Can You Replace a Christmas Inflatable Blower?

There is nothing quite as disappointing as pulling out one of your favourite Christmas inflatables, plugging it in and discovering that it will no longer inflate. Before throwing it away and buying another one, check whether the problem can be fixed. In many cases, you can purchase a Christmas inflatable blower replacement and give your decoration another Christmas season.

I own several Christmas inflatables, and collecting them has become a little addictive for my wife. There always seems to be another cheerful character or larger-than-life display that catches her attention. We have also had to repair one of our own decorations after its blower stopped working. Rather than getting rid of it, we purchased a replacement blower from Amazon.

That experience made me realize that many people may not know they can buy replacement fans separately. If your Christmas inflatable is no longer standing upright or has stopped inflating altogether, here is what to check before deciding it is time for a new one.

How Does a Christmas Inflatable Blower Work?

The blower is the fan that continuously pushes air into your Christmas inflatable, keeping it standing upright. When you plug in the decoration, the fan draws in air and directs it into the fabric.

Most outdoor inflatables are not completely airtight. Air escapes through the fabric and seams, so the blower needs to keep running to maintain the decoration’s shape. If the fan stops working or cannot supply enough air, the inflatable will gradually collapse or may never fully inflate.

A faulty blower is one possible cause, but it is not the only reason a Christmas inflatable might fail to stand up.

Why Is My Christmas Inflatable Not Inflating?

Before ordering a replacement blower, work through a few simple checks. You may discover that the problem has nothing to do with the fan.

1. Make sure all the zippers are closed.

This is an easy thing to overlook when setting up Christmas decorations. Many inflatables have one or more zippers that allow access to the inside. If a zipper is left open, too much air can escape, making it difficult for the decoration to inflate properly. Check that all zippers are fully closed before assuming something is broken.

2. Check the power supply.

Make sure the outlet is working and that the plug, extension cord and connections are secure. Some inflatables use a separate power adapter, so check that it is connected properly too. If the decoration has an accessible fuse, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to see whether it needs checking or replacing.

3. Inspect the blower’s air intake.

Leaves, dirt and other debris can restrict airflow. With the decoration unplugged, check the intake for anything that might be blocking it. Keep the fan opening clear so air can circulate freely.

4. Look for holes or damaged seams.

A tear in the fabric or a damaged seam can allow more air to escape than the blower can replace. Examine the decoration carefully, paying particular attention to areas that may have rubbed against the ground or surrounding objects.

5. Listen to the fan.

If the blower is running but the inflatable remains partly collapsed, there may be an air leak, an obstruction or insufficient airflow. If the fan is completely silent, check the power supply and connections first. If those are working, the blower itself may have failed.

Always unplug the decoration before inspecting it or handling any electrical components.

Can You Buy Replacement Blowers for Christmas Inflatables?

Yes. Replacement blowers are available online, including through Amazon. This is how we found a replacement for one of our own Christmas inflatables.

Depending on the decoration, you may find listings using search terms such as:

• Christmas inflatable replacement blower
• Replacement fan for outdoor Christmas decorations
• Christmas inflatable replacement fan with adapter
• Inflatable yard decoration replacement motor

Before ordering, check the information on your original blower and its power adapter. Do not assume that a fan will work simply because it looks similar or is advertised for Christmas inflatables.

Different decorations have different electrical requirements, airflow needs and attachment methods. The correct replacement needs to be compatible with your particular model.

What to Check Before Buying a Replacement

Choosing the right blower is important. Ordering an incompatible fan can leave you with another part you cannot use.

Voltage and wattage: Check the electrical information printed on the original blower or power adapter. The replacement must meet the manufacturer’s requirements. Do not substitute a fan simply because its plug appears to fit.

Airflow: The blower needs to provide sufficient airflow for the size and design of your inflatable. A fan that is too weak may not keep the decoration standing properly.

Connector and power adapter: Check how the original blower connects to the decoration and whether it uses a separate power adapter. Confirm that the replacement has the correct connections and that its electrical specifications are compatible.

Size and mounting: Compare the physical dimensions and how the original fan is attached. The replacement needs to fit securely in the intended location.

Compatibility information: Read the product description carefully. Check whether the seller identifies compatible brands or models, and look at customer reviews for useful information. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer or seller and provide a photograph of the original blower and its label.

A replacement blower is not necessarily universal. Taking a few minutes to check these details can save you from purchasing the wrong one.

How Do You Replace a Christmas Inflatable Blower?

The exact process depends on how your decoration is designed. Some inflatables have a blower that can be detached and replaced, while others have components that are more difficult to access.

Before attempting a replacement, check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the new blower is compatible.

In general, the process involves the following steps:

1. Unplug the inflatable. Disconnect it completely from the power supply before doing any work.
2. Locate the blower. Find where the fan is attached to the decoration. It is often positioned near the bottom or inside an accessible section.
3. Check how it is attached. Look at the original mounting arrangement and electrical connections. Do not cut or modify wiring to make a replacement fit.
4. Install the compatible replacement. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to secure the new blower and connect it properly.
5. Check the installation. Make sure the blower is firmly attached, the fabric is not obstructing the air intake and all zippers are closed.
6. Test the decoration. Once everything is properly assembled, place the inflatable in a suitable location and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing it outdoors.

If the wiring or connections do not match, stop rather than trying to adapt them yourself. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair professional.

Is It Worth Repairing a Christmas Inflatable?

That depends on the overall condition of the decoration and the cost of the replacement part.

If the fabric is in good condition and the problem is simply a failed blower, replacing the fan may be more economical than buying an entirely new inflatable. It can also save a favourite decoration from ending up in the garbage.

In our case, purchasing a replacement blower from Amazon allowed us to repair one of our Christmas decorations rather than discard it.

However, a new blower will not fix every problem. Extensive fabric damage, badly torn seams, damaged electrical wiring or water-related damage may require additional repairs or make the decoration unsafe to use. Consider the condition of the entire inflatable before spending money on replacement parts.

Can Rain or Snow Damage a Christmas Inflatable Blower?

Outdoor Christmas inflatables are exposed to changing winter weather, and moisture can cause problems with electrical components. Rain, melting snow and water collecting around the blower or electrical connections may contribute to a malfunction.

If your inflatable has been exposed to heavy rain or wet snow and stops working, unplug it before inspecting anything. Do not attempt to operate a wet or damaged electrical component. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying, cleaning and checking the decoration before using it again.

Keep plugs and electrical connections protected as directed by the manufacturer. If water has entered the blower or power adapter, or you notice damaged wiring, do not simply plug it back in to see whether it works.

Wind is another challenge when displaying Christmas inflatables outdoors. Even a properly functioning blower cannot prevent a decoration from tipping over or being carried away by strong gusts. If you have larger inflatables in your yard, proper anchoring is important. Read my related article, How to Keep Your Christmas Inflatables from Blowing Away, for practical tips on securing your decorations with stakes, weights and tethers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the fan on any Christmas inflatable?

Not necessarily. Some decorations have replaceable blowers, while others use components that are specific to the model. Check with the manufacturer before purchasing a replacement.

Why does my Christmas inflatable keep falling over even though the fan is running?

Check that all zippers are closed, the air intake is clear and there are no large holes or damaged seams. The blower may also be too weak or failing to provide enough airflow. Wind and inadequate anchoring can also cause an otherwise inflated decoration to fall over.

Can I use a more powerful blower?

Do not assume a higher-powered fan is suitable. The replacement needs to meet the decoration’s electrical and airflow requirements. Using an incompatible blower could damage the inflatable or create an electrical safety risk.

Where can I buy a replacement Christmas inflatable fan?

Replacement blowers can be found through online retailers such as Amazon. You can also contact the original manufacturer or retailer to ask whether a compatible replacement is available.

Should I throw away an inflatable if the blower stops working?

Not necessarily. If the fabric and other components are still in good condition, replacing the blower may be a practical option.

A Faulty Blower Does Not Always Mean the End of Your Christmas Decoration

Christmas inflatables can bring plenty of enjoyment to a holiday display, but like other decorations, they may occasionally need a little maintenance. If yours stops inflating, check the zippers, power supply, air intake and fabric before assuming the blower has failed.

We were able to repair one of our own decorations by purchasing a replacement blower from Amazon. It was a welcome alternative to throwing away an inflatable we still wanted to display.

If you have a favourite Christmas character that refuses to stand up, a replacement blower may be worth investigating. Just make sure you find the correct one for your decoration and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.