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Blower Wheel

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# Blower Wheels - Furnace & Air Handler Squirrel Cage Fans

Shop replacement blower wheels (squirrel cage fans) for furnaces, air handlers, and HVAC systems. We stock direct drive and belt drive blower wheels in all sizes from all major brands at our Westland, Michigan warehouse.

## Why Buy Blower Wheels From Technical Hot & Cold?

**Complete Size Range**
From 8" to 15" diameter, we stock blower wheels for residential and commercial HVAC systems.

**OEM and Aftermarket Options**
Genuine manufacturer wheels and quality aftermarket replacements to fit your needs and budget.

**Same-Day Shipping**
Blower wheels in stock at our Westland warehouse ship today when ordered before 3PM EST.

**Expert Wheel Identification**
Blower wheels have many specifications. Our team helps you identify the correct replacement based on your measurements.

## What is a Blower Wheel?

The blower wheel (also called squirrel cage or fan wheel) is the rotating fan component that:
- Moves air through your ductwork
- Creates static pressure for distribution
- Mounts on blower motor shaft
- Critical for proper airflow and comfort

**Located:** Inside the blower assembly
**Material:** Galvanized steel or aluminum

## Blower Wheel Specifications

### Critical Measurements:

1. **Diameter** - Outside diameter of wheel (8"-15" typical)
2. **Width** - Face width of wheel (4"-10" typical)
3. **Bore Size** - Center hole diameter (usually 1/2" or 5/8")
4. **Rotation** - Clockwise (CW) or Counter-clockwise (CCW)
5. **Inlet** - Single inlet (SI) or Double inlet (DI)

### Additional Specifications:

6. **Blade Type** - Forward curved (most common) or backward inclined
7. **Blade Material** - Steel or aluminum
8. **Hub Length** - Center hub extension
9. **Set Screw Type** - Standard or direct drive specific

## How to Measure Your Blower Wheel

**Step-by-Step Measurement:**

1. **Diameter**
   - Measure across wheel at widest point
   - Measure from blade tip to blade tip
   - Round to nearest inch

2. **Width**
   - Measure face width of blades
   - Don't include hub
   - Measure between two sides

3. **Bore Size**
   - Measure center hole diameter
   - Most common: 1/2" or 5/8"
   - Direct drive: 1/2"
   - Belt drive: varies

4. **Rotation**
   - Stand behind motor looking at wheel
   - Clockwise or counter-clockwise
   - Critical - must match!

5. **Inlet Type**
   - Single Inlet (SI): Open on one side
   - Double Inlet (DI): Open on both sides

**Common Sizes:**
- 10x8 (10" diameter x 8" width)
- 10x10
- 11x8
- 11x10
- 12x9
- 12x10
- 15x15 (large commercial)

## Types of Blower Wheels

### Direct Drive Blower Wheels
Mount directly on motor shaft.

**Features:**
- 1/2" bore standard
- Shorter hub length
- Set screw mounting
- Most residential furnaces
- Cleaner, more efficient

**Common Sizes:**
- 10x6, 10x7, 10x8
- 11x7, 11x8
- 12x9

### Belt Drive Blower Wheels
Mount on separate shaft with pulley.

**Features:**
- Larger bore sizes (5/8" to 1")
- Longer hub
- Set screw or keyed mounting
- Older furnaces and commercial
- More adjustability

**Common Sizes:**
- 10x10, 11x10
- 12x9, 12x12
- 15x15

### Single Inlet (SI)
Open on one side, closed on the other.

**Applications:**
- Most residential furnaces
- Standard air handlers
- Space-saving designs

### Double Inlet (DI)
Open on both sides.

**Applications:**
- High-capacity systems
- Commercial equipment
- Maximum airflow needed

## Common Blower Wheel Problems

**Symptoms:**

**Noisy Operation:**
- Rattling - loose wheel on shaft
- Scraping - wheel hitting housing
- Whistling - restricted inlet
- Vibration - wheel out of balance

**Reduced Airflow:**
- Dirty wheel (most common)
- Damaged blades
- Wrong rotation direction
- Undersized wheel

**Motor Overload:**
- Wheel hitting housing
- Excessive friction
- Wheel too heavy for motor

## Blower Wheel Maintenance

**Regular Cleaning:**
- Clean wheel annually minimum
- More often in dusty environments
- Use vacuum and soft brush
- Avoid bending blades

**How to Clean:**
1. Turn off all power
2. Remove blower assembly from furnace
3. Vacuum loose dirt
4. Wipe blades with damp cloth
5. Don't use harsh chemicals
6. Ensure wheel is completely dry
7. Inspect for damage

**Dirty Wheel Effects:**
- Reduced airflow (30-50%)
- Higher energy costs
- Motor overheating
- Uneven heating/cooling
- Premature motor failure

## Blower Wheel Installation

**Safety First:**
1. Turn off all power
2. Remove blower assembly from furnace
3. Photo everything before disassembly

**Removal of Old Wheel:**

1. **Locate Set Screws**
   - Usually 1-2 screws in hub
   - May need to rotate wheel to find
   - Use proper hex key (Allen wrench)

2. **Loosen Set Screws**
   - Loosen completely
   - Don't remove (easy to lose!)
   - May be tight - use penetrating oil if needed

3. **Slide Wheel Off Shaft**
   - Should slide off easily
   - If stuck, gentle tapping on hub
   - Don't hit blades!
   - Note position on shaft (mark it!)

**Installation of New Wheel:**

1. **Position on Shaft**
   - Slide wheel onto motor shaft
   - Match position of old wheel
   - Wheel should sit against motor face
   - Or match your position marks

2. **Align Set Screw**
   - Find flat spot on shaft (if present)
   - Align set screw with flat
   - Or position per manufacturer

3. **Tighten Set Screw**
   - Secure firmly but don't overtighten
   - If two screws, tighten both
   - Verify wheel is secure

4. **Check Rotation**
   - Spin wheel by hand
   - Should rotate freely
   - Should not hit housing anywhere
   - Check clearance all around

5. **Test Before Reassembly**
   - Briefly power motor (be safe!)
   - Verify correct rotation direction
   - Listen for any rubbing
   - Turn off immediately

6. **Reinstall Blower Assembly**
   - Replace assembly in furnace
   - Secure all connections
   - Reconnect wires

## Installation Tips

**Critical Points:**

✓ **Rotation Direction**
- MUST match original wheel
- Wrong direction = poor airflow
- Verify before final assembly

✓ **Wheel Position on Shaft**
- Must sit in same position
- Too far in or out affects airflow
- Mark shaft before removal

✓ **Clearance Check**
- Wheel must not touch housing
- Check all sides
- 1/4" minimum clearance

✓ **Secure Mounting**
- Set screws must be tight
- Wheel coming loose = damage
- Check after first run cycle

## Blower Wheel FAQs

**Q: Can I clean my blower wheel instead of replacing?**
A: Yes! Most wheels just need cleaning. Replace only if:
- Blades are bent or damaged
- Wheel is cracked
- Excessive corrosion
- Wheel is out of balance

**Q: Why is my new wheel louder than the old one?**
A: Possible causes:
- Hitting housing (check clearance)
- Not properly balanced
- Wrong rotation direction
- Set screw hitting housing

**Q: Can I use a different size wheel?**
A: Not recommended. Different size affects:
- Airflow
- Static pressure
- Motor load
- System balance
Use correct size for your blower housing.

**Q: How do I know rotation direction?**
A: Look at blade curve:
- Blades curve away from rotation
- "Forward curved" means direction it pushes air
- When in doubt, check old wheel direction

**Q: What causes wheels to get so dirty?**
A: Sources of dirt:
- Lack of air filter
- Poor quality filter
- Filter not changed regularly
- Duct leaks pulling in attic/crawl space air
- Construction dust

**Q: Should I replace the motor when I replace the wheel?**
A: Not necessary unless motor is also failing. If motor is old and wheel is damaged, consider replacing both.

**Q: Can I use an aluminum wheel instead of steel?**
A: Generally yes, if specifications match. Aluminum is:
- Lighter (less motor load)
- Rust-proof
- Sometimes quieter
- Usually more expensive

## When to Replace vs Clean

**Replace the Wheel If:**
- Blades are bent or broken
- Wheel is cracked
- Hub is damaged
- Wheel is severely corroded
- Wheel is out of balance
- Cost of cleaning > cost of replacement

**Clean the Wheel If:**
- Just dirty (most common)
- Blades are intact
- No structural damage
- Part of routine maintenance

## Need Help Selecting a Blower Wheel?

Our HVAC parts specialists are here to help! Contact us:
- **Phone:** [Your phone number]
- **Email:** [Your email]
- **Hours:** [Your business hours]
- **Location:** Westland, MI - Local pickup available

**Bring your measurements or old wheel for exact matching. Browse our blower wheel selection below or contact us for expert assistance!**

Can't find what you're looking for?

If you don't see your model or part, call us! Our friendly technicians are standing by. We can help you find the part you need with guaranteed fitment. Speak with us today at (734) 326-3900.

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