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Have you ever been in a situation where your commercial furnace is working at its peak, but you still feel cold? This happens when the blower fan is not circulating the warm air at sufficient speed. Many facility managers think setting the fan speed to its maximum would resolve the issue. But that is not the case. And if you keep increasing the blower speed and the heat on the thermostat, you will put extra strain on the equipment.
This blog post explains how furnace blower speed affects the warmth inside and what troubleshooting measures you can take if it is not working right.
When you feel cold, you turn the furnace on. The heating system burns fuel or uses electricity and generates heat. This heat is transferred to the heat exchanger and then to the blower motor. The blower motor then spins and distributes this warm air inside the floors and rooms where it is required. At one end, warm air is sent towards the rooms, and at the other end, cold air is collected from the rooms and sent back to the furnace to make it warm again. This cycle continues until you turn the furnace off.
Blower speed affects indoor comfort in many ways. From uneven heating to component issues and system performance, it has consequences far beyond just air circulation.
If the blower fans spin at optimal speed, warm air reaches every room where it is intended. Conversely, if the blower motor is spinning at a lower speed, some rooms get sufficient warm air while others stay deprived of the warmth. But keep in mind that uneven heating at a business facility is not all the time due to a failing blower motor. It can also be due to some other issues, such as duct leaks, incorrect system sizing, and poor insulation.
Very high blower speed produces unusual whistling and rushing-air sounds that feel unpleasant to both the staff and customers. It also puts pressure on the motor components and results in faster wear and tear and shorter component life. Low blower speed is also not ideal. It also produces some strange noises that you can easily notice and distinguish from the normal furnace humming sounds.
Low blower speed forces the furnace to work under higher pressure to distribute heat to every spot where it is needed. This causes the furnace to overheat and frequently activates the safety switch. On the other hand, high blower fan speed puts strain on the motor components and leads to motor failures if left unaddressed. Both conditions are somehow related to reduced efficiency and system performance.
Whether the furnace blower speed is higher or lower than the normal limit, it shows some unusual signs. Here are some of the common signs.
Some rooms remain colder despite the furnace running
Air coming through vents sounds unusually loud
The furnace repeatedly shuts off before reaching the thermostat setting
Airflow seems weaker than it used to be
Heating performance changes after a filter replacement or service visit
Look closely at the warning signs along with the system performance and energy bill patterns. If you notice unusual sounds, inconsistent heating across zones, and frequent short-cycling of the furnace, that means the blower speed is not right and needs attention. Schedule a professional furnace repair service with Lehigh HVAC to inspect it and get it fixed the right way.
