Furnace Blower Not Working? Troubleshooting Steps to Try Before Calling the Pros
A properly functioning furnace blower is essential for distributing warm air throughout your home. When it stops working, your furnace may turn on, but no heat will circulate, leaving your home chilly and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take before calling in a professional. At Hess Air, we’ve been helping homeowners in Alamo and the surrounding areas stay comfortable since 1976. If your furnace blower isn’t working, don’t panic—try these simple fixes first to see if you can get it running again. You might be asking yourself what a furnace blower fan is anyway. It is an electric blower that works with your furnace to distribute cool air so that your home can remain warm during the winter months. Dispersing the cool air allows your furnace to heat up more quickly and keeps your energy bills down. A blower fan also helps to circulate the heated air throughout the house by pushing warm air to the vents. One of the most common signs that you have a problem with your blower fan motor or another piece of its assembly is an unusual odor or burning smell. This smell can come directly from the furnace and often will also make its way through your vents. When this blower fan stops doing its job, there can be a variety of reasons why. Here are 8 common reasons your furnace blower motor isn’t working. To verify if the fan is working, you can switch the fan on your thermostat to the ‘on’ position. If the fan starts running, this is an indicator that the problem is something other than the fan itself. If the blower fan does not spin, this could be an indication of a furnace blower motor failure. It is important to address this issue promptly to restore the proper functioning of your furnace and restore warmth to your home. Call in the experts at the Hess Air at (956)702-4377 to properly diagnose and fix any issues that could be causing your blower fan not to operate properly. If your furnace blower motor isn’t working, the first thing you will want to check is your thermostat and its settings. If the batteries in your thermostat have gone dead, it can cause your thermostat to malfunction and not properly communicate with your system. If the thermostat is properly functioning, make sure it is set to the ‘heat’ mode and that the temperature is set higher than the current temperature of the room. If your furnace blower fan is still not working, you will want to check to see if there are any power issues. First check the circuit breaker to make sure there are no switches that have been tripped or any blown fuses. You will also want to make sure that the furnace’s on/off switch on the unit is in the ‘on’ position. Another thing that can cause the furnace blower to stop working is restricted airflow. You will want to check your unit’s air filter to ensure it doesn’t need a change. The air filter collects dust, dirt, and other debris, and these things can limit the airflow and place unnecessary stress on the blower motor. You also want to make sure that the filter was inserted into your unit correctly. Check the arrows on the air filter to make sure they are pointing in the correct direction. Resetting the blower is the next thing to try if your furnace blower fan is still not working. To do this, you will first want to turn off the breaker connected to your furnace to make sure the power is off. Then, you will want to remove the blower cover, which is typically connected by a few screws in the front. Once the cover is removed, allow the blower to cool down to ensure it is safe to touch. If there is dirt or dust accumulated on the fan, you can use compressed air to clean it off. Once everything is cool, find the red reset button on the backside of the motor. You will want to push this button in to reset the furnace blower motor. Our HVAC technicians at the Hess Air are highly trained if you feel more comfortable with an expert taking a look. Give us a call anytime at (956)702-4377, and we’ll get someone out quickly. While you have the blower cover off, you will also want to inspect the motor for any visible damage or signs of wear. You can also do a visual inspection of your furnace blower’s drive belt to verify that it is not worn down or cracked and needs to be replaced. If you do see any damage to the motor or worn-out or loose components, it’s best to call on the professionals at Hess Air to handle any repairs – https://hessair.com/contact-us/ Another thing that may cause your furnace blower motor to stop working is lack of maintenance. Routine maintenance for your HVAC equipment is crucial to extending the life of your system. We offer our HessAir Maintenance Club for affordable twice-yearly maintenance on your comfort equipment. Give us a call at (956)702-4377 or visit our website to learn more – https://hessair.com/membership-club/ If you notice unusual noises coming from the furnace blower motor, this may point to a motor issue that a faulty capacitor could cause. You want to make sure these issues are addressed as soon as possible to ensure the proper functioning of your system. One of our HVAC experts at Hess Air can properly diagnose what is causing the motor issue and make the necessary repairs. Give us a call at (956)702-4377 anytime – we’d be happy to help! Another thing that may cause your furnace blower to not work is a defective control board. The control board regulates the power supply to all components of your furnace, so a defective control board can cause issues with the blower motor. One of our experts can properly diagnose and replace your defective control board
Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Company: Insights from Hess Air
Choosing the right HVAC company is a critical decision that directly impacts your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term costs. With so many options available, how can you ensure you’re selecting a trustworthy and experienced team? Since 1976, Hess Air has been the trusted HVAC professional in Alamo, TX, and surrounding areas, and we know the value of making an informed choice. To help you feel confident in your decision, we’ve compiled the top 10 questions you should ask any HVAC company before hiring them. Let’s dive in and equip you with the tools to choose a provider you can trust. Choosing the Right HVAC Company Your HVAC system plays a pivotal role in your daily life, far beyond just keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s responsible for maintaining a comfortable temperature, ensuring proper ventilation, and filtering the air you breathe. A well-functioning HVAC system contributes to a healthy living environment by reducing allergens, controlling humidity, and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong HVAC contractor can have dire consequences. Incompetent contractors may cut corners, use substandard materials, or fail to follow proper installation procedures. This can lead to issues, from inefficient operation and frequent breakdowns to safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks or electrical fires. The Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints about HVAC companies yearly, from poor workmanship and overcharging to failure to honor warranties. Approximately 20% of homeowners report having problems with their HVAC systems within the first few years of installation. Many of these issues can be traced to faulty installation or inadequate maintenance. Investing time and effort in selecting the right HVAC company is a wise decision. It can save you from costly headaches, ensure the safety and comfort of your home, and provide you with peace of mind. Top 10 Questions to Ask an HVAC Company Choosing the right HVAC company is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. By asking the following ten essential questions, you can gather the information you need to make an informed choice and avoid costly mistakes. 1. What size AC unit and type do I need for my home? The size of your AC unit is critical for optimal performance. An undersized unit won’t be able to cool your home effectively, while an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, leading to energy waste and increased wear and tear. The type of AC unit (central air, ductless mini-split, etc.) will depend on your home’s layout, existing infrastructure, and personal preferences. A reputable HVAC contractor will perform a thorough load calculation to determine your home’s correct size and type of AC unit. They should consider factors such as square footage, insulation, number of windows, climate, and ceiling height just name a few. They should also explain the different types of AC units available and help you choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. 2. Are they licensed and insured? This seemingly simple question is crucial to ensuring you’re dealing with a legitimate and responsible HVAC company. A valid license indicates that the contractor has met the minimum requirements for knowledge and expertise in their field. On the other hand, insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during installation or repair. The contractor should readily provide proof of their license and insurance. You can verify the license with your state’s licensing board and check the insurance policy for adequate coverage. Be cautious if the contractor hesitates to provide proof of their credentials or offers vague answers. This could indicate that they are operating illegally or lack proper insurance. Working with Hess Air ensures you are always working with a company that is licensed, insured, and has been the experts in the Alamo area for over 49 years. Give us a call anytime at (956)702-4377. 3. What experience and certifications do your technicians have? It is essential to inquire about the experience and certifications of the technicians who will be working on your HVAC system. Certifications, such as those offered by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), demonstrate a technician’s commitment to ongoing learning and adherence to industry standards. Hiring experienced and certified technicians increases the likelihood of a successful and efficient repair or installation. If possible, ask to meet the technician who will be working on your system to get a sense of their professionalism and expertise. 4. What brands and models do they recommend? Different HVAC brands and models offer varying levels of quality, reliability, performance, and features. A knowledgeable contractor will be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of various brands and can recommend options that align with your needs and budget. A trustworthy contractor will also ask about your priorities (e.g., energy efficiency, quiet operation, smart features) and budget before making recommendations. They should be able to explain the pros and cons of different brands and models, providing you with enough information to make an informed decision. Here at Hess Air, we offer and service a wide variety of options so we can ensure that you find the best fit for your home. We’d love to take care of your home; give us a call at (956)702-4377 to learn more. 5. What is the estimated cost of the unit and installation? The cost of a new HVAC system can vary widely depending on the size of your home, the type and brand of equipment, the complexity of the installation, and your location. Getting a clear and detailed estimate upfront is important to avoid any surprises later on. A reputable contractor will provide a detailed, written estimate that includes the following: Equipment costs: The price of the AC unit itself, including the condenser, air handler, and any additional components like thermostats or zoning systems. Labor costs: The cost of installation, including the technician’s time, any necessary permits, and disposal of old equipment. Material costs: Any additional materials needed for the installation, such
Common Air Conditioner Problems and When to Call for Air Conditioner Repair
Air conditioners are essential for comfort, especially during extreme summers. But, like any appliance, they can encounter issues that disrupt their performances.
