Draft inducers are a common feature of newer furnaces. Their purpose is to help propel air and exhaust gases up out of the furnace through the flue pipe or chimney. By doing so, a draft inducer acts to boost the overall efficiency of the furnace. That’s because the induced draft increases the flow of air through the heat exchanger, thus maximizing the amount of heated air that is sent into your home through the duct system.
Location And Construction
Most draft inducers can be found in the part of the furnace known as the gas burner compartment. The easiest way to think of an inducer is as a powered fan. An electric motor is wired into the furnace. This means that, when the furnace kicks on, the draft inducer also starts up, ensuring ideal drafting conditions. A draft inducer must be properly sized for a particular furnace. Variables such as the side of the vent pipe, the wattage of the furnace, and the physical dimensions of the gas burner compartment must be taken into consideration to ensure a properly fitted draft inducer.
Potential Problems
In the long run, a draft inducer will allow you to get more out of your furnace, while minimizing your energy expenses. That said, like all furnace components, draft inducers are liable to develop problems as time goes on. Such problems may include odd noises, overheating, or a failure to spin properly. Depending on the severity of the particular issue, a furnace technician may be able to repair the existing draft inducer. Other problems, however, such as those involving the fan motor’s bearings, may require that a new draft inducer be installed.
If your furnace contains a draft inducer, and you feel that it may be experiencing problems, contact the experts at McKee Energy Solutions for a professional consultation.