What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial element serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. However, understanding a little 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 draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds of HVAC systems that have blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat senses the temperature falling out of the programmed comfort zone, the blower motor is notified to do something about it. This turns on the fan, blowing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or straight from the air handler in the case of a ductless system—and inside 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 commonly placed in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute cool air in the summer cooling season.
A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is located within the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

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

A single-speed motor, as the name implies, operates at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as comfortable as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. Watch out for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Limited airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Odd noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing may be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only annoying but can point to impending breakdown.
Concerning smells: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Increased energy costs: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more power. This inefficiency can cause a marked increase in your electric bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed quickly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can break down for many reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and lead to electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s performance.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing premature 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 issues can create system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively moderate the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can lead to intermittent motor operation or a total breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a fixed life expectancy. As they get older, parts 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 of greater importance to our staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to avoid future problems before they begin, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll identify and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 919-578-4329!