HVAC Expert - What to do for a chirping cold air inducer?

[greytandy]

Have a 10-year old gas furnace. The cold air inducer has been making high-pitched chirping noises on cold mornings when it kicks in to high speed. Otherwise it's quiet. Does it REALLY need to be replaced? It almost sounds like the blades may be hitting the shielding. I guess I should take it apart and look at it. Any advice appreciated.

 

[FJ40_owner]

Do you mean the outside air intake? And what does it consist of? Are there motorised dampers? etc etc.
Describe what you have in a little more detail.

 

[greytandy]

Well, as far as I can tell, it's a little fan within the furnace (exposed when the front panel is removed) that vents exhaust to the outside. I've also seen it called a draft inducer.

 

[FJ40_owner]

Well, as far as I can tell, it's a little fan within the furnace (exposed when the front panel is removed) that vents exhaust to the outside. I've also seen it called a draft inducer.

ok, well then yes the draft motor bearings can go out, it is usually replaced as a unit.

 

[greytandy]

ok, well then yes the draft motor bearings can go out, it is usually replaced as a unit.

Thanks. Do you know what the going price is? Is it easy to replace?

 

[FJ40_owner]

Thanks. Do you know what the going price is? Is it easy to replace?

Not having seen or knowing what you unit looks like or the access I cannot offer a good estimate. We are talking about the draft motor that comes on prior to and during heat mode correct? If so then it could take ten minutes or a half an hour and run you anywhere from $75 on up.

Is this a natural gas unit?

 

[cruiser88]

Its quite simple the inducer fan bearing is going bad....this is primarily for the secondarys and its also used for the exhaust. A high efficiency furnace needs this fan....its a must to replace it as soon as possible. Chances of you just replacing the bearing itself is slim to none being its probebly a sealed unit. Many of furnace parts are so standerized now it will be a cheap and easy replacement. While you are in there clean the burners

Have a 10-year old gas furnace. The cold air inducer has been making high-pitched chirping noises on cold mornings when it kicks in to high speed. Otherwise it's quiet. Does it REALLY need to be replaced? It almost sounds like the blades may be hitting the shielding. I guess I should take it apart and look at it. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Pin_Head]

Replace it. It is cheap. If it goes out with the burner on, it can cause a blow back.