What is this thing?

[G. Morgan <usenet_abuse@xxxxxxxxx>]

[x-posted to a.h.r]

Anyone know what this part is?

On Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:24:24 -0800 (PST), Nicko
<nervous.nick@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>But I know someone here will know how to answer this:
>
>What is this whirlygig thingie in my furnace?  It spins around and
>makes a whistling sound while the furnace is firing up, then shuts
>itself off and sits idle until the next cycle.
>
>Apparently someone else in my building seemed to think it was useless,
>and tore it off of their furnace because of the whistling sound,
>because I saw an identical part that had been broken off a furnace and
>tossed into the alley behind our building.
>
>http://www.kriho.com/arandomk/whirlygiggie-heater-thingie.jpg
>
>Apparently this is part of an "inducer motor" and I fear for the
>health of whomever tore this piece off of their furnace and threw it
>away.
>.
>What is it inducing?  The air current through the exhaust, or the air
>current through the venturi?
>
>Also, is there any sort of schedule that is recommended or mandated
>for inspection of flues?  (I live in a rented apartment in Cicero,
>IL).
>
>If someone could direct me to the correct NG I would be grateful.