Like other household parts, your furnace can have problems from time to time. However, what could be wrong with it if it is making a buzzing noise? In this article, we have done the research to give you the possible culprits to this problem.
If your furnace is buzzing or humming noise, then it could be due to the following:
- Faulty Electrical Components
- Faulty Transformer
- Bad Blower Motor
- Unlubricated Blower Motor
- Bad Inducer Motor
- Bad Capacitor
- Worn Blower Motor Bearings
- Bad Heat Exchanger
If your dryer is making a humming or buzzing noise, it is probably easy to figure out something wrong. However, the hard part is figuring out what exactly is causing the issue. In this article, we will look at each of the possible reasons why this is happening. In addition, we will discuss how much it will cost to replace a blower motor on your furnace.
Furnace Is Buzzing - What Could Be Wrong?
A furnace is an integral part of any household because it helps to keep the occupants warm during the winter. In addition, a furnace can also help reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can be helpful in the summertime.
Unfortunately, furnaces can have problems from time to time. One common problem that many homeowners experience is a furnace making a buzzing noise.
If your furnace is making a humming or buzzing noise, you should figure out the problem relatively quickly if you know the different parts of the furnace and what they do. However, you may not know what the problem is, and that's where we come in.
Let's take a closer look at each of the possible reasons why your furnace is making a buzzing noise.
Bad Electrical Components
One of the most common reasons a furnace would start making a buzzing noise is bad electrical components. This could be anything from a faulty relay to a bad capacitor.
If you have a bad electrical component, you will need to replace it. However, this can be pretty costly, and it's usually best to consult a professional for help.
Faulty Transformer
A faulty transformer is another common reason why a furnace may start making a buzzing noise. A transformer converts the electricity from your home to the correct voltage for the furnace.
Bad Blower Motor
A blower motor is essential because it helps to circulate the air inside your furnace. Therefore, if your blower motor goes bad, then you will need to replace it.
Of course, this can be quite costly based on what kind of blower motor you have and how many you need to replace. If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be better to get a new one.
Unlubricated Blower Motor
A blower motor can stop working for various reasons, such as not being lubricated enough or having something jam the blades. If this is the case, you will need to lubricate or remove whatever is stuck in your blower motor, and it should work fine.
Bad Inducer Motor
An inducer motor is essential because it helps with the furnace's blower. Therefore, if your inducer motor goes bad, you will need to replace it since a faulty inducer motor can prevent your furnace from working properly or even starting up.
Bad Capacitor
A capacitor is an essential part of your furnace because it helps to regulate the flow of electricity. If this goes bad, then you will need to replace it.
However, like many other parts of a furnace, you may end up needing to spend quite a bit on it since there are so many different kinds, and they can be pretty costly.
Worn Blower Motor Bearings
A more specific part of the blower motor is the bearings. If your blower motor bearings go bad, then you will need to replace them as soon as possible.
If you would like to know more about how much it will cost to replace a blower motor on your furnace, then we recommend that you contact a local contractor for details.
Depending on the age of your furnace, it may be more cost-efficient to look into a complete HVAC replacement.
How Do you Adjust the Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace?
There are two easy ways to adjust the pilot light on a gas furnace.
Adjusting The Pilot Light On An Older Model Furnace
To adjust the pilot light, you'll need to open up the front of your furnace and look for the small metal box that houses your pilot light system. Inside you should find knobs or screws to adjust. One will allow you to adjust the flame height, and the other will adjust the flame intensity.
Adjusting The Pilot Light On A Newer Model Furnace
First, you'll need to find a small door that opens up and gives you access to the pilot light. New models may have more knobs or screws that you'll need to adjust. For example, one knob adjusts the flame height, another controls the flame intensity, and two more knobs control how much gas is allowed to flow through your furnace.
If you are having problems getting the pilot light lit, then you need to open up the valve to the main gas supply and press it down until you hear a hissing sound coming from your furnace, which will indicate that your pilot light has been lit.
Once your pilot light is lit, you can then close the valve to the main gas supply.
If you are still unsure, you will need to see a flame at the access point. If there is no flame, then you will need to relight your pilot light. Finally, if there is a flame, but it's not blue, then you will need to adjust the air shutter on your furnace.
How Do I Know if my Furnace Blower Motor is Bad?
The blower motor's function is to regulate airflow in your furnace. It circulates air through the vents of your furnace, which helps heat or cool the air inside. With that being said, if you are having issues with your furnace, it could be due to your furnace blower motor going bad.
So, how do you tell if it is bad or not? Here are some tell-tale signs:
Decreased Airflow
If the airflow in your furnace is low, it may be due to a bad blower motor. This is because the blower motor helps to circulate the air and, if it's not working properly, the air will not flow as it should.
High Electric Bills
Since your furnace blower motor helps circulate the air inside your furnace, it needs to be working correctly. If you notice that your electric bills are too high, this may also be due to a bad blower motor.
If you have lived in your home for more than one cold season, then you will have an idea of what your monthly electrical bills could be. So, if the price is unusually high, then it may be time to have your blower motor checked.
Strange Noise from the Furnace
If your furnace is making strange noises, it may be due to a bad blower motor. This is because the blower motor helps regulate your furnace's sound by circulating air through it. If the fan isn't working properly, then you will hear strange noises coming from your furnace.
No Airflow from Vents
Another tell-tale sign is the lack of airflow. If there is no air flow coming from your furnace, there could be an issue with your blower motor.
Bad Smells
You may also notice bad smells coming from your furnace. For example, if you notice a lot of smoke when your furnace turns on, it could be due to the blower motor going bad.
Furnace is Overheating
If your heating system is overheating, then there could be an issue with your furnace blower motor. If your furnace is scorching, then it is a sign that the blower motor is burning up.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Furnace Blower?
The cost to replace a furnace blower motor can vary. The price range can change depending on your furnace in specific and costs of labor in your area. However, you can expect to pay on average $400-$600 for a blower repair.
Is it Hard to Replace a Blower Motor?
For a professional, a blower motor replacement isn't complicated at all. However, this will be significantly more expensive than doing it yourself.
Nowadays, you can find how to do almost anything with the power of the internet. If you are willing to endure the learning curve and the sweat equity, you can replace the blower motor yourself.
Keep in mind, every furnace is different, and the difficulty of replacing the part yourself can vary. If you know for a fact that the blower motor is the problem, then check online for a guide on how to change a blower motor to see if you are up for the task.
In Conclusion
It's no secret that your furnace is vital to keeping you and your family warm during the cold season. But, with that, it can be frustrating and worrisome when your furnace is having issues. If you notice any of the issues mentioned in this article, it may be good to contact a professional to diagnose and repair quickly.
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