7 Reasons Why Your Blower Fan is the Issue

Is your HVAC system running, but you do not feel any warm air coming through your vents? The blower fan may be the issue. Blower fans are critical to HVAC systems. They push hot or cold air throughout your ductwork and the house, so if they stop working, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. There are a number of reasons why the blower fan may have an issue, including bad belts, capacitors and motors. Here are seven things to consider:

1. Is there power to the indoor unit?
   Make sure the power switch or circuit breaker is not off. These can be located in a few places, such as on the unit itself, on a wall or your main breaker panel.
2. Is your air filter blocked?
   You do not want a dirty, clogged air filter. Turn on the fan and see if you feel air coming out of the vents.
3. Do you see ice?
   In air conditioning mode, check the indoor unit for ice around the evaporator coil and refrigerant lines. If the fan is not working, the coil could freeze. With a frozen coil, air will not pass through until the ice melts. You should shut off the air conditioning immediately.
4. How old is the belt?
   Over time with a belt-driven blower motor, the belt will wear out, crack or break altogether.
   
5. Did the fan relay go bad?
   When the fan relay (which powers the fan) goes bad, the fan will no longer work.
   
6. Is it the capacitor?
   When a capacitor is weak, shorted or has gone bad, the motor will not run.
   
7. Is it the motor itself?
   The bearings can seize up, or the motor just goes bad over time.

Homeowners can resolve issues #1 and #2 (the power and the air filter), but the rest of the issues listed above will require a professional HVAC technician’s expertise.

When it comes to the life of your HVAC system and needing repairs, you might want to consider investing in an HVAC maintenance plan with Keith Air Conditioning which provides two complete inspections each year for one low price. This is perfect to schedule one for the air conditioner in the spring and one for the furnace in the fall. One of our NATE-certified HVAC technicians (North American Technician Excellence) will work on your HVAC system. The NATE certification means the HVAC technician has surpassed rigorous requirements for excellence in HVAC maintenance, repairs and installation of all types of HVAC systems. If you need a repair, you will be at the top of our priority list, and you can receive 24/7/365 emergency air conditioner and heating repair services at no additional charge when needed. You also get a 15 percent repair discount on all parts, a one-year guarantee and priority service on the installation of a new system if ever needed. Read more about our maintenance plans.

If you have reason to believe your blower fan is not working, contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC technicians. For more home heating tips, check out this article from the U.S. Department of Energy.