Lennox SLP98UHV Error Code E 295: Indoor Blower Motor Over Temperature
What Does Code E 295 Mean?
The SLP98UHV uses a variable-speed ECM indoor blower to circulate air at whatever rate matches the furnace's modulating output. That motor has a built-in thermal protector — a temperature-sensitive switch inside the motor — that opens the circuit if the motor gets too hot. E295 is set when that internal protector trips, shutting the motor down to prevent permanent damage.
The usual reason an ECM blower overheats is failing bearings. As the bearings wear, friction rises, the motor works harder and draws more current, and that extra effort turns into heat. When the internal temperature crosses the protector's limit, the motor stops. Once it cools, the protector can reset and the motor may run again, only for the same overheating cycle to repeat — which is why E295 often shows up as an intermittent, cool-down-and-restart pattern rather than a permanent stop.
External factors can push a motor toward overheating too, such as a severely clogged filter or blocked ductwork that forces the blower to work against high static pressure for long periods. E295 is distinct from E 292 (the blower unable to start at all, from seized bearings or a jammed wheel) and from E 294 (the separate combustion-air inducer motor drawing excessive current). Here the indoor blower can start and run but is overheating. A technician should check the motor's current draw against its nameplate and inspect for the airflow restrictions that make it run hot.
What You'll Notice
- The furnace blows air for a while, then shuts off, and later restarts on its own
- The 7-segment display shows E 295
- The blower motor is hot to the touch or gives off a hot, burning-insulation smell
- The blower makes grinding or squealing noises before it shuts down
- Heating becomes intermittent, with comfort dropping during the cool-down periods
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Blower motor bearings failing, causing overheating | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
How This Is Diagnosed
A technician approaches E295 by separating an internal motor fault from an external airflow problem, since both can overheat the blower. They measure the motor's current draw and compare it to the nameplate rating; a reading above the rating, especially with rough or noisy bearings, points to a motor that is failing internally.
They also check the things that make a healthy motor run hot: a clogged filter, closed or blocked registers, or restricted ductwork that raises static pressure and forces the blower to labor. If the airflow path is clear but the motor still overheats and draws high current, the motor itself is the problem and is replaced. Because this involves motor current measurement and blower service, the work belongs with a qualified technician.
When to Call a Professional
This code involves components that are not homeowner-serviceable, so have a licensed HVAC technician diagnose and repair it. Keep in mind:
- The furnace shuts down intermittently with E 295 and restarts after it cools
- The blower motor is hot to the touch or smells like it is burning
- The blower makes grinding or squealing noises before shutting off
- The code persists after the filter and registers have been checked and cleared
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the furnace start working again after it shut off?
The motor's internal thermal protector opens when the motor overheats and closes again once it cools, so the blower can restart on its own. That restart does not mean the problem is solved — if the bearings are failing or airflow is restricted, the motor will overheat and trip again.
Could a dirty filter cause E 295?
It can contribute. A severely clogged filter or blocked ductwork raises the static pressure the blower must work against, which makes the motor run hotter. Checking and replacing the filter and confirming registers are open is worthwhile, but if the motor keeps overheating a technician should measure its current draw.
Is E 295 the same as the blower not starting?
No. E 295 means the blower can run but is overheating and tripping its thermal protector. A blower that will not start turning at all, typically from seized bearings or a jammed wheel, is reported as E 292. They are related components but different faults.
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026