How do I know if my furnace fan is bad?

Author: Enrico Carter  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

Here are the key indicators:
  1. Unusual Noises. Screeching or Squealing. ...
  2. Weak Airflow. Insufficient Heating. ...
  3. Motor Overheating. Excessive Heat from the Furnace. ...
  4. Inconsistent Performance. Start-Stop Issues. ...
  5. High Energy Bills. An inefficient, struggling blower motor often increases energy usage and higher bills.
  6. Age and Wear.

How do I know if my blower motor needs to be replaced?

No Airflow

If you notice that there is no warm air at all coming through your heat registers, then you may have a broken blower motor. This generally means the blower motor has failed completely, which may indicate there have been problems for a while.

What happens if furnace fan is not working?

If the furnace fan is not turning on, that means the furnace blower motor is not working. There are a few reasons this may be happening, including: Thermostat set incorrectly. Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace fan?

While costs can vary, homeowners can typically expect the following range: Standard Blower Motors: These might cost between $400-700, excluding labor. Advanced Multi-Speed or Variable-Speed Motors: These are generally more expensive, with costs ranging between $650-1250, not including labor.

Can you replace a furnace blower motor yourself?

Undo the screws on the motor to remove the belly band. The rotation of the motor needs to match the direction of the fans, so position them accordingly. Attach the new motor to the belly band. Center the new motor on the fan wheel, fasten the bolts, and connect the capacitor.

Furnace Blower Not Working - How to Check It

How long does a furnace fan last?

Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.

Can you run a furnace without a blower fan?

A furnace by definition is forced air so will use a blower. Hydronic systems, steam and hot water radiators use no blowers.

How do you reset a furnace fan?

Preparing to Reset the Furnace Blower Motor
  1. Step 1: Turn Off the Power. ...
  2. Step 2: Inspect the Blower Motor. ...
  3. Step 1: Locate the Furnace Blower Motor Reset Button. ...
  4. Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button. ...
  5. Step 3: Check the Circuit Breaker. ...
  6. Step 1: Additional Troubleshooting Tips. ...
  7. Step 2: When to Call an HVAC Professional.

Why is my furnace running but not blowing air?

When your furnace runs but fails to blow air, several issues could be at play: Blower Motor Problems: If the motor is malfunctioning or not receiving power, it can't push air through your ducts. This could be due to electrical issues, a faulty motor, or problems with the motor's capacitor.

How do I know if my fan is faulty?

Understanding the Symptoms of a Non-Functioning Radiator Fan
  1. Overheating at idle or low speeds. ...
  2. The fan isn't spinning when the engine is warm. ...
  3. The Check Engine Light might come on. ...
  4. Visible damage.

How do I know if my furnace fan capacitor is bad?

Signs of a Bad Furnace Capacitor
  1. Symptom: Clicking Noise. Fortunately, a capacitor can show symptoms of failure before, or during a failure event. ...
  2. Symptom: Acrid Burning Smell Coming from the Furnace. ...
  3. Symptom: Humming Sound from the Blower. ...
  4. Symptom: No Power At All. ...
  5. Symptom: Erratic Motor Operation.

Should furnace fan stay on?

Running the Fan Continuously

This offers benefits for your home such as: Improved air circulation throughout your living spaces. Enhanced indoor air quality by filtering air continuously. Reduced motor stress by minimizing frequent starts and stops.

How do I know if my furnace fan is broken?

3 Signs of a Furnace Fan Problem
  1. A loud clanging noise. This is an immediate warning that you will probably notice soon after it starts. ...
  2. No airflow from vents. ...
  3. An increase in power bills.

Is it worth it to replace a furnace blower motor?

Replacing the blower motor is likely the best decision if your furnace is under warranty or relatively new. It might be better to replace the furnace if it's old or has a lot of issues that require frequent repairs. On average, a new blower motor costs $300 to $900.

How to diagnose a bad furnace blower motor?

Here are the key indicators:
  1. Unusual Noises. Screeching or Squealing. ...
  2. Weak Airflow. Insufficient Heating. ...
  3. Motor Overheating. Excessive Heat from the Furnace. ...
  4. Inconsistent Performance. Start-Stop Issues. ...
  5. High Energy Bills. An inefficient, struggling blower motor often increases energy usage and higher bills.
  6. Age and Wear.

What causes a furnace fan to stop working?

Common causes include electrical problems, a malfunctioning blower motor, or thermostat-related issues. Electrical problems may include blown fuses within the furnace circuit or tripped circuit breakers in your electrical panel. If the blower motor is worn out or has failed, it can cease to function altogether.

Do all furnace blower motors have a reset button?

First of all, be aware that not all furnaces have a reset button; however, most do. If your electric furnace has one, it's most likely located within the blower housing, next to the motor. If you own a gas furnace, it's probably located within the control panel. Check your owner's manual for specifics.

Does a furnace fan have a fuse?

Furnaces with fuses usually have them in the control box with the blower.

How do I know if my furnace blower is out?

Here are some signs of a broken furnace blower motor:
  1. Loud Operating Noises. When your blower has an issue, you might hear odd noises coming from your vents. ...
  2. Weak or Absent Airflow. Weak airflow or total lack of it is the most obvious sign of a bad blower motor. ...
  3. Overheating. ...
  4. High Energy Bills.

Is no furnace filter better than a dirty one?

NO. A furnace filter has a critical job to perform and a filter cannot be run without one. For a furnace to work properly, it should always be equipped with a clean, working filter. As we'll see, a dirty filter can cause problems, and so can having no filter at all.

How do I get my furnace fan to run?

Choosing “auto” or “on.”

Most furnace and air conditioning systems have two fan settings: "on" and "auto." The labels may not be super clear, so here is what each setting does: Setting your HVAC fan to “on” will run the fan constantly. It will push air through the house whether the AC or furnace is running or not.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace blower fan?

Be sure to check before you hire a serviceman. On average, a Carrier blower motor replacement costs $150-$500. If your furnace needs a new squirrel cage fan, also known as a blower wheel, then you can expect to pay a bit more, about $250-$600 total.

How do you know if your blower motor needs to be replaced?

Look for these key indicators that you have a bad blower motor.
  1. Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching. ...
  2. Weak or No Airflow From The Vents. ...
  3. A Sudden Spike in Your Energy Bills. ...
  4. An Overheating HVAC System. ...
  5. Replace or Maintain a Part in the Blower Motor. ...
  6. Replacing the Blower Motor. ...
  7. Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance.

What happens when your blower motor goes out on your furnace?

If the blower fails to operate, you won't receive any heated air through the vents in your home. If the blower isn't turning on at all, this is a symptom that can indicate a full replacement motor is necessary.

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