Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your FASCO A136 Furnace Draft Inducer / Exhaust Vent Venter Motor. The FASCO A136 is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement part designed to ensure proper ventilation and combustion in your furnace system. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting any installation or service to prevent property damage, personal injury, or death.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. Consult a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier before installing or servicing this product.
- Always disconnect electrical power to the furnace before installing or servicing the draft inducer motor. Failure to do so can result in electrical shock.
- Ensure the gas supply to the furnace is turned off before beginning work to prevent gas leaks or explosions.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, during installation and maintenance.
- Verify all wiring connections are secure and conform to local electrical codes.
- Do not operate the furnace if the draft inducer motor is damaged or not functioning correctly.
Product Overview
The FASCO A136 is a critical component in your furnace's exhaust system. Its primary function is to draw combustion gases from the heat exchanger and expel them safely through the vent system. This process creates a negative pressure within the furnace, allowing the pressure switch to close and the main burner to ignite. A properly functioning draft inducer motor is essential for safe and efficient furnace operation.
Figure 1: FASCO A136 Furnace Draft Inducer / Exhaust Vent Venter Motor. This image displays the complete motor assembly, including the housing, fan, and electrical connections, ready for installation as an OEM replacement part.
Setup and Installation
Installation of the FASCO A136 motor should only be performed by a qualified technician due to the electrical and gas components involved. The following steps are a general guide for replacement:
- Preparation: Turn off all electrical power to the furnace at the main breaker. Turn off the gas supply to the furnace.
- Access: Locate the existing draft inducer motor. This typically involves removing the furnace access panel.
- Disconnect Wiring: Carefully disconnect the electrical wiring from the old motor. Note the position of each wire for correct re-connection. Take a photograph if necessary.
- Remove Old Motor: Disconnect any hoses (e.g., pressure switch hose) and remove the mounting screws or bolts securing the old motor to the furnace housing. Carefully remove the old motor.
- Inspect Area: Clean any debris or rust from the mounting surface and the vent pipe connection area.
- Install New Motor: Position the new FASCO A136 motor in place, ensuring it aligns correctly with the mounting holes and the vent pipe connection. Secure it with the appropriate screws or bolts.
- Connect Wiring: Reconnect the electrical wiring to the new motor, ensuring all connections are tight and match the original configuration. Reconnect any hoses.
- Verify Installation: Double-check all connections, mounting, and ensure no tools or loose items are left inside the furnace.
- Restore Power and Gas: Replace the furnace access panel. Turn on the gas supply and then restore electrical power to the furnace.
- Test Operation: Initiate a call for heat from the thermostat. Observe the furnace's startup sequence. The draft inducer motor should start, followed by the pressure switch closing, and then the main burner igniting. Listen for any unusual noises.
Operating Instructions
The FASCO A136 Draft Inducer Motor operates automatically as part of your furnace's heating cycle. It does not require manual intervention during normal operation.
- When the thermostat calls for heat, the furnace control board activates the draft inducer motor.
- The motor begins to spin, drawing air through the heat exchanger and expelling combustion byproducts through the exhaust vent.
- Once sufficient airflow is established, a safety device called the pressure switch closes, signaling the control board that it is safe to ignite the main burner.
- The main burner ignites, and the furnace begins to heat your home.
- When the thermostat is satisfied, the main burner shuts off, and the draft inducer motor continues to run for a short period to purge any remaining combustion gases before shutting down.
Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance can extend the life of your FASCO A136 motor and ensure safe furnace operation. Perform these checks annually, preferably before the heating season, or as recommended by your furnace manufacturer.
- Power Disconnection: Always disconnect electrical power and gas supply to the furnace before performing any maintenance.
- Visual Inspection: Inspect the motor for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or excessive wear. Check the fan blades for cracks or debris accumulation.
- Debris Removal: Carefully remove any lint, dust, or other debris that may have accumulated on or around the motor housing and fan blades. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Vent Pipe Check: Ensure the exhaust vent pipe connected to the inducer motor is clear of obstructions (e.g., bird nests, leaves) and is properly sealed.
- Wiring Connections: Check all electrical connections for tightness and signs of overheating or corrosion.
- Lubrication: The FASCO A136 motor typically features sealed bearings that do not require lubrication. Do not attempt to lubricate sealed bearings unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer.
- Professional Inspection: Consider having a qualified HVAC technician perform a comprehensive furnace inspection annually, which includes checking the draft inducer motor.
Troubleshooting
If your furnace is experiencing issues related to the draft inducer motor, consult this section. For complex problems, contact a qualified HVAC technician.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Motor does not start when thermostat calls for heat. | No power to furnace; faulty thermostat; faulty control board; open limit switch; motor failure; loose wiring. | Check furnace breaker. Verify thermostat is set correctly. Inspect wiring connections. Consult a technician for control board or motor diagnosis. |
| Motor starts, but furnace does not ignite. | Blocked vent pipe; faulty pressure switch; faulty igniter; gas supply off. | Check vent pipe for obstructions. Verify gas supply is on. Consult a technician to test pressure switch or igniter. |
| Motor makes unusual noises (grinding, squealing). | Worn bearings; fan blade hitting housing; debris in fan. | Disconnect power and inspect fan for debris. If noise persists, motor bearings may be failing, requiring replacement. |
| Motor runs continuously. | Faulty control board; stuck relay. | Consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair of the control board. |
Specifications
Key technical specifications for the FASCO A136 Furnace Draft Inducer Motor:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fasco |
| Model | A136 |
| Item Weight | 6 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fasco |
| Part Number | A136 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information regarding your FASCO A136 Furnace Draft Inducer Motor, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact FASCO directly. If you require technical support or professional service, it is recommended to contact a certified HVAC technician or the original equipment manufacturer of your furnace.
For further assistance, you may visit the official Fasco website or consult your local HVAC service provider.