Our furnace started making a funny noise the other day.

It was a little squeak… nothing much. I could barely hear it coming from the cold air return.

Curious.

I didn’t think much of it… our house makes all sorts of noises. They’re the kind of sounds that you become used to and miss when you’re not there (which is probably why I have such a hard time sleeping when I’m on the road).

Yesterday… the squeak became a low growl. I went into the furnace room, replaced the air filter, banged around on the blower, and the sound seemed to disappear. I figured that it was the air filter…. it was pretty dirty and perhaps the blower couldn’t suck enough air through it (winter just started and I hadn’t changed it in a while).

Last night at 2 am… it became a howl. Now the blower doesn’t turn at all.

I’ve googled and found the part I need. Of course, I need it today and can’t wait on an internet purchase.

It’s currently 22 degrees outside (-5.6 Celsius) and I’m not exactly wild about the concept of the inside of my house matching that temperature. I do have a gas fireplace and a few portable heaters (electric oil filled radiators), so at least I can keep it somewhat livable for the time being.

I’m just praying that the furnace repair monkeys are open today and don’t charge me a fortune for the part (last time they wanted $500 for a part that was $220 online).

Update 8:37 am

After working on it for a few hours (it helps when you have half a clue about what you’re doing), I was able to remove the blower fan.

In all its glory (click for a larger view. Why? because you’re bored as hell):

The blower cage and exaust fan (it’s a 90%+ furnace)

The upper part of the furnace (exaust fan goes here) and lower part (blower)

The problem… one dead motor.

Now I have to find someplace that A) has the part in stock and B) is open on a saturday (and from the phone calls I’ve made so far… that’s not looking very good).

Oh.. one more thing… yes… I marked the wires as I took them apart with a sharpie (so I can figure out how to re-assemble the damn thing later). Always thinking I am 🙂