How Long Do Furnace Blower Motors Last?
Your furnace blower motor is a key part of the system that spreads heat throughout your home. Without it, there’d be no way for the heat to circulate.
When it comes to maintaining your heating system, it’s essential to recognize the signs that your furnace fan motor is on its way out. While most will last between 10 and 20 years, getting your new furnace fan replacement sooner rather than later is better for comfort, saving on energy bills and keeping your HVAC system healthy.
We at Absolute Comfort Air are well accustomed to the things that signal trouble with a homeowner’s blower motor. Sometimes all it takes is a little knowledge for these signs to become obvious. Read on to learn about five common symptoms of a failing furnace fan.
1. Strange Noises Or Smells
Furnaces are not always quiet machines, but when you begin to notice unusual or particularly loud noises, that might be a sign of trouble with the blower motor. Grinding, squealing or banging noises coming from your furnace indicate that the blower motor is struggling to function properly.
These sounds can suggest different kinds of problems, like broken parts or a loose motor belt. If you’re not confident about the source of the sound, you can always turn to an HVAC professional to investigate further.
Odd smells like burning or mustiness can suggest that the furnace blower motor is overheating or that there’s a problem with the electrical components. These signs shouldn’t be ignored, as they can signify impending failure of the blower motor, leading to a breakdown of your heating system. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent costly repairs or the need for a full replacement.
2. Weak Airflow From Vents
Proper airflow is necessary for your furnace to do its job. If you notice that some rooms are not being adequately heated despite your thermostat settings, it could indicate a problem with the blower motor.
A weakened airflow often results from the motor’s inability to push air effectively through the ductwork, causing uneven heating throughout your home. While leaky air ducts are one possibility, a clogged or faulty blower could also be the cause.
If you cannot identify the problem immediately, contact our team so we can determine if your furnace blower motor needs replacement.
3. Repetitive Cycling
When your furnace turns on and off frequently, it might mean there’s trouble with the blower motor. This cycling may occur more often than normal or at irregular intervals, indicating that the motor is struggling to maintain a consistent airflow.
Not only does this lead to inconsistent heating or cooling in your home, but it also puts unnecessary stress on the motor and other system components.
If your furnace is experiencing overheating, this could be why its cycling pattern is experiencing problems. A thorough inspection from our technicians can help determine the underlying problem with your heating system.
4. Overheating
If you notice that your furnace feels excessively hot to the touch, is producing a burning smell or that it shuts off unexpectedly, there is likely an overheating problem with the blower motor.
Overheating may occur due to restricted airflow, a malfunctioning fan or electrical issues within the motor. Left unchecked, it can cause damage to the motor and surrounding components, leading to system failure and potentially even electrical fires. If you suspect an overheating issue, call in an HVAC team as soon as possible.
5. High Energy Bills
One often overlooked sign of a failing furnace blower motor is a sudden increase in energy bills. A significant spike in your heating costs without a corresponding change in usage habits could mean your HVAC system is working harder than usual.
A failing blower motor can contribute to decreased efficiency, as it struggles to push out air effectively, which also costs you money. Regularly maintaining your blower motor can help keep it efficient and prevent this problem.
With that being said, sometimes your blower is simply too old, and its age leads to reduced efficiency and more risks of malfunctions. It may be time to look into a furnace fan replacement.
Get Repair And Replacement From Absolute Comfort Air
Your HVAC system deserves to be handled by people who treat it with as much respect as you do. Absolute Comfort Air and our certified technicians are here to take care of your heating system, whether it be through maintenance, repair or installation. You don’t have to wait to receive your next quality service. Contact us today!