Find the best fit replacement for the Fasco draft inducer blower by finding the Fasco model number. In most cases, the model number can be found on the side of the Fasco draft inducer blower. Remove the blower to read the model number. Typically, the Fasco model number format is “70xx-xxx”.
Fasco Inducer Cross Reference Guide
It is possible to find the correct replacement using the Draft Inducer Blower Cross Reference Guide.
The Fasco draft inducer blowers are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacements that are often used in Fasco furnaces and Fasco water heaters. These blowers include the Fasco shaded pole or the permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor-driven small blower wheel assembly. Fasco draft inducers like all other inducers are considered the critical components in the units.
It is important to use the exact replacement for the original blowers for various reasons, such as safety.
Requirements of Proper Draft Inducer Blower Replacements
All the suitable draft inducer replacements are usually designed where they meet all the OEM specifications. They are also tested to match the OEM performance requirements.
The Fasco draft inducer blowers must also be able to move the hot flue gasses and combustion by-products through the heat exchangers, and out of the building or house without any trouble.
The Fasco inducers also can withstand flue gas temperatures of up to 4500F. The unit has to be mounted correctly on the OEM equipment and the blower housing. The impeller must also be made of material that can be able to withstand any form of corrosive chemical compounds that may be present in the flue gas.
Other factors to consider include:
The coupling design on the OEM exhaust has a strong influence on the flow rates of the air and pressure, which may eventually have an upstream impact on the burner efficiency and an unpleasant emission, such as the creation of carbon monoxide.
It is important to note that any form of improper airflow rates could potentially impact the normal function of the pressure switches and many other safety devices.
What are some of the Issues with Copycat (Non-OEM Approved) Designs?
According to research, copycat designs are of inferior quality since they are produced with the means of reverse engineering. All the OEM inducer blowers are not like the alternatives since the manufacturers of the OEM products are very particular to details as well as lab testing procedures during the product development. Meaning, it is quite important to trust the OEM replacement parts when looking to purchase any.
The copycat-induced draft blowers that are non-OEM approved have the capabilities of providing a pressure signal that can close the switch and allow gas to flow. However, it is important to note that the airflow is indicated by a pressure signal. The OEM inducer’s actual design requires specific airflow (CFM).
The OEM has modeled the inducer blower in a way that the units give a pressure signal as a way of indicating there is airflow in their particular design. In the “copycat” reverse-engineered induced draft blower, the pressure signal does not necessarily signify that there is proper airflow which is sufficient for safe operations.
Low airflow causes condensation in the places where the furnace manufacturer does not intend it. There are normally compounds in the flue gas which produces acidic condensates. These condensates eventually eat through heat exchangers and attack other materials of the furnace. The furnace manufacturer intends to ensure that the walls of the heat exchangers remain intact for safe and proper operations. Compromised heat exchangers will automatically propagate and create deadly carbon monoxide gas.
The copycat draft inducer blowers that deliver too much airflow can result in the combustion of air temperatures in the systems that are higher than the furnace’s manufacturers may have intended. As a result, the furnace components may overheat which will, in turn, shorten the life of the components. In two-stage furnaces, insufficient airflow to the draft inducer while it is on low fire will eventually cause the pressure switch to open. This then alerts the furnace to control by running on a high fire. In turn, the units become inefficient. These copycat draft inducers with marginal performance on high performance that are on high-fire can eventually cause a nuisance by tripping regularly or going on lockout until reset.
Furthermore, the copycat draft inducer blowers are not approved by the OEM for use on the system and they add on to the appliance non-compliant with the OEM’s original agency approval. This eventually becomes a problem for both the customers as well as the contractors.
The Bottom Line for Contractors
For contractors, their goal is usually to restore the equipment to full and safe operating conditions. Managing the costs of the parts is a very critical aspect in business survival because there is potential for harm when using any equivalent induced draft blower in the place of an OEM-approved part. This may include:
- Harm to the bottom line as a result of callbacks and insurance claims.
- Harm to your brand’s reputation through customer frustration with lockouts and early failure of the equipment.
- Carbon monoxide emitted may cause harm to occupants or the family using the unit through poisoning. There are several other safety concerns.
In other words, cheap is expensive. Since the cheap replacement parts end up costing more in the long run. Therefore, this means that you should take your time when selecting the correct replacement part.
How to use the Draft Inducer Blower Cross-Reference Database
A draft inducer blower cross-reference database is meant to help contractors in selecting the correct product. Since Fasco makes the original draft inducer blowers for OEMs, the same parts that are tested and approved for the original manufacturers are sold on our website.
To find the correct replacement in the database, locate the model number on your original Fasco draft inducer blower. Once you have located and identified the model number, use the Cross-Reference Database to find the correct replacement part.
Find more Fasco products here!
Explore More: furnaces & heaters