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Struggling with weak furnace airflow? Start with the blower. Your furnace’s blower turns on the fan that distributes warm air. It’s an important part of the system that must work well for your house to stay warm when the temperatures drop below 45 degrees outside. If the blower fan isn’t working properly, you’ll have weak furnace airflow and your entire system can overheat, causing serious damage to the motor.
The QRC team has been operating out of the Winston-Salem area since 1999. We proudly provide residential and commercial services throughout North and South Carolina. If you’ve tried troubleshooting your blower but need professional assistance, or you’re looking for other residential heating and cooling maintenance help, call us or book a service appointment online today.
Why Weak Airflow Is a Problem
HVAC airflow issues impact your comfort and your home’s energy efficiency. Your house may heat unevenly with reduced warmth and cold spots while the system works harder and consumes more energy to provide heat.
Weak furnace airflow means something is wrong with the HVAC system. If you ignore the issue, you risk overheating the furnace or causing other components to fail. The best way to avoid this potential damage is to keep your furnace well-maintained and troubleshoot issues right away by checking for the most common causes of low airflow in furnaces. If you can’t solve the issue yourself, call your local HVAC professionals at QRC for help.
Understanding the Furnace Blower
The furnace blower runs the electric fan that circulates heated air throughout your home. The key components of the blower are the:
- Blower motor
- Fan wheel (or blower wheel)
- Capacitor and belts (if applicable)
If the furnace blower isn’t working properly, your heating system will have poor heating performance. A blower issue is the biggest cause of low airflow in furnaces.
Common Causes of Weak Airflow
Here are some common reasons why a furnace would have weak airflow.
Dirty or clogged filters
One of the first steps to furnace blower troubleshooting is to check the air filter. A dirty or blocked filter prevents air from flowing properly within the furnace, restricting the amount of hot air sent to the ducts.
A damaged blower motor
Signs of a failing blower motor include:
- Unusual noises
- Inconsistent heating
- Short cycling
- Start and stop issues
- A burning odor
- Higher-than-usual energy bills
- Little or no airflow from the vents
A dirty blower wheel
Dirt and debris in the blower wheel reduce airflow efficiency, making it more difficult for the blower to distribute hot air.
Blower motor capacitor issues
The blower motor capacitor stores a charge to start the blower motor. If it’s not working, the blower motor won’t start. Some signs of problems with the blower motor capacitor include:
- Slow fan startup
- Weak airflow
- Overheating
- Frequent furnace resets
- Tripping circuit breaker
Ductwork problems
If your ducts are leaky or faulty, air can escape through the cracks. This reduces the air pressure inside, causing weaker airflow.
How To Diagnose Weak Furnace Airflow
Follow these steps to troubleshoot your weak airflow:
Step 1: Check and replace the air filter.
Step 2: Inspect the blower motor for damage or wear.
Step 3: Examine the blower wheel for dirt buildup.
Step 4: Test the capacitor for proper functioning.
Step 5: Look for ductwork issues or closed vents.
Maintenance Tips To Prevent Blower Problems
The following are some maintenance tips to prevent blower problems:
- Regularly replace or clean your air filters.
- Schedule seasonal furnace tune-ups with your local HVAC company.
- Clean the blower wheel.
- Ensure proper lubrication of moving parts (if required).
- Inspect your ducts for blockages or leaks.
When To Call a Professional
While some furnace repairs are minor, there are other issues you shouldn’t attempt to fix yourself. Some signs you need an expert to help include:
- A non-functioning blower motor
- Weak airflow, even after troubleshooting
- Strange new noises coming from the furnace
- The furnace is showing signs the transformer needs replacement
- Your furnace isn’t heating your house properly anymore
Trying to fix these issues yourself can make them worse and even further damage the HVAC system. When you opt for QRC’s professional services, we’ll diagnose the issue quickly and provide repairs to solve the problem.
Call QRC For All Your HVAC Needs
QRC is here to diagnose and solve all your furnace issues. We’re experienced in everything from simple maintenance calls to fixing furnace blower motor problems.
We care about our customers and always go the extra mile to get the job done right, but don’t take our word for it. Check out the QRC testimonials page to see what our customers are saying about our work. We do everything possible to ensure our customers’ satisfaction, including offering contests like our HVAC holiday giveaway.
If your furnace is not blowing enough air or you need expert help with your HVAC system, call us today. We’re here to help North and South Carolinians stay toasty all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the blower affect my furnace’s performance?
If the blower malfunctions, you won’t have consistent heat in your home, and potential damage to your furnace can occur.
Can weak airflow cause my furnace to overheat?
Yes. If the hot air isn’t pumped out of your furnace, it’ll stay near the motor, which can overheat. This may damage the motor, requiring repairs or even replacement, so it’s important to investigate weak furnace airflow ASAP.
How do I know if my furnace blower is working properly?
If your home’s heat feels even, with good airflow and no strange sounds or smells, your furnace blower is working as it should. If you suspect a problem but can’t identify it, call QRC and our technicians will help you figure it out.