in working condition. The furnace blower, being the primary component, also needs your attention. Hence, it is important to lubricate the furnace blower well to ensure your house gets warm air throughout the winter.
Proper Ventilation
Make sure your house or building has sufficient ventilation to prevent the blower motor from breaking down or overheating. You must also clean obstructions around vents and registers to ensure that return air ducts are open for efficient airflow.
Regular HVAC System Maintenance
In order to ensure your furnace is working smoothly, it is important to schedule regular maintenance of your heating system. These professional HVAC technicians can identify potential issues with your blower motor and other parts of your furnace.
Professional maintenance of your furnace can prevent you from costly repairs and replacements.
Conclusion
A well-repaired and perfectly working furnace blower motor is crucial for keeping your house warm or cold as per your needs. Knowing common issues, troubleshooting tips and preventive measures mentioned above can help you keep your blower motor in the best shape.
If you still encounter any major issues with the furnace blower or are unaware of why your heating system is producing sufficient heat or cold, you can get help from Infiniti Home Comfort.
They offer reliable furnace installation and repair services in the Ontario region. Their team of the best HVAC technicians can fix any issues related to your furnace. They can visit your residence and perform a thorough inspection, fix your heating system, and ensure you are always comfortable and cozy in your house.
