Damper Motor Unreliable

Rob_40

My Fields Control GVD-5 damper motor has gone into extreme energy conservation mode. It will operate most times, but frequently will require me to get out of bed in the morning to a very cold house to jiggle it to open the vent and trigger the boiler.

Anyways, if it just takes a slight jiggle to get it started, it seems something minor is causing it to jam, and therefore seems like maybe a cleaning or slight adjusting is what it needs. Is there anyone who has addressed this problem without just replacing it?

Supply Houses indicates that GVD-5PL, is the current replacement item, which has a plastic base and comes with the vent tube and damper section. Seems more than I need, and I am not impressed with a plastic base that is close to a hot vent.

Any advice is appreciated.

Rob H. in NJ

HVACNUT

A new damper comes as an assembly. The plastic is fine.

The damper itself is just for efficiency. It's not a safety. But does, as you know, have an interlock that doesn't allow the burner circuit to complete unless the damper is fully 180° from closed. Once the damper is open, you could easily move the little switch to "manual", and wake up to a comfortable, but 1 to 2 percent less efficient house.

Rob_40

Thank you. I am leaning towards the "manual" option.