Having a dirty blower wheel will make your HVAC system work harder and, if not addressed, eventually cause your AC system to stop working.
A dirty blower wheel will also contribute to a high electric bill. Damage caused by a dirty blower can be costly to fix– but can be prevented too! So, what can you do to keep your blower wheel clean and prevent unnecessary problems?
In this article we will explain the role of the blower wheel in your forced air HVAC system And what you can do to keep it clean and operational.
The blower wheel to your HVAC system is out of sight and out of mind. It’s not like the air filter that you know you need to change regularly. The blower motor plays an important role in your forced air HVAC system and your comfort. It’s what triggers and circulates the conditioned air through your home. A breakdown of your blower motor can be the result of many things…old age, failed bearings, high amp draw, electrical failure in the windings, and DIRT accumulation.
If your HVAC system stops working due to a problem associated with the blower motor it will need to be diagnosed and fixed by a trained HVAC service technician. What we have determined, and know as an HVAC repair contractor in Northern Virginia, is the most common cause of a failure to your blower motor (and HVAC system) is the accumulation of dirt and this dirt is due to lack of maintenance.
How to keep the blower wheel clean?
M.E. Flow stresses the importance of changing your filters regularly and to make sure you are using the correct filters. Also, most importantly, have your HVAC system checked / tuned-up regularly by a qualified HVAC service contractor. Having your system checked for the cooling season and heating season is the way to know what’s going on under the hood. The importance of servicing your HVAC system is no different than taking your car in for service. Also, it’s how you’ll know if your blower wheel is accumulating dirt. The number one reason for service problems and broken AC systems is dirt due to lack of maintenance. Click here to view the list of items that are checked for proper readings and levels during your seasonal tune-up for your HVAC system.
Energy Star also stresses the importance of routine maintenance on your heating and cooling system. Part of the maintenance check, as featured in this post, includes having your blower wheel checked. The blower wheel may need adjusting and cleaning of the blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent! In addition, the Energy Star website also stresses that it’s important to remember to change your filters regularly.
Have a question about maintenance on your HVAC system? Give M.E. Flow a call today at (571) 350-3183. M.E. Flow has been keeping Northern Virginia comfortable since 1951. With office locations in Alexandria, Leesburg and Winchester we are always readily available in your neighborhood.
The photo in this post is Aaron who is an HVAC service technician in Alexandria who is also NATE certified. In this picture Aaron is cleaning the blower wheel in Alexandria. Aaron also services the Prince William County, Fairfax County, and Arlington County.
Your AC Could Stop Working if the Blower Wheel is Dirty | M.E. Flow – AC Maintenance