Over time, normal wear and tear can cause the furnace motor to start squealing, grinding, buzzing, or whistling sound. Here are some of the most common culprits behind furnace motor noise: Bearings wear out – Bearings allow the blower wheel to spin smoothly.
If it's a metallic, whining, or banging noise it's a bad blower motor, in which case you should shut off the furnace and get repairs immediately. If it's a loud electrical hum, then it's a bad transformer. If it's a rumbling noise, then that's an issue with the burner, which can be extremely dangerous.
A sure sign of a bad fan motor is a cooling fan that will not come on. The cooling fan should spin continuously during operation. You may hear a slight buzzing sound from the fan, but the fan will not turn at all if the motor has failed.
A failing blower motor may emit unusual sounds. This may sound like screeching or squealing if it has bad bearings. You may hear a rattle or a banging sound if something inside the motor has broken or come loose.
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.
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.
You'll probably have to remove an access plate to get at the ports. If the blower has grease cups instead of oil ports, remove the screw caps that cover the cups and fill the cups with bearing lubricant, which is available at automotive and hardware stores. When you lube the motor, you should also check the belts.
Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560, on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900. The average blower motor replacement cost is $560, but the final price depends on labor fees, as well as the cost of the parts.
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.
Loud Bangs, Rumbles, Knocks, or Booms
Loud noises like this are a sign of a build of gas in a furnace. The noise you hear can mean your heat exchanger is at risk of cracking. Even worse, it's a sign that something dangerous could happen if you continue to use your heater.
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. The same blower motor is used for both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it essential for maintaining indoor climate control.
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 often should you clean your furnace blower? Generally, it's recommended to clean it at least once a year. However, if you notice signs of reduced airflow, unusual noises, or increased dust, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
What is the average life of a residential furnace? A furnace that receives regular maintenance can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend the life of a furnace even longer.
Some commonly occurring signs that you have a problem with your blower fan are that there is no air coming out of the registers even though the system is running, there is a loud rattling noise, and there is a burning-type smell within the system.
Overheating. Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.
Your furnace will need to work harder, the blower motor will run for extended periods of time, and this could cause it to overheat. The devastating effect of internal temperatures climbing is that components could catch fire.
Typically, you'll find it inside the air handler, either next to or above your furnace. In most newer systems, the button is often directly next to the blower motor, while in older systems, it may be harder to spot as it is sometimes underneath or behind the motor.