What Causes a Furnace Blower to Stop Working?
The blower is one of the hardest working parts of a furnace, so when it stops working, many homeowners panic, believing the appliance needs a major repair. That’s not always the case. There are several reasons why a blower can stop working, and this is often an easy fix for a qualified technician.
Your Furnace Is Dirty
If your furnace runs intermittently, a buildup of dust particles could be the problem. Excess dirt inside the blower assembly can cause it to overheat and shut off as a safeguard. A dirty furnace air filter can also cause the blower to overheat because the unit has insufficient airflow.
Electrical Problems
Several electrical problems can make the blower stop working. Check if the furnace circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it, and wait for a normal heating cycle to begin. If your thermostat is set at the correct temperature but its high-voltage wire is damaged, loose, or disconnected, it won’t let it signal your furnace correctly, so the blower won’t turn on.
The Blower Motor Needs Replacement
The older your furnace is, the more likely that the blower motor will be the culprit. Like other working parts, the motor can wear down over time, so regular preventive maintenance is important. The blower motor is one of the most expensive parts of a furnace to replace, so if your furnace is older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire system.
Signs that your blower motor may need replacement include noxious or burning smells from air vents every time your furnace turns on. These smells mean that your blower motor is overheating. Odd sounds like squealing, screeching, rattling, or clanking when your furnace runs can indicate problems with the motor bearings.
Reliable Blower Repair
Only a qualified HVAC technician can diagnose whether your blower is at fault, or another problem is present within the furnace. At Border Sheet Metal & Heating, we offer a full range of heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance, and repair services for both residential and commercial properties in Hayden, ID and the surrounding areas. We handle ductwork as well as ductless mini-splits, and we can also help with indoor air quality, geothermal systems, and new construction.
Contact our team at Border Sheet Metal & Heating whenever you need HVAC service in the Hayden area.
