What causes inducer motor failure

Most inducer motors failures are simply attributed to the older age of the furnace. In most cases, the internal bearings wear out and since the unit is a sealed unit, there is no way to repair the original motor. Instead the unit is simply replaced with a new one.

How do I know if my inducer motor is bad?

One of the first indications of a bad draft inducer motor is likely to be the sound it makes. A failing inducer motor may create a noise shortly after a heating cycle begins. This could be a tapping noise, or a humming or whirring sound.

How much does it cost to replace an inducer motor?

Your furnace’s draft inducer motor removes toxic gases like carbon monoxide from the heat exchanger. The average cost to repair or replace a draft inducer motor is $200–$1,500.

What happens when furnace inducer motor goes out?

When condensation builds up in the vent pipe, the inducer can go out. Feel the inducer motor when you run into difficulties with the fan to verify the motor is at fault. When an inducer goes bad, it will be hot to the touch after trying several times to start the furnace.

What does a inducer motor do?

The draft inducer motor was introduced when the government mandated efficiency standards for furnaces. … The purpose of the inducer motor is to move air and gasses out of the furnace and up through the heating vents. This determines how much and how fast air will flow through the heat exchanger.

How long does it take to replace an inducer motor?

The most common repair time range is 45 to 75 minutes.

What is the purpose of the inducer motor and what switch closes after it starts?

When the inducer motor is running it creates small vacuum inside the furnace combustion chamber which makes sure all toxic gases are vented. For safety, a pressure switch is used to tell if the inducer motor has turned on. It does this by sensing the vacuum that the inducer motor creates and closes a switch.

Where is the inducer motor on a furnace?

A draft inducer is a fan that’s located inside of your furnace near the heat exchanger. When your furnace begins a heating cycle, the draft inducer is one of the first devices that turns on.

How much does a furnace cost for a 1500 square foot house?

For example, a 700- to 1,500-square-foot home will require a BTU rating between 40,000 and 60,000, which will cost between $2,000 and $3,000. A furnace for a home ranging in size from 2,000 and 5,000 square feet will need between 125,000 and 150,000 BTUs and will cost in the neighborhood of $3,300 to $6,500.

How long does a draft inducer motor last?

A: On average, you can expect a well-built inducer motor to last around 20 years.

Article first time published on

Can you clean inducer motor?

Spray compressed air where the motor meets the blower wheel housing. This removes dust and dirt away from the blower motor shaft. Wipe the top of the motor with a clean rag to remove dust and dirt from around the oil ports.

Why am I not getting power to my inducer motor?

If the draft inducer does not start then you probably either have a thermostat , thermostat wiring problem, electrical problem, control board problem or a bad draft inducer. … Tape the blower door safety switch shut (if equipped) and set your thermostat so it is calling for heat.

Why is my inducer motor noise?

A draft inducer (or vent blower) is the most common problem on a gas furnace or boiler to cause a noticeable noise. … The small motor mounted within the housing can begin to make noise when there is buildup on the wheel (such as sulfur or creosote) or when the motor is close to the end of its usable life.

How does an induced draft fan work?

An induced-draft burner uses a blower to pull air into the burner, and through the combustion chamber and heat exchanger. The fan then pushes the flue gases out through the vent. This creates negative pressure in the furnace, and may create positive or negative pressure in the venting systems.

Is my furnace pressure switch bad?

If the pressure switch closes normally, the rest of the furnace sequence of operation will continue. If the pressure switch won’t close, the system will go into safety mode, try a couple more times, and eventually just start blowing cold air in your room, letting you know something is wrong with your furnace.

Can you run a furnace without a pressure switch?

Without the pressure switch, there is the potential for exhaust gases to fill the living space if the furnace malfunctions. A pressure switch that fails to turn on could be caused by a number of problems, including: Failure of the draft inducer motor. Restricted intake air vent.

How much does it cost to replace a pressure switch on a furnace?

A furnace pressure switch replacement typically costs around $250.

What causes pressure switch failure?

A high reading means the pressure switch has failed. … Check for a clogged hose port or cracked hose running from the draft inducer motor or condensate collector box to the pressure switch. These problems can cause the switch to trip or fail.

Will a cracked heat exchanger symptoms?

If you have a crack in the heat exchanger, you are likely to hear a rattling noise as your thermostat turns on the heat. Because the heat exchanger is made out of metal, as it is heated cracks will expand/contract, and can cause rattling, popping, and/or banging noises. Presence of Carbon Monoxide.

How many ohms should an inducer motor have?

Ohm reading should be: Approx. 55.6 to 65.2 ohms.

Can a furnace be too big for a house?

Having a furnace that’s too big for your space is extremely inefficient. There are two simple signs that indicate that your furnace is most likely oversized: Your furnace runs for a short period of time before shutting off. Your home has uncomfortable hot and cold rooms.

Why is furnace installation so expensive?

HVAC installation is quite expensive, probably because it has emerged to be an immensely specialized trade. Owing to controlling humidity, thermodynamics, airflow, refrigerant, electrical, and plumbing, it is now high on demand.

How long does a furnace last in a house?

THE AVERAGE FURNACE LIFESPAN A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

You Might Also Like