When HVAC fan problems arise, it’s an issue that’s hard to ignore. No matter how efficient your air conditioner or furnace may be, if the volume of cool or warm airflow moving through the ductwork isn’t adequate—or, worse, there’s no air flowing at all—everyone in the house feels the effects.
Diagnosing HVAC fan problems isn’t a DIY job. However, recognizing the following signs and symptoms of fan issues can help you spot problems early on and contact a qualified service technician, ASAP.
- A loose blower drive belt caused by stretching or improper adjustment may no longer produce adequate system airflow. An HVAC technician can install a new belt, adjust to specifications and also lubricate other moving components to restore full fan function.
- If you hear squeaking or squealing noises when the system actuates, slippage is probably occurring. It’s likely another sign of a loose, stretched fan belt or moving parts that require lubrication.
- Heavy accumulation of dust and dirt on blower fan blades can reduce fan effectiveness. Professional cleaning of the blower assembly is required to bring airflow back to specifications. To prevent recurrence, remember to change the system air filter regularly.
- If you feel no airflow from vents when the system cycles on, the fan motor may be defective. On average, HVAC fan motors have an expected service life ranging from 10 years to 20 years, depending on how many hours a day your system runs and whether it gets annual preventive maintenance by your HVAC service provider. Fan motors are not considered repairable. A service technician will be required to replace the defective unit with a new fan motor the meets specs for proper airflow volume.
- A fan that runs non-stop may be simply because the thermostat switch is set to “On” or “Fan Only” instead of the usual “Auto.” If that setting is correct, constant fan operation could be due to a defective thermostat, wiring issues or a defective relay. In this case, you’ll need a professional service to identify the problem.
To diagnose and resolve HVAC fan problems, contact the professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services.
