Is Your Furnace Noisy? Learn The Possible Causes Here.

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Blower motor noises aren’t just annoying, it could be indicative of issues affecting overall furnace performance. Check out our latest blog below for more information.

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Posted by Billy | December 11, 2024

Does your furnace blower motor have you reaching for ear plugs every time it kicks on? Or worse, does it have you fearing a total breakdown?

You’re not alone, as furnaces age homeowners can become all too familiar with bangs, clanks and squeals disrupting the usual winter quiet. While they may be a regular occurrence, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.

In today’s blog the heating repair experts at Beluga Heating, Air & Electrical will go over how these sounds can be indicative of a malfunctioning blower motor, what that means for your heating system as a whole, and what you can do about it.
We specialize in diagnosing and fixing common furnace issues in Putnam County and beyond. Settle in and let’s begin!

What is a Blower Motor?

Every furnace has one, but do you really know what it does?

A blower motor is what ensures warm air is distributed. It powers the fan that pushes heated air from your furnace, through your ducts and into the rooms of your home. Without a blower motor your furnace can still generate heat, but it won’t be able to consistently heat all areas of your home.

Blower motors come in two types: single and variable speed. Single speed blower motors operate at 100% all the time, until they reach the desired temperature set on your thermostat. Variable speed, cycles up and down for precise, energy efficient heating.

How Do I Know If I Have a Malfunctioning Blower Motor?

Here are the most common signs to watch out for that could mean a blower motor gone bad:

Weak or non-existent air flow
Component and system overheating
Higher than normal energy bills
Loud operating noises.

Now, let’s dive into that last point. When your blower motor is on its last legs, you might hear some pretty strange sounds coming up through your ducts, including banging or rattling. But what could be the cause?

Common Causes of Blower Motor Noises

Your blower motor is a powerful and crucial, yet sensitive furnace component that can easily be affected by a number of things, including:

Loose or worn-out bearings
Unbalanced or loose fan blades
Debris and dust accumulation
Motor overheating
Damaged belt.

But don’t worry, here are a few things you can do to find the culprit!

DIY Inspections & Cleaning

One of the simplest things you can do is put your detective hat on and conduct a quick visual inspection of your furnace.

The blower motor is located in the base of your furnace next to the air filter, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find. Once you see it, check to see if it’s covered in dust or dirt. Your furnace is typically in your basement or mechanical room, areas that aren’t cleaned often, filled with boxes and not visited. Making them a haven for dust bunnies.

Simply use a soft tooth or paint brush to clean the motor and in between fan blades to help optimize air flow.

When everything has been cleared away, use a flashlight and a screwdriver to help find any loose screws, bolts or components and tighten those on up.

When DIY Isn’t Enough, Call Beluga

We know you’re pretty handy, but if a simple clean and tighten hasn’t done the trick, it’s time to call in the repair experts at Beluga Heating, Air & Electrical.

Complex repairs like full motor replacement, electrical problems or a belt alignment require specialized tools and knowledge to be done safely. Here’s what you can expect when you call us in:

Diagnose

Every repair starts with an evaluation to effectively diagnose the issue at hand. During your evaluation your technician will examine your furnace looking for signs of damage, connection issues, odors and dirty filters.

You will then be given a personalized quote best suited to your repair needs.

Recommend

All blower repair recommendations are thoroughly explained and consider the age and condition of the component, and your furnace as a whole. You’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that with us, there are no hidden fees or surprises thanks to our clear and comprehensive quoting process.

Repair

Due to the urgency of furnace repairs here in Putnam County, especially once the chill of winter sets in, we’re proud to offer same-day, 24/7 emergency service. This means as soon as you approve your quote, we can get right to work!

Your technician will safely disconnect your furnace before repairing or replacing your blower motor. This typically takes anywhere between 2-3 hours, including the removal of the blower motor and interconnected components, testing the new one if necessary, before reassembling and restoring power.

No matter the timeframe, our team is dedicated to maintaining a clean and efficient workspace, with minimal disruption to your daily routines.

Preventing Future Blower Motor Issues

When it comes to furnace component issues, the best defense is a good offense. And this means annual maintenance. Because regular, annual maintenance is the tried and true way to catch small issues before they become big problems.

A thorough heating tune-up from Beluga Heating, Air & Electrical is an essential process that shouldn’t be overlooked. We always include:

A full inspection and repair of internal and external components
Full system cleaning
Comprehensive troubleshooting to address any further, potential issues.

Sounds pretty great, right?

However, we also understand that you’ve got a lot on the go. And scheduling a yearly tune-up isn’t always going to be top of mind. Thankfully, we’ve got a solution for that!

That’s why we’re proud to offer Maintenance Contracts where you’ll enjoy pre-scheduled tune-up appointments and access to other exclusive perks and discounts. Helping to make maintenance just a little bit easier.

You also don’t need to wait for your yearly appointment, simply changing out your furnace filter every 3 months will go a long way to reducing strain on your blower motor and maintaining heating performance.

If you have any other questions about maintenance, whether DIY or professional, give our friendly team a call today! We’re here to help.

Don’t let strange noises from your furnace’s blower motor disrupt the peace and tranquility of the holidays. Address issues early on with the helpful and knowledgeable team at Beluga Heating, Air & Electrical.

Founded on the principles of honesty and morale, our team of repair technicians are standing by with fully-stocked service trucks and the expertise necessary to keep your home warm and comfortable all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does heating repair cost?

The cost to repair your heating system, or certain components, depends on the type and condition of the equipment you have installed in your home. Call the experts at Beluga Heating, Air & Electrical for your no obligation evaluation and quote.

How can I best maintain my heating system?

The best way to maintain your heating system is by signing up for Beluga Heating, Air & Electrical’s Maintenance Contacts. You’ll enjoy prescheduled maintenance to ensure optimal performance and efficiency, and access to exclusive perks and discounts. Contact us today to learn more.

How long does heating repair take?

Most heating issues can be repaired within a few hours, depending on the severity. If your equipment will require a longer service call, we will keep you informed and adjust the scope of work with your consent so there are no surprises.

When do I need to repair my heating system?

Most heating systems, whether they be furnaces, boilers or a heat pump will last about 15 years with proper care. Common heating issues include: inconsistent heating, frequent repairs and rising utility bills. If you’re experiencing any of these, call our team today to schedule your comprehensive service.

Why Choose Beluga

We know you have a choice when it comes to quality HVAC and electrical services, so here are only a few reasons Putnam County and the surrounding areas consistently choose Beluga Heating, Air & Electrical.