Technicians can repair a furnace blower motor if the issues are minor, like loose wiring or a bad capacitor. However, if the problems are more complex, such as burned-out motors, cracked bearings, or severe overheating, a replacement may be necessary.
This article looks at signs your furnace blower motor has problems and what steps technicians often take to repair them.
What Is a Furnace Blower Motor?
A furnace blower motor is an electric motor that pushes warm air through your ducts. When your thermostat signals a thermostat change, the furnace blower motor is activated.
The blower motor spins the furnace fans, which push air into the furnace. Once inside the furnace, the furnace heats the air. The blower motor then pushes this conditioned air back through your ducts and into your home.
The types of blower motors include:
• Single-speed blower motor: Constantly operates at one speed once you turn it on
• Multi-speed blower motor: Offers a few speed options
• Variable-speed blower motor: Adjusts the speed depending on your needs
Furnace blower motors are essential as they circulate conditioned air throughout your home. This also contributes to your furnace’s overall efficiency as the blower motor ensures all the heated air isn’t wasted.
Lastly, by distributing the heated air, your furnace blower motor helps to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home.
Signs Your Furnace Blower Motor Is Going Bad
A faulty furnace blower motor can cause significant problems. Here are some signs your blower motor is deteriorating.
Weak or No Airflow From Vents
• Symptom: Little airflow coming from your vents
• Cause: Your blower motor isn’t pushing air through the ducts
• Urgency Rating: High – Your furnace can’t circulate air properly and may overheat
Furnace Blower Motor Making Loud Noises
• Symptom: Screeching, grinding, rattling noises
• Cause: There could be a mechanical problem with your blower motor
• Urgency Rating: High – These sounds could indicate motor failure
Overheating and Furnace Shutting Off
• Symptom: Furnace is hot to the touch or simply shuts off
• Cause: Furnace isn’t able to keep up due to possible capacitor or electrical issues
• Urgency: High – Call a technician to prevent further electrical damage
Burning Smell or Electrical Odors
• Symptom: Furnace emits burning smells when turned on or an electrical odor
• Cause: Furnace is overheating and burning any debris in the furnace. Electrical odors could be due to electrical problems.
• Urgency: High – Shut off your furnace and call a technician
Higher Than Usual Energy Bills
• Symptom: A sudden spike in your energy bill
• Cause: Your furnace isn’t effective and has to work harder to maintain temperatures
• Urgency: Medium – Your furnace isn’t working as efficiently and will worsen with time
Can a Furnace Blower Motor Be Repaired?
Yes, a furnace blower motor can be repaired, though it depends on what the issue is.
Problems That Can Be Repaired
• Bad capacitor: A technician can easily replace this part
• Loose wiring or connections: Technicians can tighten wiring and connections.
• Dirty or clogged blower wheel: An effective cleaning will solve this problem.
• Minor lubrication issues: Technicians can lubricate any moving parts.
Problems That Require Replacement
• Worn bearings: Due to the labor involved with repairs, replacement is a better option.
• Burned-out motor windings: Internal burnout typically requires a replacement.
• Severe overheating damage: Damage from overheating makes a furnace unsafe.
• Cracked blower wheel or housing: Cracks will eventually render the furnace ineffective.
How to Reset a Furnace Blower Motor
If you suspect your furnace blower motor has an issue, first try resetting it. Here’s a step-by-step approach.
Turn Off Power at the Switch or Breaker
To avoid any electrical accidents, turn off the power at the switch or the corresponding circuit breaker.
Wait at Least 5 Minutes
Wait at least 5 minutes for the system or any components to cool.
Press Reset Button (If Equipped)
If your furnace has a reset button (a red or yellow button on the blower motor), press the button and hold it for 10 seconds.
Restore Power and Test Operation
Then, restore power to your furnace and see if it operates properly.
Call a Technician If Reset Fails
If this step-by-step procedure doesn’t solve the issue, call a technician. A professional technician can inspect your furnace and determine the root cause of the problem.
What Controls the Furnace Blower Motor?
The furnace blower motor is part of a larger network within your furnace. Here are some of the components that control it.
Thermostat Signals
The thermostat doesn’t directly control the furnace blower motor. However, it signals the furnace’s “brain” to activate the blower motor.
Furnace Control Board
The furnace control board is essentially the “brain” of the furnace. It activates the blower motor, ensuring the motor starts in the correct sequence.
Capacitor and Relays
Relays switch over to a high-voltage circuit once they receive the signal from the control board. The capacitor then provides the initial energy to activate the motor.
Limit Switches for Safety
The limit switch monitors the furnace’s internal temperature and signals the blower motor to turn on when the heat exchanger has reached a certain temperature.
Where Is the Furnace Blower Motor Located?
If you think your furnace blower motor has an issue, here is how to find it.
Typical Position Inside Furnace Compartment
The blower motor is typically inside a compartment at the bottom of your furnace cabinet. You should see it behind the access panel.
Relation to Filter and Heat Exchanger
The blower motor is after the air filter and before the heat exchanger.
Accessing the Blower Safely
To access the blower motor safely, turn off the power and gas. Then, open the access panel and disconnect any relevant wires. Remove the screws holding the blower assembly in place, and then slide it out.
Cost to Repair or Replace a Furnace Blower Motor
Choosing to repair or replace your furnace blower motor depends on several factors. Here is a breakdown of the average prices.
Average Repair Cost
According to Angi, average furnace repair costs range from $130 – $500.
Average Replacement Cost
According to Angi, an average furnace blower motor replacement costs $300 – $1500.
Variable vs. Single-Speed Motor Cost Difference
While a single-speed motor will set you back between $300-$900, a variable-speed motor will set you back between $600-$1,500.
When Replacement Is More Cost-Effective Than Repair
Replacement is a more cost-effective option when repair costs exceed 50% of the cost of a new furnace. Other reasons replacement is more cost-effective include:
• Furnace is older than 15 years
• Frequent repair issues
• Furnace is inefficient
How Long Does a Furnace Blower Motor Last?
The typical lifespan for a furnace blower motor is 10-20 years. Factors that can shorten its life include lack of maintenance, high humidity levels (which can cause components to rust), and dirty or neglected filters.
To extend the lifespan of your blower motor, schedule annual maintenance, clean the air filters every two to three months, and keep your Orlando home’s humidity at a balanced level.
DIY vs Professional Blower Motor Repair
Thinking of fixing your blower motor yourself? Here are a few DIY tasks you can safely handle yourself versus repairs that you should leave to the professionals.
DIY Maintenance
• Filter changes
• Cleaning
• Resetting
Tasks for Professionals Only
• Any electrical tasks
• Replacing worn-out or damaged bearings
• Fixing bearings
| Category | DIY | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Risks | High — severe risks of electrical shocks or fires | Low |
| Costs | Low — you only pay for labor | Higher — you pay for parts and labor |
| Tasks | Limited experience; lack of specialized tools | Years of experience and proper training |
FAQs About Furnace Blower Motors
Is it worth repairing a furnace blower motor?
Yes, it can be worth repairing a furnace blower motor if the furnace is less than 10 years old, and the repair cost is less than half the price of a new unit.
How do I know if my blower motor capacitor is bad?
A bad blower motor capacitor will have trouble starting, won’t start at all, or will have weak airflow. You may also hear strange noises, such as grinding or rattling.
What happens if the blower motor fails completely?
If your blower motor fails completely, there won’t be cool or warm air circulating throughout your home.
Can a furnace run without a blower motor?
No, a furnace can’t run without a blower motor, as the furnace needs the motor to push the air into your ducts. Without a blower motor, the conditioned air will build up on top of the furnace.
How long does it take to replace a blower motor?
Replacing a blower motor typically takes two to three hours.
Turn to Orlando One Hour Technicians for Furnace Repairs
While some blower motor issues are repairable, it’s best to call a professional technician to make that call. A technician can diagnose your furnace, identify any problems, and recommend some solutions. Remember that ignoring any symptoms can increase the cost of future repairs and even create safety risks in your home.
Schedule a professional inspection before the cold weather hits. Our team offers expert furnace repairs to residents in Orlando, FL, and the surrounding areas. And remember, we’re always on time, or you don’t pay a dime.