What Is An Induced Draft Motor?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 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?

Although the range can be anywhere from $85 to $1,150, the average cost of replacing a furnace inducer motor is typically

between $245 and $465

. When the damaged or broken part is under warranty and all you’re paying for is labor to have it installed you can expect to pay around $245.

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.

What is a draft inducer on a furnace?

A draft inducer is

a fan that is located inside of the furnace near the heat exchanger

. … Because it turns on before the furnace ignites its burners, the draft inducer is able to clear out any combustion gases that might be lingering in the heat exchanger from the previous heating cycle.

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.

What does a bad blower motor sound like?

A defective blower motor will make a continuous sound noticeable by the passengers in the vehicle. It can manifest as a

knocking, whirring, clunking, vibrating, squealing, or whining noise

that persists until the blower motor is replaced.

How long does it take to replace an inducer motor?

The most common repair time range is

45 to 75 minutes

.

How long should a draft inducer motor last?

Barring unforeseen issues, a high-quality inducer motor is designed to last

up to 20 years

. Heat and other factors can shorten its lifespan, but it’s not the type of part you should replace every decade. Inducer motors are also not necessarily something easy to repair.

How long do draft inducers last?

Simply put, an inducer fan should start up when your thermostat calls for heat. It will do this anywhere from

30 seconds to one minute

. It then stays running for as long as your system is heating the house and shuts off when your system cycles off.

What is the purpose of the inducer motor?

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 should a furnace motor last?

Even though the manufacturer states their blower motor will last two decades, we advise all clients to expect a

10-20-year life

span due to age, use, and proactive maintenance.

When would you use a draft inducer?


When your furnace begins a heating cycle

, the draft inducer is one of the first devices that turns on. In fact, the draft inducer starts up 30-60 seconds before the burners are lit and continues to run throughout each heating cycle.

What is the difference between forced draft and induced draft?

Forced-draft fans focus

the pressure and volume at

the outlet of the fan to push air through a system, creating positive air pressure. Industrial induced draft fans operate by focusing the pressure and volume at the inlet of the fan to pull air through a system.

How does an inducer motor on a furnace work?

The inducer motor

turns on and draws combustion air into the furnace

. This helps to make sure the gas is burning efficiently. Next, an ignitor will either glow or spark to ignite the gas that starts flowing. This gas ignites into flames while the hot air and obnoxious gases are drawn into the heat exchanger.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.