How to Fix a Blower on a Furnace
The blower on a gas furnace is responsible for moving cold air past the furnace's heat exchanger, where it is heated, then into the main duct passages and throughout the house. A furnace that makes loud squeaks or grinding noises needs to have the blower motor repaired. Fixing the blower requires only a few items, and can be accomplished by do-it-yourselfers with only moderate home repair experience. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soft, dry cloths
- All-purpose oil
- Straightedge
- Open-end wrench
- Replacement main drive belt (optional)
- Ratchet wrench
Instructions
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1
Turn off the furnace's power by shutting down its circuit at the main service panel. Remove the access panel that covers the blower motor. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the blower motor clean of dust and debris.
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2
Locate the blower motor's oil-fill ports. Many furnace access panels have diagrams showing the locations of the oil-fill ports on their inner surface. Take off the covers of the oil-fill ports and put several drops of all-purpose oil into each port. Replace the port covers.
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3
Hold a straightedge flush against the motor's flat sides and pulleys. Check that each of the blower motor's pulleys are straight and aligned properly.
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4
Align any pulleys that are not straight. Use an open-end wrench to loosen the mounting bolts located on the blower motor's sliding bracket. Move the motor until the pulleys are aligned properly. Re-tighten the mounting bolts.
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5
Check the blower motor's main drive belt. Replace the belt if it appears worn or cracked. Press down firmly on the main drive belt with your finger at a point midway between the pulleys. The belt should flex approximately 1 inch. If the belt flexes too much or too little, locate the adjustment bolt and tighten or loosen it with a ratchet wrench. The adjustment bolt is usually located on the blower motor's housing or mounting bracket.
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6
Re-attach the access panel and turn the furnace's power back on.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not attempt to fix a furnace's blower without first turning power off at the main service panel.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit radobson.com
