I have a furnace that is about 10 years old. The black component in the included image sometimes fails to start/spin. It looks like there is a transformer behind the black wheel. I'm able to start this wheel manually (when it doesn't start on its own). It buzzes until I manually start it. I guess I have 3 questions.

1. What is this component called (and is it a transformer)?
2. Is this component general enough that I don't need a specific model number to replace it?
3. What is the general cost of the component?

Thanks

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labman

Looks like the one on my draft inducer motor. I don't know why it is there, but when the inducer motor runs to provide draft for the furnace, it turns. If the motor buzzes instead of starting, the problem could be the starting capacitor. Maybe your motor doesn't have one since I don't see any likely looking wires. The motor itself could be going bad. Find out the model number of your furnace and check with a HVAC supply or motor shop for a new ''inducer motor''.