How do I convert a furnace fan blower into a fan on its own?

Question

I know this can be done...I need to cool attack. I need to know how to connect a plug on the blower set at high speed. No complicated switches, I just want to be able to plug it in and it start blowing! No smarty comments PLEASE.

Answer 1

It's very easy to do but first thing you need to find out is the input voltage on the blower motor. Almost 85% of them is usually 240vac and your standard outlet is 120vac. The motor will have a wireing diagram to let you know if you can do it or not. Once you find out that it is 120vac, you can buy some SO cable from lowes or home depot. You need two conductor with ground. SO cable is the soft flexable cable that is easy to splice and bend. I would connect the wires inside a water proof box that's mounted on the side of the fan housing. You can just make up your connections with butt-splices or wire nuts. Also, you can get a male plug at the same places that are for the same cable. If you can do all of this, then you will need to brace the fan with some metal legs or with wood to keep the fan motor from blowing over. Good Luck!

Answer 2

It depends on your furnace.  Open the compartment where the motor is and follow the wire from the motor to wherever it goes.  Some motors are actually plugged into a receptical on the control box, in which case you can unplug it and then plug it into an extension cord.

More likely, however, the control box will have a "summer switch" on it.  Turn it on and the fan runs.  Look for it.  I don't believe I have ever seen a forced air furnace without such a switch.

By the way, assuming your furnace is in the basement, be sure to open a basement window and check your furnace filter is absolutely clean -- ideally replace it with a new one.

Also by the way, if you're suffering from an overheated house, check your attic temperature.  If it is properly vented and insulated your house shouldn't overheat.  Install continuous soffit vents on all sides, install two "roof turbines" and be sure you have at least 12" of attic insulation.  Cover your windows on the sunny side during the daytime, open the windows at night; close them in the daytime and your house will always be cool.