Harman Distribution Blower Not Working [3 Easy Solutions]

To know how to resolve your Harman distribution blower not working, first, you’ll need to know why it’s not working. The three most common problems in blowers are blower doesn’t run, the blower keeps running continuously and the blower makes a loud noise.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to solve each of these problems and fix your heater problems ASAP.

Harman Distribution Blower Not Working [Easy Solutions]

To fix the blower yourself, you’ll need some experience with electrical appliances. We don’t recommend you DIY your heater combustion blower repair if you’re not feeling too confident.

Keep scrolling to know what you’ll need to do for pellet stove combustion blower troubleshooting.

Problem 1. Distributor Blower Not Running

If your Harman pellet stove distribution blower isn’t running, here’s a checklist for you to go through to identify the root of the issue.

• Check for dirt, debris, or foreign materials blocking up your blower housing. Clean if needed.
• Check the power supply to your blower. 

If the blower isn’t getting any power, maybe a safety switch has been tripped. With the help of the wiring diagram in your owner’s manual, check to see if the wire connections and switches are closed. Your control board can also be defective and unable to supply power to the blower fan.

If the power supply is intact, the issue is with the blower. You’ll need to replace it.

• Modern stoves have heat sensors that only let the blower run after a specific amount of heat is produced within the heater. This prevents your heater from blowing cool air into the room.
• Something could be wrong with this sensor switch, test it.

How To Clean A Distribution Blower

At the end of every burning season, yearly maintenance should be performed which includes cleaning the distribution blower. If you clean the blower motor at least once a year, it is likely to be running for a much longer time.

Proper care is essential to increase the lifespan of home appliances. Here’s how you clean the distribution or exhaust blower.

Step 1: Be sure the unit is off and has completed the shutdown cycle before beginning.  

Step 2: Grab the side panel and pull the top out. Lift up and out to remove the panel from the stove. Your unit may have hinges and/or magnets on the side panels that simply swing out to open. Refer to your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to remove your side panel.

Step 3: Disconnect the venting system from the combustion or exhaust blower just enough that you will be able to remove the exhaust blower from the stove. To do this, the rear panel will also need to be removed. Unplug the unit and remove the back panel of the stove using a 5/16th inch wrench to remove all of the screws. Carefully pull the cord through the back panel.

Step 4: Disconnect the exhaust blower wires from the stove’s wiring harness. Loosen and remove the five 5/16th-inch self-drilling screws which hold the exhaust blower to the exhaust blower tube. A socket with an extension will likely be necessary to reach all of the screws. Lift the exhaust blower up and out of the stove.

Step 5: Use a soft paintbrush and carefully remove any ash accumulation from the inside of the exhaust blower and the exhaust blower fan blade. Dispose of the ash after brushing the blade. 

Step 6: With the exhaust blower removed. Use a utility vacuum to remove any ash accumulation in the exhaust blower tube. Inspect the exhaust blower motor for dust accumulation and carefully remove it ensuring that all air cooling holes are open and free of dust deposits. 

Step 7: The combustion blower gasket must be replaced every time the exhaust blower is removed. With the five screws, re-install the exhaust blower with the new exhaust blower gasket.  A 5/16th inch socket wrench with extension will be needed for that.

Step 8: Reconnect the exhaust blower to the stove wiring harness. 

Step 9: Reconnect the panels and the venting system in the reverse order of their removal.

How to Replace A Distribution Motor

If you are unsure about replacing the distribution motor on your stove, we recommend having a stove technician or when necessary a certified electrician to do it for you. You’ll need a ratchet, a 10-inch socket extension, a 7/16th inch socket, a wrench, and wire cutters. Here’s the Harman combustion blower replacement procedure.

Step 1: First, make sure your stove was completely cooled before attempting to do any maintenance and or repairs to your stove. You must also disconnect the power from your stove. 

Step 2: The right-side panel will need to be opened to access the distribution blower. 

Step 3: For new units, the zip ties securing all wires will need to be cut using wire cutters. Please take extra care not to cut into any wire. Now disconnect the wire leads coming to the blower from the wiring harness.

Step 4: Next, using your socket remove the bolts securing the blower motor to the stove housing. Please note a wrench will need to be used to remove the top left bolt from the blower.

Step 5: Once the bolts have been removed, the blower can now easily be removed from the stove. 

Step 6: Now is a good time to check the condition of your blower gasket. If the gasket is frayed in any way the gasket will need to be replaced. 

Step 7: To install your new convection blower hold it in place, then insert and tighten each bolt. Connect the wires back to the wiring harness. At this point, you may reconnect power to your unit and check for proper operation. 

Problem 2. Distributor Motor Keeps Running

Generally, heater blowers turn off after a set temperature is reached. There is something wrong with your heater if your distribution blower is running continuously. Here’s a list of possible reasons and solutions that can cause this problem.

Reason 1: Broken heat sensor switch.

Solution:

The heat sensor that dictates when the blower will run and when not can be stuck close. Bypass the temperature sensor to test whether this is the issue. You may need to replace the switch.

Reason 2: A bad thermostat could also be an issue.

Solution:

Bypass the thermostat to test it. Call a licensed electrician to service your thermostat if needed.

Reason 3: Bad wire connections or broken control board.

Solution:

Check all the wire connections. Fix any damaged or frayed wires. If the wiring is fine, the control board may be the culprit. Get it checked by a licensed professional.

Problem 3. Harman Pellet Stove Combustion Blower Noise Too Loud

When your Harman combustion blower noise has gotten too screechy, that indicates worn-out bearings. Convection blowers with sealed bearings can’t be repaired by oiling. In that case, you’ll need to replace your heater blower.

Before replacing though, check if any loose screws or broken fan propellers are causing the noise. You can also try replacing the gasket first. 

FAQ:

Can you run a pellet stove without the blower?

Yes, you can run your pellet stove without the blower. The blower blows heat into the room. This increases the efficiency of your heater. But your heater can run without the blower.

How long do fireplace blower motors last?

They usually run for 10-20 years. You need to maintain the blower well to reach this number though.

What is the average life of a pellet stove?

On average, you can expect a pellet stove to last 10 years.

Do you need a chimney for a pellet stove?

You won’t need a chimney. Pellet stoves can be vented out through the sidewall.

Can I burn wood in a wood pellet stove?

You can only burn wood pellets. Don’t try to burn logs or kindlings,

Conclusion

Hopefully, you can fix your heater now. Enjoy the warmth! We’d love to help you out with any questions. Leave us a comment below. You’ll hear from us soon.