Fixing Furnace Blower Starts and Stopping Immediately: Tips to Troubleshoot
Furnace blowers are responsible for circulating air throughout the home. However, they may not always work properly due to various reasons; therefore, the fixing furnace starts immediately will help homeowners repair their systems and save money on replacement costs. Here are some tips for troubleshooting if you want to fix your furnace blower problems at home.
1. Check electrical cord connections
Check if the power cords to the heating system are connected correctly. Ensure no loose wires are inside the cords connecting the blower motor to the circuit board. Also, check if any electricity flows through the wires leading to the blower motor. If the problem persists, disconnect the whole unit from the wall socket, remove the fuse box cover, and turn off the breaker switch.
Then, look for the blown a fuse. Once you know which fuse is blown, replace it. Be careful not to touch the exposed copper wire. After replacing the fuse, reconnect the unit to the fuse box. Turn on the breaker switch again and ensure everything works fine before moving forward.
2. Open the filter chamber door
Before performing maintenance on furnace filters, open the filter chamber door. Clean the filter bed using a vacuum cleaner, and then clean the metal mesh screen using a damp cloth. You can use baking soda for cleaning purposes and vinegar for disinfection. Remove the old filters and replace them with new ones. Do not forget to tighten the screws that hold the Filter to the frame.
If there is no air, check whether something is blocking the exhaust duct opening or the intake hole at the bottom of the furnace. First, take note of the position where the obstruction occurs. Then, replace the obstructions using a screwdriver or needle-nose pliers.
4. Check the thermostat settings
The temperature setting of the thermostat should be set between 68° F (20° C) and 80° F (26° C). If the air is warmer than 60° F (15° C), close the damper vents to reduce the flow of heated air. Or adjust the temperature setting to lower the amount of heated air sent to the room.
5. Check the airflow rate
It's best to have the correct airflow rate set on the furnace. Set the fan speed to its maximum level and keep the control knob low while you test the system. If the fan comes on automatically, increase the speed until the desired result is achieved. Alternatively, set the dial to "auto" mode and let the system run until the desired air circulation is reached.
Adjust the water tank on the humidifier to ensure it drains completely after each cycle. Keep the faucet dripping to prevent the water from turning stagnant. Use distilled water only for the humidifiers.
7. Checking Valve Settings
If your fan doesn't start at all or runs intermittently, check the valve's settings. The air passing through the unit should go directly out of the intake port. In addition, if there is a problem with the Filter, replace it immediately.
Another cause of a running fan could be dirty filters. Again, clean them thoroughly before attempting to turn on the fan again.
9. Inspecting the Fan Motor
You should first inspect the motor to ensure nothing is wrong with it. You can do this by checking for broken connections around the motor. Moreover, you can use a multimeter to test the continuity between two terminals. Additionally, you can hold the probe over the motor while turning it on and off. If it works fine, then it's probably nothing major. However, don't expect it to work again if something is wrong with the connection.
10. Installing a New Motor
Sometimes it might not be the fan itself that requires replacing. Instead, you need to change the entire motor assembly. To do this, remove the old fan assembly, take it home, clean it thoroughly with compressed air, and install the new one. Remember to lubricate the new fan and tighten down its screws well.