7 Signs You Need a New HVAC Blower
An HVAC blower is a key component of your heating and cooling system. It consists of a motor, which powers a spinning fan that permits air circulation. Modern ACs use either a single-speed or variable-speed blower motor that can succumb to wear and tear with age. An aging or malfunctioning blower motor should be replaced, but it’s important to recognize the signs of trouble to avoid a complete breakdown and/or more damage.
Signs of a Failing HVAC Blower
Blower motors fail when they wear out or if there’s excessive dust, dirt, or moisture. To know if it’s time to replace your HVAC blower, look for these common signs:
1. No Airflow
No air at all from the vents often means the blower is beyond repair. A technician should also check for a thermostat, relay, or control problem, but chances are the blower isn’t operating or is broken, or perhaps a blower wheel is clogged, bearing has seized, or fan belt has snapped.
2. Weak Airflow
May mean it’s becoming harder for the blower motor to push air through the ductwork. An aging motor can be the culprit. A faulty capacitor or buildup of dust are also possible reasons. The motor could be clogged or saturated with moisture. However, a leaky duct can weaken airflow too, so the problem should never be ignored.
3. Lack of Warm Air
Steady airflow indicates the blower motor is working. If there’s only cool air blowing, the heat exchanger or burner could be the source of the problem. When there’s no warm or cool air blowing from the vents, that’s when you might need a new blower. You should also check the furnace flame (if it’s any color other than blue, call a professional for service) and inspect for a cracked heat exchanger.
4. Odd Noises
A faulty blower motor may make squealing or screeching sounds, which indicate a problem with a belt or bearing. Oftentimes a part needs to be fixed/replaced, but lubrication may resolve the issue in some cases. Signs of a loose/broken motor part include banging, clanking, or rattling noises (banging often signifies major component damage or a disconnection).
5. Higher Utility Bill
Of all the hard-working parts of your HVAC system, the blower motor uses the most energy. A defective motor therefore causes electricity costs to rise. Older motors or those that are dirty or faulty need to work harder, which increases energy consumption.
6. Overheated Motor
If the blower motor overheats, a burning smell may come from your air vents. Other signs of overheating include sudden shutdowns or, when you run the heat, the blower inexplicably stops. The problem may be caused by dirt and grime buildup that prevents the blower from venting. Excess wear and strain can cause the blower to overheat as well.
7. Visible Equipment Damage
Check your heating system for damage such as worn, cracked, or broken belts; or a clogged blower wheel. A fan relay with damaged contacts won’t send the right signals to the motor, while a capacitor can short out or weaken and prevent the motor from operating. Faulty wiring can be problematic as well. Call an HVAC technician right away if you notice any physical damage.
Contact Ideal Temp
At Ideal Temp, our technicians are trained, skilled, and equipped to fix any HVAC blower problem. Serving the entire Kansas City, MO, area, we’ll troubleshoot your system and provide an accurate estimate. We pride ourselves in quality service, honesty, and integrity. Maintenance plans are available to help you save and include system tune-ups, priority scheduling, and other perks. To request service, book your appointment online or give us a call at 816-720-7803.
