Do you need expert help with your furnace problems? Call Crew Heating & Cooling at 832-734-7727 for speedy repairs.
The blower motor is one of the most important parts of your furnace. It controls the blower fan, which pushes the heated air through your home’s duct and vents when the furnace is at work.
Most furnaces have single- or variable-speed motors. These components last as long as the furnace itself, but in some cases, they can break down prematurely. When that happens, you may ask, “Can I put a bigger blower motor in my furnace?”
As the premier choice for furnace repair in Spring, TX, we’ve noticed that most people ask this question because they believe that a bigger blower motor means better performance for the furnace and a reduced risk of blower motor breakdown. However, none of that is true!
We’ll cover the details below.
Signs of Furnace Blower Motor Problems
The following are some top signs that you may need to replace your furnace blower motor:
Inadequate Airflow
Does it feel like the warm air coming through your vents has reduced significantly in the last few weeks? Your blower motor may need replacing. This is especially true when the decline has been sudden.
If you notice a gradual decline in the airflow, you may have clogged filters or accumulated dirt and debris in the blower compartment.
No Airflow
A broken blower motor is one of the possible reasons you don’t have any air coming through the vents with your furnace on. Once you rule out other possible causes, like thermostat misalignment, it’s time to turn your attention to the blower compartment.
Noisy Operation
Do you hear clanking, screeching, or rattling noise when your furnace is working? It’s one of the signs of blower motor damage. An HVAC technician will open the compartment to confirm the cause of the noise.
In many cases, it’s a problem with the blower fan only. If the motor has sustained damage, it will need replacing.
Burning Smell During Operation
Do you notice a burning smell while your furnace is running? It’s a sign of an overheating blower system. If the smell accompanies sudden shutdowns, you have a blower that needs changing urgently.
Why You Shouldn’t Put a Bigger Blower Motor in Your Furnace
If you’re asking, “Can I put a bigger blower motor in my furnace?” the correct answer is no. Furnace manufacturers carefully assemble the components that make up the system after rigorous testing. Installing a bigger blower motor can upset the balance, leading to various issues.
When you notice a blower motor problem, it’s best to talk to an HVAC technician about the ideal replacement.
Depending on the furnace type and model, you can find a new or used replacement blower from the same manufacturer. Where that isn’t practical, you may have to source aftermarket options from other manufacturers.
Some of the things that can happen when you install a bigger blower motor in your furnace include the following:
Uncomfortable Temperatures
If the blower motor is too large, it may blow higher volumes of warm air, leaving your home hotter than normal. The situation will throw your thermostat setting out of sync, and you may struggle to find that ideal temperature sweet spot.
Short Cycling
Ideally, your furnace should run cycles of 12 to 15 minutes. With an oversized blower motor, the furnace will run shorter cycles because the motor has too much power.
When the heating cycle is too short, the furnace may not work long enough to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels.
More Repairs and a Shorter Furnace Lifespan
Well-maintained furnaces can last 20 years or more. Replacing the blower motor with one too big for the system will significantly reduce its lifespan.
The oversized blower fan will strain other parts, ranging from the heat exchanger to the burners. As a result, they’ll break down faster.
You’ll schedule repairs more frequently and, ultimately, replace the furnace earlier than you should.
Choose Crew Heating & Cooling for Your Furnace Blower Motor Repairs
You now know the answer to, “Can I put a bigger blower motor in my furnace?” If you suspect your furnace blower needs replacing, it’s best to call an expert furnace repair technician for professional guidance.
Our technicians will carefully inspect your unit to confirm or allay your suspicions. If you need a new blower motor, we’ll recommend the ideal replacement based on your furnace type, size, and model.
Are you ready to tackle your blower motor issues or other common HVAC problems? Call Crew Heating & Cooling in Spring, Texas, today at 832-734-7727.