What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical part of your HVAC acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable all year-round.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly. But, understanding at least something about the blower motor simplifies operation and occasional troubleshooting.

What Does a Blower Motor Do?

The blower motor in a forced-air heating and cooling system powers the fan that distributes air around the inside of your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds of HVAC systems that utilize blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat detects the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor is notified to do something about it. This turns on the fan, pushing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or right from the air handler in the case of a ductless system—and to your living space.

Where Is the Blower Motor Found?

The blower motor’s actual location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

• A furnace blower motor is usually placed in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
• An air conditioner most of the time shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer.
• A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
• A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated in the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

Understanding the two main styles of blower motors can help you find the best option for your home comfort needs.

• A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, operates at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is achieved.
• A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative for homeowners. It also features more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home doesn’t feel as comfy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Watch out for these signals of a bad blower motor:

• Weak or no airflow from vents: Limited airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might mean total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
• Odd noises: Abnormal sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only aggravating but can indicate impending malfunction.
• Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
• Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more power. This inefficiency can cause a marked spike in your electric bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can lead to a full system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for numerous reasons, including:

• Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and cause electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s operation.
• Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
• Worn-out bearings: Bearings reduce friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing untimely failure.
• Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can influence how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can result in system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
• Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly regulate the temperature, it may instead run constantly, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
• Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical issues can lead to intermittent motor operation or a total breakdown.
• Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a limited life span. As they get up there in years, materials within them wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing is more critical to us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to avoid future problems before they begin, you can count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll evaluate the issue and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!