Overheating. Dirt buildup and general wear and tear can cause the AC fan motor to overheat, leading to increased energy consumption and potential system failure. Signs of overheating include a burning smell from the vents or unexpected system shutdowns.
Generally, when power vent motors burn out early it is caused by a lack of intake ventilation. If there is not enough intake for the CFM rating of the power vent (CFM = cubic feet of air moved per minute), the fan will be working harder than it should.
For quick reference, most HVAC systems are designed for a lifetime of up to 20 years. 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.
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.
If the motor hums but doesn't run, and if it's hard to turn, its because the bearings are seized. If it hums and turns freely but doesn't run, then it's probably the capacitor connected to the motor, and if it doesn't even hum, it's the motor's thermal fuse, switch, or power cord.
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 your motor's electrics and bearings are constantly exposed to too much heat, then they will begin to fail. If you let your motor overheat repeatedly and fail, then either a component has broken or a bearing has seized.To prevent overheating, check your vents, filters, and in-room airflow.
Repairing a blower motor costs anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on what went wrong. On the other hand, a full replacement might cost upwards of $2,000 once you factor in labor costs. So if your repair estimate is sky-high, you might get a better value with total replacement.
Before diving into details, here is the summary of the basics to know: –Yes, you can run an electric fan all day and night. However, fans that might have problems or look worn-out or suspicious should not be left running unattended. –Always check your fan to see if it is working.
What's the Cost of Repairing or Replacing a Fan Motor? The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.
Winding insulation breakdown and bearing wear are the two most common causes of motor failure, but those conditions arise for many different reasons.
Common Causes of Fan Overheating
Dust builds up on its blades or inside the motor blocking airflow which forces motor to work harder spinning those blades more than normal hence producing more heat energy due to friction developed during their operation .
When your electric fan does not seem to work like it used to, the first thing you should do when troubleshooting is to make sure that the power supply to our power outlet works well. Turn your fan on to see if the motor works.
There are a number of possible reasons why this is happening, including dirt and dust buildup, bad capacitor, and an aging motor. If your blower motor is dirty or has a bad capacitor, you can call in an HVAC technician to fix the problem.
Unusual and Loud Sounds
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.
It most commonly occurs when the blower fan motor becomes aged or is overworked. A lack of regular maintenance is generally to blame for blower fan burnout.
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.
You should inspect your air filter for any signs of dirtiness and replace it annually as most filters require. Another reason why your leaf blower might start and then stall is due to old gas. Old gas that is past its shelf life, which is longer than 3-6 months, can cause a blockage in the fuel filter and carburetor.
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.
Fan motors can fail due to burnout, overheating, or wiring problems. If motor issues are caught early enough, they can be repaired. But if it's burned out, it'll need to be replaced by a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.
The average cost of a new condenser fan motor ranges between $300 and $700, depending on the model, your AC unit, and labor costs. While this isn't cheap, replacing your fan motors before they break can save you thousands of dollars in HVAC repair services.
If the indoor blower fan has malfunctioned, cold temperatures outside the home, or low refrigerant charge, the evaporator coil can freeze. If this happens, call your local Trane expert for professional assistance.