When your furnace doesn’t work the way it should, the experts at Pro Comfort Control aim to help. We’ll find the problem and fix it quickly to keep your home warm. Call us for assistance today.
One of the most common furnace problems is also one of the easiest to identify: a bad blower motor. If you don’t feel warm air coming from the vents, you’ll have to accept that this part is likely to blame. Knowing how to tell if a blower motor is bad and how to help save time when you call for repairs to prevent recurring problems.
As the experts in furnace repair in Sudbury, Pro Comfort Control techs have seen it all and know the signs of a bad blower motor. Watch for these blower motor failure symptoms and call for help right away to keep the issue from worsening.
What Is a Furnace Blower Motor?
Most blower motors last for years before showing any sign of a malfunction. This critical component in any HVAC system works with fans to circulate heated and cooled air through your home.
Let’s discuss the two types of blower motors: single-speed and variable-speed. A single-speed motor distributes air at one speed and turns on and off based on the thermostat setting. Variable-speed motors can adjust the fan speed to more efficiently control the temperature and maintain it at the desired setting.
Regardless of the type of blower, things can go wrong, and the signs of a problem can appear the same.
Furnace Blower Motor Troubleshooting Tips
When customers ask how to tell if a blower motor is bad on a furnace, we first recommend that you check whether air is coming from the vents. If the motor fails, air can’t move through the ducts, and you won’t feel any airflow, or it will be very weak.
However, because other issues, like a dirty air filter or a blockage in the duct, can slow or stop airflow, you should check for other signs when diagnosing furnace blower motor issues, like:
- Strange noises from the blower, like grinding, vibrations, rattling, or high-pitched squealing, indicating a broken or failing part in the motor
- A constantly tripping circuit breaker
- Signs of overheating, like a burning smell coming from the vents and a furnace that won’t stay on
- Unexpected increases in energy bills because the furnace has to work harder to produce the desired temperature
Any of these issues can signal HVAC blower motor problems, but they can also be signs of other furnace problems. Some of the problems that can mimic a faulty blower motor include:
- A dirty air filter
- Loose or broken fan belt
- Malfunctioning capacitor
Because the blower motor may not be the problem, you need to call a professional to investigate at the first sign of trouble. Otherwise, you may not address the actual furnace malfunction and continue to have HVAC issues that could put your home and family in danger.
Fixing a Bad Blower Motor
After testing a faulty blower motor, a qualified HVAC specialist may be able to repair it, or they may need to replace it. If the problem stems from damaged bearings or windings, for example, you need a new motor. Corrosion or rust inside the motor can cause it to seize up, which means you need a brand-new motor to make the furnace work again.
One of the best ways to avoid problems with the furnace blower motor involves regular preventive maintenance. During an annual furnace tune-up, the technician will inspect and clean the motor and make repairs or adjustments as needed. Addressing minor problems early on can keep them from becoming bigger and more inconvenient later.
Keeping up with basic maintenance tasks like changing the air filter every 60 to 90 days can also help protect the blower motor. The filter helps stop contaminants from affecting the furnace’s internal components and causing failures.
Call Pro Comfort Control for All Your Furnace Needs
Winter in Massachusetts can mean frigid temperatures, and you need a reliable heating system to stay warm and safe during the season. Pro Comfort Control can help with award-winning service from experienced specialists. When your furnace breaks down, or you need help knowing how to tell if a blower motor is bad, make us your first call.
We’re proud to be the local choice for homeowners who want efficient and reliable heating and cooling services. Call us at our Framingham, MA, headquarters at (508) 684-5331 to request service or book an appointment online.
