A common furnace problem Raleigh homeowners face is related to the blower. The furnace blower pushes heated air through the ductwork and into the home to keep it warm. Addressing furnace blower problems quickly helps avoid costly repairs and inefficient heating.
The team at Thermo Direct Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical has more information about common signs of furnace blower problems, how to troubleshoot and fix them, how to prevent them, and more.
Common Signs of Furnace Blower Problems
Here are some common signs that may indicate you have a furnace blower problem.
Weak or no airflow from vents
Clogged air filters, blocked ducts, or furnace motor failure may cause weak airflow. Fortunately, homeowners can try quick fixes, such as changing the air filter and cleaning their ductwork, to address weak airflow from vents.
Furnace blower won’t turn on
Thermostat malfunctions, electrical issues, or capacitor failure may prevent the furnace blower from turning on. Make sure your furnace power switch is on, locate the breaker for your furnace to check if it’s tripped, and look for blown fuses in the electrical box to check for power supply issues.
The furnace blower runs continuously and won’t shut off
Issues with the thermostat or limit switch can cause your furnace to run continuously. Manually reset the furnace blower by turning off the power to the furnace at the circuit breaker. Locate the reset button inside the blower compartment, press and hold it for a few seconds, then turn the power back on.
Loud or unusual noises coming from the blower
If your furnace makes loud noises like buzzing, rattling, screeching, or banging, it could be caused by an issue with the blower. A buzzing noise usually means a problem with the blower motor, while rattling or banging could be caused by loose blower components. Screeching sounds may be caused by a damaged blower wheel.
Burning smell or overheating furnace blower
Dust, dirt, and debris in your air filter may create an unpleasant burning smell because the reduced airflow is causing the furnace blower to overheat. If the odor doesn’t dissipate after replacing the air filter, turn your furnace off and call Thermo Direct because the issue may pose a fire risk if not addressed.
How To Troubleshoot and Fix Common Furnace Blower Issues
Here are some HVAC blower troubleshooting tips to help you find and fix common furnace blower issues:
- Step one: Check the thermostat settings and ensure it’s set to “heat” or “auto” instead of “on.”
- Step two: Inspect and replace the air filter. Dirty filters restrict airflow and are a common cause of furnace blower problems.
- Step three: Examine the circuit breaker and power supply. If the circuit breaker is tripped, reset it and check for loose wiring inside the panel.
- Step four: Test the furnace blower capacitor with a multimeter by setting it to capacitance mode and connecting the probes to the capacitor terminals. If the measured value significantly differs from the capacitor’s rated value, it’s likely faulty.
- Step five: If the blower motor is dirty, clean and lubricate it to prevent friction and wear on moving parts.
- Step six: Check your air ducts and look for buildup of dust, debris, or evidence of pests living inside your ducts.
When To Call a Professional HVAC Technician for Furnace Blower Repairs
If your furnace fan is not turning on, or you notice loud noises or other signs of an issue, it’s time to contact the professional HVAC technicians at Thermo Direct for furnace blower repairs.
Warning signs that indicate you need expert help
Here are some signs that mean you need to contact a pro:
- The furnace blower motor won’t start even after troubleshooting the issue.
- You notice electrical burning smells that persist after you replace the air filter.
- Your energy bills are high due to inefficient heating performance.
- Loud grinding or humming noises are coming from the blower motor.
Furnace blower repairs vs. replacement – What’s the best option?
Unless you have a second-hand furnace, the furnace blower motor should last between 10 and 20 years with regular maintenance. Minor issues like a worn bearing or capacitor are typically more cost-effective than a full replacement.
The average cost of a typical furnace blower motor repair is between $300 and $900, while a new furnace blower motor replacement may cost from $150 to as much as $2,000, depending on the size, speed, and location of the motor.
How To Prevent Furnace Blower Problems in the Future
Remember these tips to help prevent furnace blower problems from occurring in the future:
- Schedule regular furnace maintenance, including inspections, cleanings, and tune-ups, at least once a year.
- Replace air filters every 30 to 90 days (per manufacturer instructions) to optimize airflow, improve efficiency, and prevent overheating.
- Scheduling annual HVAC inspections with a reputable HVAC company is the best way to spot problems early and address them before they turn into expensive repairs or a complete system breakdown.
- Use surge protectors to prevent electrical damage to the blower motor.
Furnace Blower Repair Services in Raleigh
Thermo Direct offers reliable, professional furnace repair services to customers in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Here’s why you should choose Thermo Direct for your furnace blower repair needs:
- We serve customers in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, and many other areas of North Carolina.
- Our promotions page features coupons, rebates, and discounts to help you save on services.
- Thermo Direct offers a range of HVAC services, including heating and cooling repairs, maintenance, new system installations, electrical repairs and installations, plumbing services, and more.
- If you’re facing an urgent furnace issue, we offer fast response times and 24/7 emergency repair availability.
- Our certified and experienced HVAC technicians give you peace of mind with every job we complete.
- We provide upfront pricing, a customer satisfaction guarantee, and several financing plans through our trusted partners.
Contact Us Today for Furnace Repair in Raleigh
If you suspect that you have a furnace blower problem in Raleigh or the surrounding areas, don’t delay. Contact the Thermo Direct Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical team for reliable repairs right away. Our certified HVAC technicians are well-versed in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing a wide range of furnace issues.
If you need help with your furnace blower and would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
