What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you may run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This crucial element serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

You don’t have to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly. But, understanding a bit 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 circulates air throughout your home and forces it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds of HVAC systems that use 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 alerted by your system. This turns on the fan, forcing 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 specific location depends on the type of system:

  • A furnace blower motor is usually found in the base of the unit near 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 inside the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
  • A ductless mini-split blower motor is found inside 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 select the right option for your home comfort needs.

  • A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, works at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is reached.
  • A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling requirements. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also features more consistent indoor temperatures for greater comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home doesn’t feel as cozy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. 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, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
  • Weird noises: Strange 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 signal impending malfunction.
  • 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 works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a marked surge in your electric bills.
  • HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

  • Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and cause electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s ability to run.
  • Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
  • Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing early failure.
  • Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can impact how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can result in system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
  • Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly manage the temperature, it may instead run all the time, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
  • Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical issues can lead to intermittent motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
  • Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a fixed life span. As they age, elements 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 team than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to ward off future problems before they begin, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll diagnose and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!

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