What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This critical part of your HVAC functions as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable throughout the year.

You don’t need to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. But, 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 disperses air throughout 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 feels the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. This turns on the fan, pushing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or directly 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 can be in different places depending on the type of system:

  • A furnace blower motor is commonly found in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
  • An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer cooling season.
  • 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 kinds of blower motors can help you choose the best option for your home comfort needs.

  • A single-speed motor, as the name implies, works at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is achieved.
  • A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home doesn’t feel as cozy as normal, your blower motor might be the culprit. Watch out for these indications of a bad blower motor:

  • Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
  • Odd noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing may be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only aggravating but can point to impending malfunction.
  • Concerning aromas: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
  • Increased energy bills: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your energy 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 several reasons, including:

  • Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s ability to run.
  • Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging components 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 premature failure.
  • Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can result in system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
  • Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly moderate the temperature, it may instead run continuously, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
  • Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical problems can lead to irregular motor operation or a total breakdown.
  • Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a finite 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 repairs 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 diagnose and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!

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