Most blower wheels need to be pulled and cleaned every 3-5 years, depending on usage and the home. A dirty blower wheel can negatively affect the airflow in your HVAC unit, causing your heat exchanger to overheat and AC coils to freeze. It will also reduce the efficiency of your blower motor and your entire system.
Cleaning your HVAC blower motor is essential for maintaining efficient system operation and ensuring good air quality. Dust and debris can accumulate on the blower motor over time, reducing its performance and leading to increased energy consumption.
Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to scrub out any remaining grime. If your vacuum cleaner does not have a brush attachment, use a small, curved brush to clean out the hard-to-reach areas of your blower wheel, as well as the blower motor, and the fan blades.
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.
If the blower wheel gets dirt or grease buildup, it will slow down the wheels rotation and reduce the amount of air your blower motor is cable of moving through the home. Any dirt on the blades cause your blower motor to work harder. This draws more amperage and pushes less air.
Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching
One of the first signs you may notice when there's an issue with the blower motor is a strange noise coming from the indoor unit or air handler. Different noises will indicate different problems.
Typically, the lifespan of furnace blower motors spans from a minimum of 10 years up to about 20 years, with most enduring an average period between 15 and 20 years.
Some of the reasons a blower motor might fail are overheating, and excessive moisture. When dust, dirt, and debris build up, it can cause the windings and bearings to burn up more quickly.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
Ideally, you should clean the blower wheel at least once a year—twice if you have pets, live in an area with high dust levels, or are prone to allergies.
Clean the Fan Motor
The ceiling fan motor's cover should keep most dust out, but some may still get in. To clean the motor, simply apply a vacuum to the slits on the top of the motor cover. This should help remove the excess dust from your fan's motor.
The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse. A fuse is a small wire inside of a connector that is used to protect the motor itself from a surge of electricity.
a) Overview Preventive Maintenance for Blowers
It involves routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, testing, and replacement of parts to keep equipment running smoothly. For blowers, preventive maintenance is crucial to ensure they continue to operate efficiently and effectively.
Electrical Burning Odor
Electrical burning smells can be highly alarming. This odor could indicate an overheated blower motor. Blower motors commonly overheat due to clogged air filters.
One of the most prevalent factors that can cause a blower motor to stop working is a blown fuse. A fuse prevents electrical circuits from an excessive flow of current that may run in them. Over time or due to any sudden surge, it might blow the fuse and cut power to the blower motor.
Overheating. Blowers with worn-out parts are more prone to overheating. This can damage other components in the system, and it can even be a fire hazard if it's not addressed.
Weak Airflow from the Vents
This is usually the first indication that you may have a faulty blower motor. If the airflow coming out of the vents is weak, check the motor. It can mean that your furnace blower motor is having a hard time pushing enough air through the ducts to achieve your desired temperature.
A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.
More specifically, systems that include blower motors have a lifespan of roughly: Air-Source Heat Pumps: 10 to 12 years, with a maximum of 15 years or more. Furnaces: 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules. DX Air Conditioners: 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules and manufacturer quality.
If the blower motor wheel is dirty, it can disperse dust, allergens, and other contaminants into the air you breathe. Regular cleaning helps maintain better indoor air quality, which is especially important for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Average Costs for Blower Motor Replacement
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.
There are several things that could cause a blower fan to burn out, and most of them are related to wear and tear on the component. Causes of blower fan burnout include: Windings that have deteriorated. Bearings that have seized after running out of oil.