Inducer Motor & Pressure Switch Troubleshooting: What Lower Alabama Homeowners Need to Know

When cooler weather finally arrives in Lower Alabama, the last thing you want is a furnace that starts up but immediately shuts back off. This is one of the most common heating problems homeowners face in the Wiregrass region, especially in places like Dothan, Headland, Ozark, Enterprise, Daleville, Ashford, Cottonwood, and the surrounding areas. Two of the most important components responsible for safe furnace operation are the inducer motor and the pressure switch—and when either one fails, your system knows it’s unsafe to run.

At Eco Heating and Cooling, we often receive service calls from homeowners who say, “My furnace tries to start but won’t stay running,” or “It clicks on and then shuts right back off.” In many cases, the root of the problem is a simple issue with airflow, venting, or a safety mechanism doing exactly what it was designed to do.

This blog will walk you through what these components do, common symptoms, and basic troubleshooting steps you can safely check at home before calling for furnace repair. While we proudly serve Lower Alabama with reliable HVAC service, we also want you to know what’s happening inside your system and how to catch problems early.

What the Inducer Motor and Pressure Switch Do

Your furnace has a built-in safety sequence to ensure the system is venting properly before gas ignites. Two major components work at the beginning of every heat cycle:

1. The Inducer Motor

The inducer motor is a small, powerful fan located near the heat exchanger. Its job is to:

• Pull combustion gases through the heat exchanger

• Push those gases out through the exhaust vent

• Create the necessary draft for the pressure switch to close

If this motor does not run, runs slowly, or is blocked, the furnace cannot safely operate.

2. The Pressure Switch

The pressure switch is a small circular device connected by a rubber hose. It proves that the inducer motor is creating the proper draft.If the pressure switch:

• Closes properly → the furnace ignites

• Does not close → the furnace shuts down for safety

This system keeps harmful gases like carbon monoxide from entering your home.

Common Symptoms of Inducer Motor or Pressure Switch Issues

Homeowners in the Wirgrass often experience the same set of symptoms. If you notice any of the following, your furnace may be struggling with venting or airflow:

• Furnace starts, then shuts off after a few seconds

• Furnace clicks repeatedly but doesn’t ignite

• Inducer motor hums but doesn’t spin

• Loud or unusual noise from the furnace at startup

• Burning smell or musty odor from the vents

• Error codes flashing on the furnace control board

In many cases, these issues happen during fall and winter months when systems are first turned on after months of sitting unused.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting You Can Try at Home

Before calling Eco Heating and Cooling, there are several safe and simple checks you can perform. These tips are specifically tailored for families in the Dothan and Wiregrass area where humidity, insects, and debris often cause furnace venting issues.

1. Check the Exhaust Pipe Outside

Because Alabama has a high amount of rain, humidity, and seasonal debris, your outside furnace exhaust pipe can easily become blocked.Look for:

• Leaves

• Mud dauber nests

• Dirt

• Small animals

• Moisture buildup

• Obstructions in the PVC pipe

A blockage prevents the pressure switch from closing, causing the furnace to shut down immediately.

2. Inspect the Pressure Switch Hose

The rubber tubing that connects to the pressure switch can:

• Crack

• Dry out

• Become blocked with water

• Disconnect

Carefully remove it and gently blow through it. If you feel resistance, there may be debris or moisture inside.

3. Listen to the Inducer Motor

When your thermostat calls for heat, the inducer motor should turn on first. Listen for:

• A strong, steady fan sound

• A humming noise with no spinning (motor stuck)

• Grinding or screeching (bearings failing)

A weak or noisy inducer motor often means it is struggling and may soon fail completely.

4. Check for Condensation in the Lines

High-efficiency furnaces (PVC venting) often produce condensation. If the drain line is clogged, water can back up and block the pressure switch hose. This is extremely common in humid regions like the Wiregrass.

5. Replace a Dirty Air Filter

Restricted airflow stresses the entire furnace system and can cause startup issues.Replace your air filter if it’s:

• Dusty

• Dark gray

• More than 60 days old

• Causing unusually high system noise

In Lower Alabama’s dusty agricultural climate, filters clog faster than many homeowners expect.

6. Reset the Furnace

Turn the power switch off for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.If the system restarts normally, it may be a temporary draft issue or pressure switch delay.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional HVAC Technician

While these troubleshooting steps can help, some problems require trained HVAC service. Contact Eco Heating and Cooling if:

• The inducer motor is loud, stuck, or overheating

• You smell gas or burning

• The pressure switch continues to fail

• You receive repeated error codes

• The furnace won’t stay running after basic cleaning

• The blower turns on but heat never kicks in

Issues with draft, combustion, and venting are safety-critical. A failing pressure switch or inducer motor can lead to carbon monoxide concerns or overheating damage to your system.

As the Wiregrass’s trusted HVAC experts, Eco Heating and Cooling provides comprehensive furnace repair, inducer motor replacement, pressure switch diagnostics, and safety inspections.

Preventing Inducer and Pressure Switch Problems

Living in the Wiregrass means dealing with weather patterns that affect HVAC systems differently than in other parts of the country. To prevent issues:

• Have annual maintenance performed every fall

• Keep outdoor vents clear of debris

• Replace air filters regularly

• Inspect vent pipes after storms

• Schedule a full indoor air quality and ventilation check

Eco Heating and Cooling’s Annual Maintenance Plans include inducer motor inspections, pressure switch testing, safety checks, and vent cleaning to ensure your furnace is ready for the season.

Eco Heating and Cooling: Your Dothan Alabama Furnace Experts

If your furnace is shutting off unexpectedly or struggling to ignite, you may be dealing with an inducer motor or pressure switch issue. We proudly service Dothan, Headland, Ozark, Enterprise, Daleville, Ashford, Cottonwood, Kinsey, Taylor, Slocomb, Newton, and all surrounding Wiregrass communities.

Our team delivers fast, dependable heating repair, honest diagnostics, and affordable solutions to keep your home safe and comfortable.

Need help today? Eco Heating and Cooling is here for you—schedule your furnace service anytime.

Eco Heating and Cooling, LLC

966 S Park Ave

Dothan, AL 36301

334-435-1313