What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could see the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This essential component functions as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable all year-round.

You don’t have to understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating 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 circulates air through your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types of HVAC systems that use blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat senses the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. 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 exact location can be in different places depending 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 distribute cool air in the summer.
  • A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
  • A ductless mini-split blower motor is located 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 right option for your home comfort needs.

  • A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, runs at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is reached.
  • A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling requirements. 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 suddenly isn’t as comfortable as usual, your blower motor might be the reason. Look for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:

  • Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak 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 knowledgeable 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 point to impending malfunction.
  • Concerning smells: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
  • Increased energy bills: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a marked spike in your energy bills.
  • HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can lead to 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 places can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and cause electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s operation.
  • Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging parts 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, resulting in untimely failure.
  • Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can impact how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can lead to system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
  • Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively moderate the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
  • Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical issues can lead to sporadic motor operation or a total breakdown.
  • Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite 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 us 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 start, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll diagnose and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!

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