Old Man Winter can be very tough on the Twin Cities metro area, so if your heating system suddenly stops blowing warm air, you’ll want to get it up and running again as soon as possible.
Knowing how to identify and fix a few small problems on your own can save you from having to call an HVAC specialist in to handle things. Here are some basic troubleshooting tips for any home furnace blower problems:
- Check your power – If your blower isn’t running at all, a tripped circuit breaker may be at fault. Check your breaker, switching it off and on to make sure it’s in working order.
- Check your thermostat – Make sure your thermostat is set to “fan” or “auto,” so the blower can run and that the temperature setting is 5 degrees above room temperature.
- Look at vents and filters – Check your vents to make sure they’re open, and then check your system’s filters. A filter that is clogged or has been installed improperly can cause home furnace blower problems, so try putting a fresh one in, but make sure the arrow on the top points towards the ductwork for proper airflow.
- Look over the blower motor – If these simple tips don’t get you anywhere, it’s time to look at the blower motor itself. First, make sure the furnace access door is shut tightly since it won’t run if it isn’t. Then, turn off the power. Find the blower motor and check its belt to see if it’s broken, cracked or frayed. If so, replace it. Next, carefully check the motor for heat. A hot motor may indicate an overheating problem and will likely require replacement — a definite job for your HVAC specialist.
If you need more information about home furnace blowers, please contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been helping homeowners in the Twin Cities metro area keep their homes comfortable since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace blower problems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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