QA

Question: How To Tell If Dryer Blower Wheel Is Bad

Check your lint filter. If the filter is clogged, then lint may be hindering your blower wheel, so cleaning it out could solve the noise issue. If it is not clogged, your blower wheel may simply be worn out, and replacing the wheel may bring the noise level back down to normal.

What causes a blower wheel to go bad?

Blower motor breakdown can be the result of anything from old age to failed bearings, high amp draw, electrical failure in the windings, dirt accumulation, and more. “The most common cause is dirt accumulation due to lack of maintenance,” said Tom Beaulieu, president of Bay Area Services Inc.

What does the dryer blower wheel do?

The blower wheel is a squirrel cage type wheel whose purpose is to move the air through the room or appliance. The blower wheel spins on the motor shaft to blow air through the dryer drum and out through the exhaust.

What does a bad dryer blower sound like?

The blower wheel can be become unbalanced, loose, or blocked with lint or other objects. If this happens, it can cause a loud rumbling or thumping sound. On most dryers, the blower wheel will keep turning a bit longer after the dryer is turned off.

Is it cheaper to fix a dryer or buy a new one?

The general rule of thumb for any appliance is that if repair costs are more than half of the replacement cost, it’s time to buy a new appliance. You can get a basic dryer for about $300, but it’s not Energy Star rated so utility savings are minimal. In this scenario, it’s a toss-up on whether to repair or replace.

Should a dryer motor spin freely?

If the motor rotates freely, attempt to run the motor with the belt removed and the blower in place. If the motor runs fine with the belt removed, the idler pulley or clothes drum may have problems. If the drum will not rotate fully once the belt is on, you may need to replace one or both of these parts.

Can a dirty blower wheel symptoms?

If the blower wheel get dirt or grease built up, it can slow down the wheels rotation and reduce the amount of air your blower motor is capable of moving through your home. Any dirt on those blades will cause your blower motor to work harder. This draws more amperage and pushes less air.

How much does it cost to replace a blower wheel?

An HVAC blower motor replacement costs an average of $450 but anywhere from $150 to $2,000 to replace.HVAC Blower Parts Cost. Belt $5 – $100 Blower Wheel (Squirrel Cage) $50 – $275 Pulley $50 – $250 Housing $100 – $300 Capacitor $150 – $450.

Can a blower motor be clogged?

Burn Out the Motors When the motors get grimy, they can burn out. When the filter is heavily clogged, it will start to distort from the air pressure, and this allows dust to get around its sides and threaten motor burnout.

Do clothes dryers have a blower?

The blower wheel in your dryer plays a crucial role. It helps to circulate the air as well as ferry out that moist air into the duct system to be vented out.

Why does my dryer make noise when I tumble?

Your tumble dryer could be creaking as it has something called tension pulleys inside of it which can eventually wear out. These are small, round plastic bits that run around a metal shaft and create tension for the drive belt. The creaking comes from the tension pulleys when they revolve during operation.

Why is my dryer making a horrible screeching noise?

A screeching dryer can be caused by several things including a loose idler, a defective, old, or damaged dryer belt, an old motor, and worn or missing glide bearings.

Why is my dryer clicking when off?

Broken Idler Pulley The most common is that the dryer fails to start but produces a clicking sound. In such a case, there is a need to access the pulley and determine if it is worn out, cracked, or even broken and replace it.

Why is my dryer making a humming sound?

Most dryers have a drive belt that is responsible for turning the drum. If this belt cracks or is otherwise damaged or broken, the drum won’t spin and the dryer may make several interesting noises, including humming. Unfortunately, a broken belt must be replaced before the dryer can be restored to normal function.

How many years should a dryer last?

A dryer should last 10-13 years. To extend the dryer’s life, clean the lint trap after each use and make sure the outer vent is clear as well.

Is it worth repairing a 30 year old dryer?

If you’re trying to determine whether to repair or replace your dryer, a good rule of thumb is to know the lifespan of your appliance. If the dryer is past its life expectancy, it may be cheaper to replace it versus to try to repair it. Still, after 13 years, consider yourself living on borrowed time with your dryer.

Is it worth it to fix a 20 year old dryer?

Most dryers are going to last you 10-15 years. That’s if you take care of it and keep up with recommended maintenance. Letting minor problems go and not fixing them will come back to haunt you later — and probably right about the time you have a washing machine full of wet socks and underwear that need dried.