How To

How to Fix a Blower on a Furnace

Contributor
By Michelle Kerns
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
A gas furnace.
A gas 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.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Soft, dry cloths
  • All-purpose oil
  • Straightedge
  • Open-end wrench
  • Replacement main drive belt (optional)
  • Ratchet wrench
  1. Step 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.

  2. Step 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.

  3. Step 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.

  4. Step 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.

  5. Step 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.

  6. Step 6

    Re-attach the access panel and turn the furnace's power back on.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do not attempt to fix a furnace's blower without first turning power off at the main service panel.

References

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