What can cause a furnace blower motor to stop working?
The primary responsibility of a blower motor is to circulate air throughout the system to maintain a comfortable, consistent temperature within a house. So, what could cause it to stop working correctly? There are actually a number of reasons why this could be happening. Let’s take a closer look below:
- Overheating of the motor: Blower motor failure is frequently caused by overheating. This may be the consequence of improper lubrication, a failing capacitor, or bearing problems within the motor. Overheating can harm other parts of the motor, including the windings, over time.
- Electrical problems: The blower motor may stop operating due to defective wiring, a blown fuse, or a tripped circuit breaker that cuts off the supply of power.
- Failing capacitor: The capacitor is a part that gives the motor its first electrical boost. The motor could not start at all or could run for a short while before stopping if the capacitor failed.
- Worn bearings: As a blower motor’s bearings deteriorate over time, heat and friction will rise. This may result in the motor seizing up or performing abnormally.
- Motor wear and age: The life of a blower motor can be limited, just like that of any mechanical part. Wear and mechanical breakdowns are more likely as it matures.
- Lack of maintenance: Poor maintenance can shorten the life of a motor by increasing deterioration.
It’s recommended that you consult a qualified HVAC professional to diagnose and fix the issues as soon as possible. Replacing or repairing a blower motor on your own without the necessary skills could lead to further damage or safety hazards.
How do I reset my furnace blower motor?
In order to reset a furnace blower motor, the underlying problem that caused the reset usually needs to be fixed. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a professional HVAC technician for assistance if the problem persists:
- Find the furnace’s power switch or circuit breaker, then flip it off.
- Let the furnace run without power for a minimum of five minutes. During this period, the system can reset, and any leftover electricity in the internal parts can be released.
- Check the furnace for any apparent problems before resuming the electricity.
- Restart the furnace’s electricity supply. Set the desired temperature on the thermostat and keep an eye on how the furnace works.
- Inspect whether warm air is being circulated, keep an ear out for any odd noises, and keep an eye on the blower motor’s operation.
- If something still seems out of place, turn the furnace back off and call a repair technician immediately.
What controls the blower motor on the furnace?
Generally, a furnace’s thermostat, furnace control board, and different safety switches work together to control the blower motor. Here’s a quick rundown of how these parts cooperate to control the blower motor’s operation:
Thermostat:
- Sets the desired temperature you want in your home.
- Signals the furnace control board to initiate heating.
Furnace Control Board:
- Coordinates the heating cycle.
- Activates burners or heating elements.
- Manages blower motor operation with multiple speed settings.
Heat Exchanger or Heating Element:
- Produces heat.
- Transfers heat to circulating air.
Blower Motor Control:
- Receives signals from the control board.
- Starts blower motor based on heating needs.
Limit Switch:
- Monitors furnace temperature.
- Shuts off burners and may stop the blower motor to prevent overheating.
Fan Limit Switch:
- Determines blower motor operation based on air temperature in the plenum.
These components work together to regulate the heating process and control the blower motor’s operation in a furnace. If any component malfunctions, damage to the motor can occur.
Where is the furnace blower motor located?
Depending on the kind and design of the furnace, the blower motor’s placement can vary. That said, in the majority of furnaces, the blower motor is positioned near the bottom of the compartment next to the air filter. The motor pulls cool air from beneath, directs it into the heat exchanger to warm it, and then forces the heated air upward through the ductwork to be dispersed throughout the house.
Usually, you’ll need to open the access panel or take off the furnace cover in order to find the blower motor. It is important to remember that the blower motor and other interior parts should only be inspected carefully and preferably by a trained HVAC technician. To avoid damage and guarantee your safety, it’s best to get professional help if you’re not familiar with the design of your furnace or if you run into any problems.
Is your furnace blower motor giving you trouble? If so, the professional and certified team from Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help! For all repair and maintenance services, our technicians are available 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays, at no extra cost. Furthermore, we are also available for same-day repairs in cases of emergencies.
Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning operates throughout Aweres Township, Batchawana Bay, Bruce Mines, Desbarats, Echo Bay, Goulais River, Hilton Beach Prince Township, Richard’s Landing, Sault Ste. Marie, Searchmont, and Thessalon. If you live in any of these communities, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team to schedule a repair appointment with us.
You can give the Wardlaw team a call directly or book your appointment with us online using our booking form!
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