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Furnace Blower Not Working

By March 20, 2024General

If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’re dealing with the frustrating issue of a furnace blower that’s not working as it should. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. A malfunctioning furnace blower can disrupt your home’s comfort and leave you feeling chilly during the cooler months.

Since 1988, Fenix Heating & Cooling has been a steadfast pillar in the Wichita community, earning the trust of countless households with our unparalleled expertise in all things HVAC-related. Today, we dive into the troubleshooting journey of a furnace blower that is not working.

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In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the common reasons why your furnace blower might not be working properly. From simple DIY troubleshooting tips to when it’s time to call in the professionals, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or simply seeking guidance on resolving this issue, read on to discover how to get your furnace blower back up and running smoothly. Let’s ensure your home stays warm and cozy, even on the chilliest of days.

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You might be asking yourself what a furnace blower fan is anyway. It is an electric blower that works with your furnace to distribute cool air so that your home can remain warm during the winter months. Dispersing the cool air allows your furnace to heat up more quickly and keeps your energy bills down. A blower fan also helps to circulate the heated air throughout the house by pushing warm air to the vents.

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An unusual odor or burning smell is one of the most common signs that you have a problem with your blower fan motor or another piece of its assembly. This smell can come directly from the furnace and often will also make its way through your vents. When this blower fan stops doing its job, there can be a variety of reasons why.

Here are 8 common reasons your furnace blower motor isn’t working.

To verify if the fan is working, you can switch the fan on your thermostat to the ‘on’ position. If the fan starts running, this is an indicator that the problem is something other than the fan itself. If the blower fan does not spin, this could indicate a furnace blower motor failure. It is important to address this issue promptly to restore the proper functioning of your furnace and restore warmth to your home. Call in the experts at Fenix Heating & Cooling at (316)945-4842 to properly diagnose and fix any issues that could be causing your blower fan not to operate properly.

  1. If your furnace blower motor isn’t working, the first thing you will want to check is your thermostat and its settings. If the batteries in your thermostat have gone dead, it can cause your thermostat to malfunction and not properly communicate with your system. If the thermostat is properly functioning, make sure it is set to the ‘heat’ mode and that the temperature is set higher than the current temperature of the room.
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  2. If your furnace blower fan is still not working, you will want to check to see if there are any power issues. First, check the circuit breaker to make sure there are no switches that have been tripped or any blown fuses. You will also want to make sure that the furnace’s on/off switch on the unit is in the ‘on’ position.
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  3. Restricted airflow can also cause the furnace blower to stop working. You will want to check your unit’s air filter to ensure it doesn’t need a change. The air filter collects dust, dirt, and other debris, which can limit the airflow and place unnecessary stress on the blower motor. You also want to ensure the filter was inserted into your unit correctly. Check the arrows on the air filter to make sure they are pointing in the correct direction.
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  4. Resetting the blower is the next thing to try if your furnace blower fan is still not working. To do this, you first want to turn off the breaker connected to your furnace to ensure the power is off. Then, you will want to remove the blower cover, which is typically connected by a few screws in the front. Once the cover is removed, allow the blower to cool down to ensure it is safe to touch. If there is dirt or dust accumulated on the fan, you can use compressed air to clean it off. Once everything is cool, find the red reset button on the backside of the motor. You will want to push this button in to reset the furnace blower motor. Our HVAC technicians at Fenix Heating & Cooling are highly trained, so if you feel more comfortable with an expert taking a look, call us anytime at (316)945-4842, and we’ll get someone out quickly.
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  5. While you have the blower cover off, you will also want to inspect the motor for any visible damage or signs of wear. You can also do a visual inspection of your furnace blower’s drive belt to verify that it is not worn down or cracked and needs to be replaced. If you do see any damage to the motor or worn-out or loose components, it’s best to call on the professionals at Fenix Heating & Cooling to handle any repairs – https://heatingandcoolingwichitaks.com/contact/
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  6. Another thing that may cause your furnace blower motor to stop working is lack of maintenance. Routine maintenance for your HVAC equipment is crucial to extending the life of your system. We offer our Protection Plan Service Program for affordable twice-yearly maintenance on your comfort equipment. Give us a call at (316)945-4842 or visit our website to learn more – https://heatingandcoolingwichitaks.com/protection-plan/
    Protection Plan Service Program
  7. If you notice unusual noises coming from the furnace blower motor, this may point to a motor issue that a faulty capacitor could cause. You want to ensure these issues are addressed as soon as possible to ensure the proper functioning of your system. One of our HVAC experts at Fenix Heating & Cooling can properly diagnose what is causing the motor issue and make the necessary repairs. Call us at (316)945-4842 anytime – we’d be happy to help!
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  8. A defective control board may also cause your furnace blower to fail. The control board regulates the power supply to all components of your furnace, so a defective control board can cause issues with the blower motor. One of our experts can properly diagnose and replace your defective control board – https://heatingandcoolingwichitaks.com/contact/
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Sometimes, the cost of fixing your current equipment may outweigh the benefit, and it may be time to look at replacing your unit with a new, efficient system. Call us at (316)945-4842 to learn more about our great rebate and financing options to get you into a new Lennox system!

Lennox air conditioner getting installed at a West Wichita home

As we conclude this blog, remember that Fenix Heating & Cooling here in Wichita, KS, supports you in maintaining a comfortable home environment. We hope the troubleshooting tips provided empower you to effectively address any issues with your furnace blower.

However, if you find that your furnace blower is still not working or you require further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at (316)945-4842. Our experts, with more than three decades of experience, are always ready to lend a hand and ensure your home stays warm and cozy throughout the winter months. Keep these tips handy, stay warm, and remember, Fenix is just a call away!

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Trust the Fenix Comfort Heroes to rescue you from your HVAC problems. Don’t wait until the first day of winter to discover your furnace is not working! Turn it on today. If it’s not running properly, contact us and we’ll work to get your system fixed before the first frost.

Join the Fenix Protection Plan Service Program today! You’ll receive some nice benefits, like 20% off all parts and labor and having the peace of mind to know that your HVAC unit is being serviced by the best comfort specialists in Wichita!

Visit our showroom to see all our trusted products on display at 802 West 2nd St., just across from Wichita’s new library, or give us a call at 316-945-4842.

Be sure to check out our current promotions to get the best deal on meeting your comfort needs!