The Furnace  Inducer Motor Runs But No Ignition

If you have a furnace that is not igniting, it can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue. One potential cause of this issue is a faulty furnace inducer motor. In this article, we will discuss what a furnace inducer motor is, what can cause it to run but not ignite the furnace, and how to troubleshoot and repair or replace the motor. We will also discuss ways to prevent future issues with the furnace inducer motor.

What is a furnace inducer motor?

A furnace inducer motor is a small motor that is located in the furnace and is responsible for drawing air through the heat exchanger and venting exhaust gases out of the home. The furnace inducer motor works in conjunction with the furnace’s blower motor and the control board to ignite the furnace and control the heating process.

What causes the furnace inducer motor to run but no ignition?

There are several potential causes for the furnace inducer motor to run but no ignition. Some common causes include:

• A faulty control board: The control board is responsible for sending the signal to ignite the furnace. If the control board is not functioning properly, it may not send the signal to ignite the furnace, even if the inducer motor is running.
• A faulty blower motor: The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the furnace and into the home. If the blower motor is not functioning properly, it may not be able to circulate the air needed for ignition.
• A faulty ignition control: The ignition control is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the furnace. If the ignition control is not functioning properly, the furnace may not ignite, even if the inducer motor and blower motor are running.
• A clogged furnace filter: A clogged furnace filter can restrict the airflow through the furnace, causing the furnace to not ignite.

Troubleshooting the issue:

To troubleshoot the issue of the furnace inducer motor running but no ignition, you will need to check for the following:

• Check the control board: First, check the control board to make sure it is functioning properly. You can do this by checking the fuse or circuit breaker and ensuring it is not tripped. You can also check for any error codes on the control board, as these codes can indicate a specific issue with the furnace.
• Check the blower motor: Next, check the blower motor to make sure it is functioning properly. You can do this by checking the wiring and connections to the motor, as well as checking the motor itself for any visible damage.
• Check the ignition control: Check the ignition control to ensure it is functioning properly. You can do this by checking the wiring and connections to the ignition control, as well as checking the ignition control itself for any visible damage.
• Check the furnace filter: Finally, check the furnace filter to ensure it is not clogged. If the filter is clogged, it will need to be replaced.

Repairing or replacing the furnace inducer motor:

If you have determined that the furnace inducer motor is the cause of the issue, you will need to repair or replace the motor. If the motor is repairable, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for repairing the motor. If the motor is not repairable, you will need to purchase and install a new motor. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a new motor, as improper installation can cause further issues with the furnace.

Preventing future issues with the furnace inducer motor:

To prevent future issues with the furnace inducer motor, there are several steps you can take:

• Replace the furnace filter regularly: As mentioned above, a clogged furnace filter can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to not ignite. To prevent this, it is important to replace the furnace filter regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Keep the furnace and surrounding area clean: Dirt and debris can accumulate around the furnace and clog the inducer motor, causing it to fail. To prevent this, it is important to keep the furnace and surrounding area clean.
• Have the furnace serviced regularly: To ensure that the furnace is functioning properly and to catch any issues before they become serious, it is important to have the furnace serviced regularly. This can include cleaning and inspecting the inducer motor and other parts of the furnace.

Conclusion:

If your furnace inducer motor is running but the furnace is not igniting, there are several potential causes that you can troubleshoot and repair or replace. By regularly replacing the furnace filter, keeping the furnace and surrounding area clean, and having the furnace serviced regularly, you can help prevent future issues with the furnace inducer motor.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and, if in doubt, consult a professional HVAC technician for assistance.