How much power does it take to run a furnace blower?
A furnace blower in a Goodman EG6G150DC20-1 typically draws about 500 to 1,000 watts while running, depending on blower motor type, speed setting, and duct static pressure. On startup, the blower can briefly pull higher power than its normal running wattage.
What changes blower wattage the most
- Motor type: ECM (variable-speed) motors usually use less power than PSC motors
- Speed tap or airflow setting: Higher airflow equals higher watts
- Dirty filter or restrictive ducts: Higher static pressure makes the motor work harder
- Blower wheel condition: Dust buildup can reduce efficiency
- Control board settings: Some furnaces ramp up slowly; others start at a fixed speed
Quick ways to estimate watts (without guessing)
If you can access the blower motor nameplate or furnace data label, use one of these:
| What you have | What to do | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Volts and amps | Watts = volts × amps | 120 V × 6 A = 720 W |
| kW listed | Watts = kW × 1000 | 0.8 kW = 800 W |
| Only amps (typical 120 V blower) | Multiply amps by 120 | 4 A ≈ 480 W |
Why it matters
Blower wattage affects generator sizing, battery backup runtime, and monthly electric cost. A blower that is pulling unusually high watts often points to airflow restrictions (like a clogged filter) or a motor that is starting to fail.
Safety and troubleshooting notes
- Turn off power at the furnace switch or breaker before opening panels
- Replace the air filter first; it is the most common cause of high blower load
- If you need to test voltage or amperage, use a proper meter and follow safe practices
For safe electrical testing basics, we recommend how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a gas furnace 15 or 20 amp?
Most gas furnaces, including Goodman model EG6G150DC20-1, run on a standard 120-volt circuit and are commonly protected by a 15-amp breaker; some installations use a 20-amp breaker when the furnace is on a dedicated circuit or the wiring is sized for 20 amps.
What we recommend for EG6G150DC20-1
Use the breaker size that matches the circuit wiring and the furnace nameplate electrical rating.
- Check the furnace data plate for volts and maximum overcurrent protection (MOP)
- If the circuit uses 14 AWG copper, protect it with a 15-amp breaker
- If the circuit uses 12 AWG copper, protect it with a 20-amp breaker
- Keep the furnace on a dedicated circuit when possible (reduces nuisance trips)
- If a breaker trips repeatedly, troubleshoot the cause instead of upsizing the breaker
Quick sizing guide (typical)
| Circuit wiring (copper) | Typical breaker | Common use case |
|---|---|---|
| 14 AWG | 15 amp | Most gas furnace control circuits |
| 12 AWG | 20 amp | Dedicated circuit, longer runs, or installer preference |
Why it matters
A gas furnace uses electricity for the inducer motor, blower motor, ignition system, and control board. Oversizing the breaker for the wire gauge can let wiring overheat before the breaker trips; matching breaker size to wire gauge protects the circuit and helps prevent repeat electrical problems.
If you are troubleshooting a tripping breaker
- Turn off power and inspect for loose connections at the service switch and furnace junction box
- Look for pinched or rubbed wires near the blower door and control compartment
- Test for a shorted component (blower motor, inducer, transformer) with a meter
- Replace damaged wiring using proper connectors and strain relief
For safe electrical testing steps, use our guide: how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common part to fail on a furnace?
On a Goodman furnace like model EG6G150DC20-1, the most common “failure” we see is actually a maintenance item: a clogged air filter that restricts airflow and triggers a safety shutdown. After that, frequent no-heat causes are the flame sensor, igniter, and the blower-related controls.
Most common furnace trouble spots (in order)
- Air filter (restricted airflow): overheats the furnace and trips a limit switch
- Flame sensor: gets dirty and the burners shut off shortly after ignition
- Hot surface igniter or spark ignition parts: furnace clicks but won’t light
- Thermostat or low-voltage wiring: wrong settings, weak batteries, loose connections
- Blower motor/capacitor or control board: blower won’t run or runs at the wrong time
- Pressure switch or venting/condensate issues (on high-efficiency units): proves draft; can lock out if blocked
Quick checks you can do safely
- Set thermostat to HEAT and raise the setpoint 3 to 5 degrees.
- Replace the air filter; confirm supply registers and return grilles are open.
- Check the furnace power switch and the circuit breaker.
- If the furnace lights then shuts off in 5 to 30 seconds, clean the flame sensor (common).
- If you’re comfortable testing, use a multimeter to check for a blown fuse and basic voltage.
For electrical testing and wire repairs, use our guides: how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video and how to repair broken or damaged wires video.
Symptom-to-likely-cause table
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Blower runs, no heat | Dirty flame sensor, ignition issue | Replace filter; clean flame sensor |
| Clicking, no flame | Igniter/ignition problem | Check power; inspect igniter |
| Starts then stops repeatedly | Restricted airflow, limit switch trip | Replace filter; open vents |
| Completely dead | Breaker, switch, fuse, thermostat | Check breaker/switch; thermostat batteries |
Why it matters
Airflow and ignition problems can look like “bad parts,” but they often start with simple maintenance. Fixing the root cause helps prevent repeated shutdowns, nuisance lockouts, and overheating stress on the heat exchanger.
Last updated: February 2026
What does 3 blinks on a the board mean on a Goodman furnace?
On a Goodman EG6G150DC20-1 furnace, 3 blinks on the control board commonly points to an air-proving problem, most often a pressure switch issue (the switch is not closing when the inducer starts). This is usually caused by venting, condensate, or inducer airflow problems.
What to check first (safe, high-success steps)
- Turn off power to the furnace at the switch or breaker before removing panels.
- Make sure the thermostat is calling for heat (set to Heat, raise setpoint).
- Check the air filter and return grilles; restricted airflow can contribute to nuisance trips.
- Inspect the intake/exhaust PVC (or metal venting) for blockage, sagging, ice, or debris.
- If your system has condensate tubing or a trap, check for kinks, clogs, or a full drain.
- Look for a loose, cracked, or water-filled pressure switch hose.
What “pressure switch stuck open” means
The furnace starts the inducer motor to create draft. The pressure switch should close when proper draft is present. If it stays open, the control board stops the ignition sequence to prevent unsafe operation.
Common causes
| Likely cause | What you may notice | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked vent or intake | Starts then shuts down, especially in wind/cold | Clear obstruction, correct vent slope/support |
| Condensate restriction (high-efficiency setups) | Gurgling, water in hoses, intermittent heat | Clear drain/trap, correct tubing routing |
| Inducer problem | Loud inducer, weak draft, no steady run | Inspect inducer wheel, wiring, capacitor (if used) |
| Pressure switch/hose issue | Hose cracked/loose, water in line | Reseat/replace hose, verify ports are clear |
When to stop and get service
- You smell gas, see scorch marks, or hear repeated ignition attempts.
- The furnace trips repeatedly after you clear obvious venting and drain issues.
- You are not comfortable testing live-voltage circuits or combustion venting.
Why it matters
A 3-blink air-proving fault prevents the furnace from firing when it cannot confirm safe draft. Fixing the underlying venting, condensate, or inducer airflow issue restores reliable ignition and protects the heat exchanger and burners.
For help identifying the correct replacement parts by model number, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
How to read a furnace model number?
A furnace model number is an alphanumeric code that identifies the exact unit configuration. For your Goodman furnace model EG6G150DC20-1, the letters typically identify the series and platform, while the numbers usually indicate a heating capacity class and option package; the suffix often marks a revision.
Where to find it (and why it matters)
You will usually find the model and serial number on the rating plate inside the burner compartment or on the cabinet. Reading it correctly matters because even a small suffix change can affect compatible parts and wiring.
- Shut off power at the furnace switch or breaker before removing panels
- Locate the label fields for Model and Serial
- Copy the model exactly (include dashes and the -1 suffix)
- Take a clear photo for reference when ordering parts
- Keep the serial number with the model number for identification
How to decode it (practical method)
Use a chunk-by-chunk approach; most brands follow similar patterns even though the exact meanings vary.
| Segment | What it usually indicates | Example on EG6G150DC20-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Leading letters/numbers | Series, fuel/type, platform | EG6G |
| Capacity block | Heating capacity class | 150 |
| Option/config block | Cabinet, blower, electrical options | DC20 |
| Suffix | Revision/variant | -1 |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not drop the suffix; it can change the igniter, control board, or blower match
- Do not assume “150” equals exact output BTUs; it is commonly a size class
- Match the full model number before selecting parts like a gas valve, limit switch, or inducer motor
Why it matters
One character difference can change the control system, wiring harness, or safety switch setup. Using the full model number helps prevent wrong-part returns and repeat repairs.
For help locating and using model information when ordering, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026


