Can I put a bigger motor in my furnace?

Author: Rachael Kunde  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

If you're asking, “Can I put a bigger blower motor in my furnace?” the correct answer is no. Furnace manufacturers carefully assemble the components that make up the system after rigorous testing. Installing a bigger blower motor can upset the balance, leading to various issues.

Can you put a more powerful blower motor in my furnace?

If you have a direct drive blower where the motor lies within the blower wheel then you cannot install a physically larger motor but can install a greater hp rated one. You have to make sure that the mount can take the extra weight. A larger motor may not give you more airflow though.

What happens if you oversize a furnace?

Irregular Temperatures. You'd expect an oversized furnace to produce an excellent heat output. However, when a furnace is too big for a building, it will struggle to maintain the thermostat's settings. Its inefficiency and short cycling will cause the unit to heat the property unevenly.

Can you increase blower speed on a furnace?

When increasing the blower speed, loosen the setscrew a little bit. This is the part that holds the pulley to the furnace's driveshaft. Turn the pulley one rotation clockwise on the shaft. If you want even more speed, do two rotations.

Are blower motors interchangeable?

Only thing that matters is voltage, RPM, HP and if the motor fits. The motor being an inch short or longer doesn't matter as long as it spins.

Furnace Making Noise | High Pitch Squeal Screech | Fix Furnace Inducer Motor

Are furnace blower motors universal?

Are Furnace Blower Motors Universal? Yes and no. There are universal motor replacements for electric and gas-powered furnaces. However, which one you buy will also depend on your existing motor's horsepower, voltage and rotations/revolutions-per-minute (rpm).

Can you change the speed of blower motor?

Steps to Change Furnace Blower Speed

Turn off any gas lines. When it's safe, open the main furnace panel. The blower motor sits near the base and next to the main air filter. For a pulley blower motor, adjust the length of the pulley to increase or decrease the speed.

Can you upgrade your furnace blower?

Upgrading your HVAC blower motor can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Whether you're experiencing issues with your current motor or simply looking to enhance your home's comfort, an upgraded blower motor can offer numerous benefits.

How do I increase the airflow in my furnace?

Here are a few ways to increase airflow through your air ducts and improve the comfort of your home.
  1. Clean the Air Ducts. ...
  2. Add Ductwork Extensions or Registers. ...
  3. Install Automatic Dampers on Your Vents. ...
  4. Replace Furnace Filters. ...
  5. Install a Whole House Fan. ...
  6. Add More Insulation to Your Walls. ...
  7. Seal Up Drafty Windows and Doors.

How do I get more heat out of my furnace?

Check Your Vents & Ducts.

Make sure your vents are open and unobstructed. Sometimes belongings or furniture can inadvertently cover them, blocking airflow and preventing heat from reaching the room. Also, do not close vents in unused rooms as this can cause airflow issues as well.

Is it better to oversize or undersize HVAC?

Neither oversizing nor undersizing your AC unit is ideal. Both scenarios can lead to issues with efficiency, comfort, and longevity of the system.

What size furnace for 1200 square feet?

1,200-square-foot home will require between 35,000 and 75,000 BTUs. 1,800-square-foot home will require between 45,000 to 90,000 BTUs.

Can a furnace have too many BTUs?

The more BTUs a furnace has, the larger the area it can heat. However, bigger isn't always better. If your furnace has insufficient BTUs, it'll work non-stop and never keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Alternatively, a furnace with too many BTUs will frequently cycle and be inefficient.

How do I increase my blower capacity?

There are several options for increasing the capacity of this type of equipment without necessarily replacing it:
  1. Modification(s) to the blower and/or drive machine.
  2. Cooling of intake air by water misting or cooling with refrigeration units.
  3. Oxygen injection at blower discharge.

Why is my furnace fan not strong enough?

This can be caused by a loose fan belt, or a dirty motor. Solution: First, clean the blower fan and the area around it. It has to deal with a lot of air, so it naturally becomes dirty over time. If that doesn't fix it, the fan belt probably needs to be replaced.

How many CFM is a typical furnace blower?

Furnace Blower Options

In essence, the unit is either operating at full capacity when the thermostat calls for heating, or it is turned off when the demand is met. Single speed blowers are factory calibrated to operate between 1200-1800 CFM, which will generally meet the requirements of a 1000-2000 square foot home.

Why is my bedroom hotter than the rest of the house?

Common issues like leaks, disconnections, or obstructions within the ducts disrupt the flow of cooled air, causing rooms farther from the HVAC unit to suffer the most. In some cases, inadequate insulation of ducts can allow heat to infiltrate, further exacerbating the problem.

Why is my furnace not getting enough air flow?

From dirty air ducts, blocked damper valves, damaged duct runs, to an insufficient numbers of return air vents, there are a variety of signs that may indicate a furnace air flow issue in your home.

How can I improve my furnace efficiency?

11 Tips to Help Your Furnace Work Better
  1. Make Sure the Filter is Clean. ...
  2. Use a Programmable Thermostat. ...
  3. Make Sure all Registers are Open and Free of Debris. ...
  4. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear. ...
  5. Curtains are a Great Way to Save Energy. ...
  6. Get Regular Furnace Tune Ups. ...
  7. Use Ceiling Fans. ...
  8. Bake More in the Winter Months.

Can I put a bigger blower on my furnace?

No, you should not put a bigger blower motor in your furnace.

What is the life expectancy of a furnace blower motor?

Furnace: A blower motor in a furnace can last a minimum of 10 years but up to 20 if you schedule regular maintenance to keep your unit in good condition. Heat Pump: Like a furnace, a blower motor in a heat pump can last at least 10 years, and up to 15 if the unit undergoes regular maintenance.

How to increase blower cfm?

Adjusting the Blower Speed

You can increase or decrease the blower speed by slightly adjusting the pulley on the blower drive motor. To increase blower speed, slightly loosen the setscrew that holds the pulley to the driveshaft. Move or turn the pulley clockwise on the shaft one turn, then tighten setscrew.

How to increase furnace air flow?

If you feel like your furnace is struggling to heat your home, especially in rooms located far from the unit, there's an inexpensive way to give it a boost of extra power. Installing a booster fan in your HVAC system ductwork will increase airflow to rooms that are struggling to get warm air.

Should I run my furnace fan continuously in winter?

Running your furnace fan continuously in winter has its pros and cons. It can improve air circulation and quality but may also lead to higher energy bills and increased wear on your system.

What is more important in a blower CFM or mph?

High CFM: If you need to clear large areas with a lot of leaves and debris, a leaf blower with a high CFM is more efficient. It will move more at once, saving you time and effort. High MPH: A high MPH leaf blower is your best bet if you're dealing with wet leaves or stubborn debris.

Previous article
What is non-toxic black mold?
Next article
How to make kitchen cabinets look glossy?