How would you feel if your HVAC system fails in the middle of intense winters or raging hot summers? So, if your heating and cooling unit breaks down, you need to get it fixed. For that, you might need the help of an expert. However, before you hire an HVAC contractor, you can have an idea of the fault. While several malfunctioning components can hinder HVAC functioning, sometimes the blower motor disrupts the entire system. So, this article will discuss the signs that show you need furnace blower motor replacement.
How do Motor Functions?
The HVAC motor blows the conditioned air via the vents in your home. Hence, the heated or cooled air travels through your home’s ductwork to regulate the temperature of each room so that it reaches the desired level.
What are the Types of Drives?
There are two main kinds of drives located in the HVAC motor:
Direct Drive Motor
This drive directly links to the blower wheel. At the same time, these are highly common. Usually, state-of-the-art gas heaters use it.
Belt Drive Motors
The belt drive motors are not very common for the residential heater, and only old-fashioned furnaces use these kinds of drive melt motors. However, the motor pulley is connected with the fan pulley fixed on the tube to force the wheel. You may sometimes find belt-drive motors in commercial HVAC systems.
Speed Category
When we talk about residential heater blowers, there are again two categories of speed:
Single Speed Motors
These motors blow air at a single speed with full force unless they achieve the optimum temperature. However, when the ideal temperature reaches, the system shuts down. And when the room temperature drops below the range, the blower turns on again to perform its function.
Variable Speed Motors
On the contrary, variable motors function at varying speeds. One thing that might be illogical is the variable blower is more energy efficient. The reason is that it evenly distributes air to maintain the home temperature. When the target temperature drops beyond the range, this blower functions at a poorer speed. However, when the temperature variation is significant, the blower works at an incredible pace.
What Causes Motor Failure?
Similar to other HVAC components, the motor also deteriorates with time. So, how to know if the furnace blower motor is bad? A few reasons include overheating and excessive humidity. However, when the dirt and filth accumulate, they can quickly burn windings and bearings.
HVAC systems are usually found in hidden locations like a loft, underground room, garage, or utility room. So, if the motor gets clogged with filth or gets soaked with humidity, it can lead to overuse or electrical shots. Hence, this eventually results in motor failure.
A few things to ponder during furnace blower motor replacement is how often you pay for repairs. A majority of the residential heaters last for 15-20 years. However, if you focus on regular HVAC maintenance, it can undoubtedly enhance your furnace lifespan.
On the contrary, if you pay for blower replacement after every few years, and your heater is getting older, it would be a better idea to replace your furnace model instead of wasting money on repairs. For this, you may take the help of a reliable Dryer Vent Cleaning in Canton, GA.
What Signs Indicate That You Should Replace Motors?
Some evident signs indicate that your furnace motor needs repair or replacement.
Poor Airflow
It will be the primary and most obvious indication that your motor has an issue. It does not confirm that you should get the motor replaced. However, if there is no air or weak airflow, your motor is likely clogged or faulty. For this, you may call an Air Duct Repair and Replacement in Canton, GA.
The experts may show that your system might have a clogged motor, dysfunctional capacitor, or dripping ducts. However, if the technician feels that the motor overheats while working, is loaded with moisture, or has no more service life, he may suggest replacing it. So, always hire a certified HVAC contractor.
No Airflow
On the other hand, if there is no air emerging from the vents, the chances are that the motor is all broken. Hence, in this case, motor replacement is the only choice. However, there can be other reasons for no airflow like poor replay, defective thermostat, or fan control problem.
High Energy Bills
You should know that the motor in your HVAC unit consumes the highest energy. So, if you have a variable blower installed and the motor is blocked, the motor is likely to consume even more power. The reason is clogged blowers are required to work even harder to force conditioned air via the ducts. However, it also indicates deteriorating motor conditions or significant leakage.
Unusual Noises
If you hear unusual noises when you run your heater like howling, shrieking, rattling, or clanging, you should immediately call an HVAC contractor. Though you can quickly repair a few issues, others may demand a motor replacement.
These unusual sounds indicate an issue in the direct drive heaters or belt problems in the older belt furnace. A rattling sound hints at an impaired or broken component. In contrast, clanging sounds tip-off towards a more serious issue and demands blower replacement. However, if you are unsure, you must call a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.
Overheated Blower
Suppose your system has an overheated blower that comes with a burning smell. After this, the system shut down. Hence, your HVAC system is trying to prevent electrical damage. In this case, you need the help of a certified technician.
How to Replace Your Motor?
If you are curious how you can replace the HVAC blower, you must know that it’s a professional’s task. So, a qualified and licensed contractor can help you find a suitable motor and fix it properly.
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